TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AT&T; to Raise Business Long-Distance Rates: The nation’s largest telephone company said it is boosting the price of long-distance calls for businesses by 4%. It said the increases will apply to most domestic and overseas calls and 800-number services. It will not apply to basic long-distance service or flat monthly fees. American Telephone & Telegraph Co. said the higher rates, scheduled to take effect June 1 pending government approval, will help it cover the rising cost of doing business. Some services are exempted from the increase, such as Pro (R) WATS calls, Teleconference Service and data communications services.