AT&T USES MUSIC TO FIGHT COMPETITORS

American Telephone & Telegraph Co., the nation's largest long-distance phone company, is using music to fight back against companies offering competitive telephone operator services. The New York-based telephone giant said Wednesday that starting this weekend customers dialing ``O'' will know immediately if they have reached an AT&T operator. When callers from public phones dial an operator and a long-distance number, they will hear not just a voice identifying AT&T's network but also a short musical tone.

AT&T spokesman Bryant Steele said the company is striking back at companies that sell telephone-operator services to hotels, airports, and other locations.