Telecommunications: Four telephone companies reported higher third-quarter...

Telecommunications: Four telephone companies reported higher third-quarter earnings. New York-based AT&T; said net income rose 2% on strength in its long-distance services and increased sales overseas. Profit totaled $712 million on revenue of $9.4 billion, up 5%. Englewood, Colo.-based USWest said it earned $302.6 million, up 17% from the same period last year. Revenue advanced 7% to $2.5 billion. New York-based Nynex said earnings rose 3% to $296.7 million. Revenue also increased 3% to $3.4 billion. Philadelphia-based Bell Atlantic earned $358.4 million, up 4%. Revenue went up 6% to $3.1 billion.