Pacific Telesis Group increased its first-quarter dividend...

Pacific Telesis Group increased its first-quarter dividend by 3 cents per share, to 44 cents from 41 cents. This is a 7.3% increase over the dividend the company paid for each of the four preceding quarters. The dividend will be payable May 2, to shareholders of record April 8. “Our dividend has increased every year, demonstrating our continued commitment to enhance share owner value and our confidence in the future earnings potential of Pacific Telesis,� said Donald E. Guinn, chairman and chief executive of the diversified telecommunications company, which is based in San Francisco.