TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Ameritech Corp. Seeks to Overturn Cable Restrictions: The company said it is challenging a federal law that bars it from offering cable TV in its telephone service areas. The Chicago-based regional Bell company said it has asked U.S. courts in Illinois and Michigan to declare the law unconstitutional so it can introduce cable and interactive television in those states. Ameritech wants to provide customers with other services such as video-on-demand and entertainment, shopping and medical information. Bell Atlantic Corp. has a similar case pending. A court ruled that it has the right to offer cable service in its home telephone territory, but the Justice Department is appealing.