When the United States telecommunications industry imploded a few years ago, with upstart carriers disappearing by the dozens and investments vanishing by the billions, it looked as if the regional Bell companies had won the telecom wars.

But it is clear now that the Bells merely survived the first wave of what may be decades of difficulties.

The local communications game itself is changing -- and not in the Bells' favor.

Every few years, one or more of the Bell companies strikes a marketing deal with a big satellite-television provider.

Now, Verizon and SBC are trying satellite ventures again.