GTE California has asked the Federal Communications...

GTE California has asked the Federal Communications Commission to let it build and run a fiber-optic network parallel to a coaxial cable network serving local customers in Cerritos. The Thousand Oaks-based company said it wants to compare the relative effectiveness of the two technologies and of traditional copper phone wires in bringing information services to homes and businesses. The company proposed working with four other firms in conducting the test, if approval is granted. It would be the first time that cable television and other electronic services such as home banking are carried to American homes by the high-capacity, non-static glass strands.