<p>BellSouth announced Monday that it will eliminate about 1,000 jobs next quarter, but its unclear how many people will be affected.</p><p>The 1,074 positions being cut include those already lost as the company prepares for its previously announced exit from the pay phone business later this year. BellSouth has to alert the Communications Workers of America about any job cuts in the next quarter of the fiscal year.</p><p>Its very hard to determine how many people are affected, company spokesman Jeff Battcher said. All of these affected have the opportunity to apply for other jobs within BellSouth. Plus, many people will be taking our ... retirement package.</p><p>Atlanta-based BellSouth has about 76,000 employees around the world.</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>HASH(0x1ab7550)</p>
