Long-distance rates fell 5.9 percent in 1984

NEW YORK -- U.S. rates for long-distance telephone service declined 5.9 peercent from Jan. 11, 1984, to Jan. 11, 1985, reports National Utility Service Inc.

The average cost of a three-minute call is now $1.28.

The energy and telecommunications cost analyst said the decline is due to the breakup of American Telephone & Telegraph, but cautions that price alone is not a reliable indicator of industry trends.

'With over 400 ways to make a long-distance phone call, at prices that vary much as 2000 percent, the moderate price decline has not had a significant effect on ultimate user costs,' the company said.

The annual survey is based on actual costs at 750,000 business locations around the world.