unit for about $90 million in cash as it expands its US telecommunications operations.

Pittsburgh-based Westinghouse Communications, which has 280 employees and revenue of more than $100 million, provides domestic phone service to small and mid-sized businesses. RSL, with 1997 revenue of $300 million, provides long-distance, calling card and Internet-based services.

The purchase expands RSL's customer base and gives it a national telecommunications network as well as equipment that will allow it to provide data services. The US represents for about half of Bermuda-based RSL's revenue. RSL has operations in 23 countries.

"It provides us with a substantial nationwide network, which complements our existing network architecture and immediately expands RSL COM USA into a full-service provider, including data,'' said Ed Thomas, president and chief executive Officer of RSL COM USA.

RSL's purchase is expected to be completed in the third quarter. As part of the agreement, CBS allowed RSL to use the Westinghouse Communications name for several years.

New York-based CBS changed its name from Westinghouse Electric Corp. in December as it shifted its focus to media and away from its industrial roots.