November 28, 2000

Demand for cell phones in Russia is increasing, with number of users set to double this year to almost three million; analysts say figure could jump to six million by 2001 if economy continues to expand; foreign investors and telecommunications companies are responding to opportunity by investing hundreds of millions of dollars to develop Russian mobile phone services; in latest deal, Telecom Invest recently teamed up with Sweden's national telephone company, Telia, to build Russia's first national network; photos (M)

American seed companies renew efforts to establish standards that would allow small amount of genetically engineered seed in bags of seed considered free of modification; American Seed Trade Association contends that with genetically modified crops now widely grown, it is impossible to ensure that bags of planting seed will be absolutely devoid of genetically engineered material; farmers' harvests would then contain genetically altered foodstuff, currently approved for consumption by livestock but not by humans (M)

State Farm, nation's biggest auto insurer, will announce shift in its pricing policies that will cut rates for drivers of biggest cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles, based on claims data showing them to be safest for occupants; biggest discount of 40 percent will go to drivers of large and expensive cars, vans, pickups and sport utilities; drivers of smaller vehicles will receive 20 percent discounts on portion of their premium covering personal injuries to occupants; consumer advocates say pricing plan is unfair to majority of drivers since it disregards threat bigger cars pose to smaller vehicles; photos; charts (M)

Panel discussion on ways emerging technology will change literature and publishing to be held at New School for Social Research; Django Reinhardt Festival will bring together international array of jazz guitarists and violinists at Birdland; photo; annual Evening Standard Theater Awards are handed out in London; Simon Russell Beale is named best actor and Paola Dionisotti is named best actress; tribute to Oscar Wilde on 100th anniversary of his death will be held at Jefferson Market Branch Library in Greenwich Village; photo (M)

Microsoft files appeal of landmark antitrust ruling; argues that entire proceeding was 'infected with error;' says Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson made many procedural and substantive mistakes, and erred in his interpretation of antitrust law; says his public comments about case showed bias and violated judicial code of conduct; acknowledges that Microsoft has been aggressive player, but maintains that it did nothing to keep Netscape Communications Corp, its main rival in Internet browser business, from software market and therefore could not have violated Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890; asks court to overrule both antitrust finding and proposed remedies and to assign case to new judge if it is sent back to district court for further proceedings; photo (M)