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Updated: 11:09 AM May 14, 2010
PSC Approves Verizon-Frontier Deal
The West Virginia Public Service Commission has approved the sale of Verizon-West Virginia to Frontier Communications.
Posted: 9:03 PM May 13, 2010Reporter: Jeremy Edwards Email Address: jeremy.edwards@wsaz.com |
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UPDATE: Thursday, 5/13 9:20pm
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- After months of petitions, protests and public hearings, a major move means big changes for hundreds of thousands of phone customers in West Virginia.
The Public Service Commission has approved the sales of Verizon's landline business to Frontier Communications.
Customers and union members fought this plan for a long time, saying that a smaller company like Frontier wouldn't be able to take over for Verizon.
Despite approving the sale tonight there are strings attached. Frontier will have to honor all existing obligations that Verizon made. It will have to make millions of dollars in capitol investments in Verizon, with some of that money targeted at the quality of service and increasing broadband for Internet customers. It will also have to move it's southeast regional headquarters to Charleston.
Frontier has promised that jobs will not be lost and that some new jobs will be created. They will also fund pensions for those workers who move from Verizon to Frontier.
Keith Fulton, president of Verizon West Virginia says “The record developed in this case provides comprehensive evidence and assurances that the transaction with Frontier Communications is in the public interest and will provide many benefits to West Virginia residents, including increased investment and broadband availability in the state, while protecting jobs and promoting employment."
The Communications Workers of America protested this all along. CWA Vice President Ron Collins told WSAZ.com that they are going over the ruling in detail and leaving their options to appeal open.
“We’re in the process of evaluating the order,” said CWA District 2 Vice-President Ron Collins. “After full review we’ll look at what we can do that will best serve West Virginia consumers and CWA members.”
“Of course, we’re disappointed but we’re heartened by the fact that at least one person on the three-member commission agreed with us and more than 80 legislators, several county commissions and a broad coalition of consumer, union and first responder organizations that this deal is too risky and not in the public’s interest,” Collins said. “The split decision shows our arguments about the deal had validity.”
The FCC still has to approve the deal.
ORIGINAL STORY
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has approved the sale of Verizon-West Virginia to Frontier Communications.
The commission says while any merger carries some level of risk, the Commission concluded that the benefits presented by this proposal, with conditions and commitments, outweigh the negatives and potential risk.
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