CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Public Service Commission of West Virginia on Friday approved the acquisition of Frontier Communications and its subsidiaries by Verizon Communications Inc.
The Commission said in its 14-page ruling that a primary requirement for the transaction to take place is that Verizon must agree to allocate a minimum of $60 million to an irrevocable escrow account to be used to improve copper service for customers who subscribe to traditional telephone services. It noted many West Virginians, particularly in rural areas, lack broadband or other coverage, and must rely on traditional copper landlines for basic communications.
The $60 million is in addition to what Verizon originally proposed to spend.
Frontier, and its wholly owned subsidiary Citizens Telecommunications Co. of West Virginia, serve approximately 225,000 access lines in the state, according to their filing.
Verizon promised in its filing to improve service, and reduce reaction time to complaints, while offering a host of other services to Mountain State customers. It said it would hire 25 full-time technicians and will honor all commitments to broadband grants.
More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: www.psc.state.wv.us. Click on “Case Information” and access Case No. 24-0853-T-PC.
