Verizon, Frontier Settle with Two Merger Opponents in California
Source: Broadband Breakfast | By Jake Neenan
Verizon and Frontier settled with two opponents to their merger in California, an effort to secure approval from the state’s utility regulator before the end of the year. The companies agreed, should the state approve the deal, to dedicate $500 million to California-based suppliers, deploy 75,000 fiber passings in the state within five years, deploy 250 cell sites in seven years, and invest $40 million in digital opportunity programs run by the California Emerging Technology Fund. CETF said it didn't oppose the transaction in principle, provided the companies reached an agreement with the group to guarantee public interest benefits. As part of the settlements, the companies would participate in California’s recently launched $20-per-month broadband subsidy program for low-income households and offer plans for the same price.
The Utility Reform Network and the Center for Accessible Technology still oppose the deal, and are asking the CPUC to deny it in the agency’s proceeding on the issue. They are cross examining witnesses from Verizon and Frontier at evidentiary hearings this week.
