CPUC approves Frontier takeover of Verizon subscribers
The California Public Utilities Commission approved on Dec. 4 Frontier Communications’ application to buy all Internet, TV and landline phone subscribers in California from Verizon Communications.
Norwalk, Conn.-based Frontier agreed in February to pay Verizon $10.5 billion for all Internet, TV and phone subscribers in California, Texas and Florida. The Federal Communications Commission approved the deal in September. Approval had also been given by Texas and Florida state regulators, so the decision by the CPUC was the final barrier to the agreement.
The deal is expected to close in March 2016. In November, Steve Crosby, vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Frontier Communications, told the Business Times that Frontier is committed to improving broadband service in the region.
“From our perspective there should be no change (in service) at all,” Crosby said.
In a news release, Frontier officials said they were excited by the CPUC decision.
“We are very pleased the full CPUC approved the acquisition,” said Kathleen Abernathy, vice president of external affairs for Frontier. “We welcome the opportunity to expand our business in California.”
• Contact Philip Joens at pjoens@pacbiztimes.com.
