Verizon comments on its talks with Frontier

NEW CUMBERLAND - A representative of Verizon Communications Inc., has addressed the Hancock County Commission with a response to comments made at a previous meeting about a potential $8.6 billion deal between Verizon and Frontier Communications Corporation.

Communications Workers of America Local 2006 member Dan Oliver approached the commissioners Nov. 21 and requested that they sign a resolution which asks the West Virginia Public Service Commission to deny the deal.

The commission agreed to pass the resolution after Oliver stated that the deal will leave West Virginia's Verizon customers with a less reliable communications service that does not have the funding for expansion.

The resolution reflected Oliver's statements and indicated that by signing, the commission believes that Verizon would be abandoning its customers if the deal is approved by the PSC.

Verizon Director of Government Relations for West Virginia Sam Cipoletti approached the commission Thursday and responded to Oliver's comments on behalf of the company.

"This transaction really lets both companies use their core strengths," Cipoletti said, adding that Frontier already owns 140,000 access lines in West Virginia. "Frontier is actually faster online than Verizon."

Cipoletti stated that Frontier plans to accept all collective bargaining on jobs, and secure the jobs of those who may become its employees for 18 months.

"Frontier is a Fortune 1,000 company. It has $2.2 billion in revenues," Cipoletti said. "They've never had a failure. They don't anticipate any problems here in West Virginia."

Cipoletti also countered Oliver's statement that Frontier will not be able to provide service improvements.

"Frontier's management team is ready to step in and expand service and expand broadband (Internet service)," Cipoletti said.

Cipoletti stated that the Department of Justice has approved the transaction, as have several of the 14 states involved in the potential deal. The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce sent a letter of endorsement to the PSC regarding the transaction, he said.

"They (Frontier) want to be here for the long term," Cipoletti said. "That's the signal they're sending and that's the message I think people need to hear."

Commissioner Jeff Davis asked Cipoletti about Frontier's plans for northern Hancock County in reference to jobs and office locations, but Cipoletti stated that the information is not yet available.

"We certainly will look at the information you've provided us," Davis said. "We will further review what you've given us today."

The commission did not take any immediate action based on Cipoletti's comments.

The deal between Verizon and Frontier was announced in May of this year, but requires approval from the PSC before it becomes official. The PSC will hold hearings early next year to consider the deal.

(Matsick can be contacted at jmatsick@reviewonline.com)