CenturyLink-Qwest merger gets Montana PSC approval

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) has crossed off another point on its merger checklist with Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) as the Montana Public Service Commission has granted approval of the deal.

Before approving the marriage, the Montana PSC conducted an in-depth review of the merger and struck an agreement on public interest benefits with the Montana Consumer Counsel, the Montana Department of Administration, in addition to getting the approval of many of the state's competitive carriers over how the new company would handle existing retail and wholesale arrangements.

Similar to other states, CenturyLink and Qwest had to commit to investing at least $10 million in Montana's broadband infrastructure over the next five years.  

Upon completion, the newly combined service provider will serve almost 270,000 access lines throughout Montana with a presence in all of Montana's largest communities and several towns and rural areas.

Thus far, the two service providers have reached agreements with regulatory commissions in Arizona, Minnesota and Utah. In addition, they have reached agreements with Integra Telecom, Cox Communications and other competitive local exchange carriers, and the U.S. Department of Defense in Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

For more:
- see the release

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