Frontier has crossed off another item on its to-do list to acquire Verizon's rural lines as Ohio's Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously to approve the deal.
This latest approval follows state regulatory approvals in Nevada, South Carolina and California. Frontier still needs approval from five other states and the FCC.
Last month, Frontier got approvals from local regulators in 41 towns in Washington state and Oregon to purchase Verizon's Fiber to the Premises-based FiOS lines. While traditional POTS lines are regulated at the state level, FiOS is subject to each town's rules regarding video franchises.
Getting to this point has not come without its issues as Frontier has faced ongoing protests from the Communications Workers of America and state consumer advocates that argue the company lacks the financial wherewithal to support the acquisition and its promise to expand broadband access.
For more:
- Google News via AP has this article
- see the release here (pdf)
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