VERIZON LAND LINE SALE

ICC HEARING UPDATE

JANUARY 22, 2010

 Illinois Commerce Commission hearings have concluded concerning the proposed sale of Verizon land line telephone service to Frontier Communications. Parties filing written intervention to the sale included: The Attorney General's Office, Citizens Utility Board, Department of Justice, and IBEW Locals 21, 51, & 702.

 Oral testimony was provided by Verizon West Vice-President Timothy McCallon and Frontier's Chief Financial Officer Daniel McCarthy. Under cross-examination by IBEW's Attorney, Scott Rubin, Mr. McCallon admitted that the proposed number of employees potentially transferring to Frontier has changed from the original 10,700 to 9,600. Additionally, he admitted that all customers affected by the sale who subscribe to Verizon DSL Internet service will be required to secure a new e-mail address from Frontier.

 As a last ditch effort to win approval, Frontier's Daniel McCarthy tendered a commitment to offer broadband service to 85% of households in Illinois by the end of year 2013. He was asked by the ICC to file this offer in a written docket.

 The Commission is expected to rule on this around the latter part of April or first of May 2010. Our Attorney, Scott Rubin, did an excellent job and IBEW Locals 21, 51 and 702 greatly appreciates his help.

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