Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearing for Verizon/MCI Merger

Published on 8/16/2005

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the joint application of Verizon Communications Inc. and MCI Inc. for approval of the merger plan.

Administrative Law Judge Charles E. Rainey Jr. will conduct hearings in Edinboro on Thursday, September 1 at 10 a.m.and 1 p.m. in the Zahorchak Seminar Room at the Edinboro University Center, 405 Scotland Road.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate.  They include:     

• Come early.  Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you.  Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t’ know the answer.

On March 7, 2005, Verizon Communications and MCI Inc. filed a joint application for merger approval resulting in MCI becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon.

MCI Inc. includes MCImetro Access Transmission Services, LLC, MCI WorldCom Communications Inc., MCI WorldCom Network Services Inc., TTI National Inc., Teleconnect Long Distance Services and Systems Co., d/b/a Telecom USA and Intermedia Communications Inc.         

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

# # #

Docket No.      A-310580F0009

                        A-310752F0006

                        A-310364F0003

                        A-312025F0005

                        A-310407F0003

                        A-310401F0006

Contact:

• Cyndi Page
  Sr. Communications Specialist
  717-214-5434
  cypage@pa.gov