Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Qwest, CenturyLink Merger

Published on 10/14/2010

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement agreement for the merger of Qwest Communications and CenturyLink.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint petition for settlement, submitted by the companies, the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff (OTS), the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and the Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA).

The Commission found that the settlement was beneficial for Pennsylvanians in several ways, including:

• Accelerating the build out of broadband facilities for retail customers of the company’s Pennsylvania Bona Fide Retail Request program;
• Foregoing the ability to collect certain rate increases allowed under the Public Utility Code through September 2012; and
• Requiring CenturyLink to provide reports for three years to the OCA and OSBA on various financial and access issues. 

 The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket no. A-2010-2176733

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• Press Secretary
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