PUCO approves Frontier-Verizon merger

COLUMBUS - The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved the application filed by Frontier Communication Corporation, New Communications Holdings, Inc. (NCH) and Verizon Communications, Inc. seeking PUCO approval of a change in ownership.

The Commission approved the merger after reviewing the application, the evidence and the stipulations filed. In reaching its decision, the Commission considered several issues including transactional synergies and financial considerations, in-state presence, quality of service and competition and wholesale operations. The Commission also considered Frontier's broadband commitment...