Stamford-based Frontier Communications Corp., which operates in 27 states, has gained approval from the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to buy AT&T Connecticut”™s wireline operations.
The price was not disclosed. News reports last fall pegged the deal at $2 billion.
PURA”™s approval marks the final regulatory step toward Frontier offering broadband, voice, video and other products to residential and business customers in the state, Frontier said in a statement.
“We are delighted to have received the full approval of PURA,” said Dan McCarthy, Frontier Communications”™ president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to completing the transaction and providing excellent products and services to customers in our home state.”
The transaction is expected to officially close Oct. 24. Following the closing, approximately 2,600 AT&T employees who serve Connecticut customers will become Frontier employees. Frontier employs 13,900 across its multistate footprint.
PURA”™s approval follows a 10-month process in which Frontier presented information on its products and services, capital investment, workforce management and charitable activities in the state. Frontier said the move”™s backers included Connecticut”™s Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Consumer Counsel and Communications Workers of America Local 1298.
In its approval, Frontier reported, PURA found the company”™s acquisition of AT&T Connecticut operations to be in the public interest and that Frontier has the financial, technological and managerial suitability required to provide safe and reliable service.
“From the very beginning, Frontier has been fair and upfront with the CWA and its leadership, which led to a labor agreement that has substantial benefits for both our members and the company,” said Bill Henderson, president of CWA Local 1298.
Frontier announced Paul Quick will lead its Connecticut operations as senior vice president and general manager and will be based in Hartford. Frontier will have area general managers in Fairfield, New Haven, Hartford and Litchfield counties and in eastern Connecticut (Tolland, Windham, New London and Middlesex counties).
