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For Immediate Release
February 21, 2007
White: Commonwealth Court Ruling may benefit Verizon customers
Harrisburg – Senator Mary Jo White (R-21) applauded the
Commonwealth Court opinion filed yesterday (Irwin A. Popowsky, Consumer Advocate
v. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission) which reverses the January 11, 2006
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission order allowing the merger between Verizon
Communications, Inc. and MCI, Inc. The Court remanded the order to the
Commission to either reject the merger or impose conditions that will provide
substantial benefits to Pennsylvania consumers.
The Consumer Advocate, Irwin A. Popowsky, appealed the
January 11, 2006 PUC order arguing that the merger was not in the public
interest.
Senator White intervened in the merger proceeding when it
was before the Public Utility Commission in 2005 and requested a public hearing
on the issue which was held at Edinboro University. The PUC heard testimony
regarding the poor quality of phone and internet service in the area. Senator
White advocated that the PUC require Verizon/MCI to provide public benefits such
as accelerated rural broadband deployment as a condition of the merger.
"I am pleased that the court agrees with the Consumer
Advocate and with my position that the public should receive substantial
benefits from this merger. I urge the Public Utility Commission to review my
arguments for accelerated broadband deployment and greater customer choice for
rural areas," said White.
CONTACT:
Leigh Ramsey
(717) 787-9684 | 
