IBEW and CWA union locals representing 1,150 Verizon workers in N...
IBEW and CWA union locals representing 1,150 Verizon workers in N.H. wrote to legislative leaders and the N.H. PUC urging they block Verizon’s $2.7 billion spinoff of landline assets in N.H., Vt. and Me. to FairPoint Communications. The Thurs.…
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N.H. dissent follows the unions’ similar action in Vt. (CD Jan 25 p7). Union officials said the N.H. PUC should deny approval unless FairPoint can prove it has the financial and managerial capability to provide quality service, create viable high-speed networks and keep quality jobs. The unions said they fear FairPoint lacks the resources to expand fiber- based high-speed data and video services, especially once it assumes about $1.7 billion in Verizon debt. The unions said they are concerned about FairPoint’s ability to compete with cable company telecom and video offerings if it can’t complete the fiber network Verizon had begun installing in southern N.H. for eventual video services. Verizon abandoned its N.H. video service plans early last year. The transaction must be approved by state regulators in N.H., Vt. and Me. as well as by federal authorities and the companies’ shareholders.