December 17, 2013

Attorney General George Jepsen today issued the following statement on the proposed sale of AT&T’s wireline business in Connecticut to Frontier Communications:

“The proposed transaction could have substantial impact on the quality and affordability of wireline telephone, internet broadband and video services for residential and business customers throughout Connecticut. I will closely examine this deal and fight to ensure that the interests of the state of Connecticut and its residents are fully protected.  

“My focus will be on evaluating the effect that this transaction will have on quality of service provided at reasonable rates, as well as the impact on competition, Connecticut’s workforce and the state’s efforts to streamline and improve the use and control of utility poles.

“Reliable and affordable wireline telephone service remains a critical public service in Connecticut. Even with the expanding use of wireless, landline service maintains a vital place in public safety and in the lives of many, many Connecticut residents, including our elderly and more vulnerable populations.”

###