NEW BRITAIN, CT – Today, Consumer Counsel Coleman announced a major victory for consumers that slashes costs, strengthens protections, and advances transparency as Verizon moves forward with its acquisition of Frontier’s wireline assets in Connecticut. The agreement, reached by the companies and the Office of Consumer Counsel ("OCC"), eliminates junk fees, expands low-income broadband discounts, safeguards vulnerable populations, and holds Verizon accountable for network reliability and public safety.
“At a time when the federal government is dismantling protections for telecommunications consumers, it is up to states to step in and protect the public. My team and I fought for lower bills, better policies, stronger oversight – and we won. We didn’t just negotiate; we secured real savings, real protections, and real accountability for Connecticut residents. We also obtained commitments to ensure that the utility infrastructure on poles is administered efficiently and safely. I am confident our regulators will see the merits of this proposal,” said Consumer Counsel Coleman.
In November 2024, a joint petition was filed with PURA seeking approval for Verizon to acquire Frontier as a wholly owned subsidiary at the holding-company level. Frontier currently operates as the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier ("ILEC"), providing traditional telephone services ("POTS") across most of the state, while Verizon serves western Greenwich. Both companies offer broadband, internet, voice, and in some areas, video services.
The agreement has been formally filed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and is now pending approval. If approved, these consumer protections and cost-saving measures will take effect, ensuring Connecticut residents directly benefit from the acquisition.
Among other terms, the agreement includes the following additional protections and commitments that will ensure long-term benefits for Connecticut residents.
Lower Costs:
- Roadwork Recovery fee eliminated: Junk surcharge removed, individually saving Connecticut consumers $3 per month and an annual collective savings of approximately $2.2M.
- Broader low-income discounts secured: Consumers participating in CEAP and National School Lunch Program now qualify for Verizon broadband discounts.
- Electric ratepayer benefits: Verizon will repay outstanding utility debts related to storm recovery and vegetation management, preventing cost hikes for electric ratepayers.
Stronger Consumer Protections:
- Creation of a grace period for vulnerable populations: Elderly, blind, and disabled consumers will receive 20 extra days before service disconnection for nonpayment.
- Mandatory advance notice requirements: Consumers must be informed before copper phone lines are retired, preventing unexpected disruptions.
- Backup power at no cost to consumers: Consumers whose copper is retired receive a free battery backup unit with D-cell batteries to use with their new fiber for four years post-acquisition.
Enhanced Safety & Transparency:
- Fiber expansion tracking: Verizon will provide annual reports on fiber deployment progress.
- Improved reporting requirements: Digital and copper phone services must now be included in Verizon’s quality reports and Verizon will be subject to enhanced reporting to PURA, OCC and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (“DESPP”) on 911 service disruptions.
This agreement delivers a meaningful set of commitments that put consumers first—cutting costs, strengthening protections, and increasing accountability. If approved by PURA, the OCC will continue to monitor Verizon’s commitments to ensure they follow through on these promises and that Connecticut residents receive the full benefits of this acquisition.
For more information, see today’s filing with PURA here and OCC’s letter in support here.
###
CONTACT:
Brooke Parker
Communications & Legislative Program Manager
brooke.parker@ct.gov
About the Office: The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is an independent state agency that represents the interests of consumers of Connecticut’s electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and private water companies before PURA, federal regulatory agencies, the legislature and courts. OCC’s team of attorneys, accountants, financial and policy analysts appear before PURA to argue for the most reasonable rates while expecting the best utility service possible for all customers.