Northern Tier News

A group of Pennsylvania state lawmakers is encouraging customers of Frontier and Verizon Communications to express their opinions on the proposed merger of the two companies. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold a series of hearings to gather public input.

The in-person public input hearings are scheduled for Monday, February 10, at 6 p.m. at George A. Smith Middle School Auditorium in Quarryville, Lancaster County, and Thursday, February 13, at 6 p.m. at Wellsboro Fire Company Annex in Wellsboro, Tioga County.

Telephonic public input hearings will take place on Thursday, February 20, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Participants can join these sessions by calling toll-free at 866-759-6860 with PIN Number: 71568747. Additional hearings may be arranged in Bradford or Wyoming counties.

Representatives Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming), Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford), Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne), and Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming/Sullivan) have released a statement addressing the concerns of their constituents who rely on services from Frontier.

"After years of dealing with poor service from Frontier," they stated, "these customers deserve assurances they will be treated better by Verizon." They emphasized the need for clear expectations regarding service quality and customer support improvements.

The lawmakers noted that progress had been made due to a settlement with Frontier last year and stressed the importance of holding Verizon accountable for further advancements. They urged customers to communicate their needs during this transition period: "We are calling on customers of both Frontier and Verizon to come forward and let the PUC know what we need and expect out of this change of ownership."

Pre-registration for speaking at the hearings is encouraged but not mandatory. Interested parties can contact the Office of Administrative Law Judge by phone or email to register their participation details.

Frontier and Verizon announced their proposed merger last fall, with Verizon set to acquire all Frontier assets nationwide for an estimated $20 billion. Approval from federal regulators as well as state commissions like the PUC is required for this transaction to proceed.