Frontier Pays Nearly $1 Million in Wash. Transparency Probe

Frontier Communications will pay $900,000 to Washington state to end an investigation of hidden fees and advertised internet speeds, Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) said Wednesday. The payment resolves a 2018 probe into whether Frontier adequately disclosed fees, and if the company misled subscribers about internet speeds. Frontier recently sold its Washington business to Ziply Fiber (see 2005190009). The seller agreed to be more transparent about all fees and actual speeds. While Frontier pays the $900,000, the injunctive provisions on fees apply to the successor company, a Ferguson spokesperson said. The speed commitment doesn't apply to Ziply if it fulfills a Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission sale condition to spend $50 million on infrastructure enhancements, she said. Frontier is “pleased to have this matter resolved,” a spokesperson emailed. Ziply is aware of the settlement, said CEO Harold Zeitz. The buyer “prides itself on doing business honestly, responsibly and transparently,” he said. “We are committed to clearly communicating all charges and disclosures to our customers,” and its plans have no contracts or hidden fees.