PK, CWA Say CPUC Can Add Verizon/TracFone Conditions
California should feel free to add conditions to Verizon/Tracfone even though Public Knowledge and Communications Workers of America withdrew objections to the deal at the FCC, (see 2108120029), PK and CWA clarified in a Tuesday notice at the California Public Utilities Commission emailed to the service list in docket 20-11-001. “Federal regulatory review is merely a floor for consumer protection, and the CPUC has statutory authority to require more consumer protections from the applicants based on the CPUC’s public interest review in the state of California,” PK and CWA said: Applicants haven’t proven to the CPUC that Verizon’s federal commitments are enough to protect Californians. Verizon filed Tuesday with the CPUC the agreement it reached with those and other groups about federal conditions. “The FCC agreement addresses concerns raised about Verizon’s acquisition of TracFone,” Verizon said. “The case is ripe for a decision.”