Last September, Verizon announced<\/a> a $20 billion deal to acquire Frontier\u2019s operations nationwide.<\/p>\n Frontier currently serves over 150,000 homes and businesses in the state with fiber broadband, according to Verizon\u2019s application to PSC regulators.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe acquisition of Frontier is a strategic fit,\u201d said Hans Vestberg, Verizon\u2019s CEO. \u201cIt will build on Verizon\u2019s two decades of leadership at the forefront of fiber\u2026 enhancing our ability to deliver premium offerings to millions more customers across a combined fiber network.\u201d<\/p>\n The deal has already passed federal hurdles.\u00a0<\/p>\n Last month, the deal was approved<\/a> by regulators at the Federal Communications Commission after Verizon committed to end its diversity, equity and inclusion programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, because West Virginia regulates its own utilities and telecommunications providers, the deal requires approval from state regulators.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMy main concern about this whole transaction is the quality of service that our landline customers, who have no alternative, are going to see,\u201d said PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane.\u00a0<\/p>\n What is Frontier\u2019s history in West Virginia?<\/strong><\/p>\n Frontier hasn\u2019t had the best track record in West Virginia.\u00a0<\/p>\n The company took over Verizon\u2019s telecommunications lines in 2010<\/a>, and quickly became the state\u2019s largest and most complained-about provider.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over the years, customers have filed thousands of complaints and even sued<\/a> the company over slow internet speeds and unreliable phone service.<\/p>\n Between 2010 and 2023, Frontier received over 13,000 informal complaints and over 500 formal complaints from customers, according to PSC filings<\/a>. And in 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy<\/a>, citing billions of dollars of debt and infrastructure issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n That same year, Frontier settled with state regulators and pledged to invest $200 million<\/a> in West Virginia to upgrade its infrastructure and improve services over the next three years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite the company\u2019s commitments, complaints continued to flood in, reaching a peak of nearly 1,400 in 2022. Frontier\u2019s debt has surged to $12 billion, according to filed testimony<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n How is Verizon planning to address customer service issues?<\/strong><\/p>\n Verizon has claimed customers should expect \u201cimproved service quality and reliability,\u201d and plans to build on Frontier\u2019s existing fiber infrastructure.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some of the company\u2019s offerings will include bundle options for internet and phone service, and a new $20 per month broadband plan for low-income households in the state, according to PSC filings<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3CA_78_8048735_2263001473_6.jpg\")
PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane speaks to lawmakers. Photo by Will Price\/WV Legislative Photography.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9001-1.jpeg\")
Frontier\u2019s administration building in Charleston. Photo by Lucas Manfield<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AP24249378859636.jpg\")
Verizon is buying Frontier Communications in a $20 billion deal that helps bolster its fiber network. (AP Photo\/Matt Rourke, File)<\/p>\n