To the Editor:
After reading the Communications Workers of America news release that appeared verbatim in your paper (“CWA opposes sale of Verizon ops to Frontier,” Dec. 10), I’m hoping that, in the sense of fairness and journalistic integrity, you would present another perspective. Your readers deserve no less.
The leadership of the Communications Workers of America again makes the same tired arguments about the Frontier Communications—Verizon transaction, and is now importing a union firefighter from Vermont who is not involved with providing telecommunications service to spread misinformation. In an effort to frighten people, the CWA’s guest of honor talked about a 911 problem that occurred more than a year ago in Vermont involving a different company. There is absolutely no parallel between this, West Virginia and Frontier – a company that has been in business for 75 years, 20 in this state.
What CWA leaders failed to mention is that Verizon and Frontier have been meeting for months with a 911 working group to ensure a smooth transition, and the group is satisfied with the progress being made and how 911 services will be provided after the transaction closes. Frontier has a proven track record of service quality and broadband deployment in West Virginia. The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the West Virginia Business & Industry Council agree, as both have urged the Public Service Commission to approve the transaction.
This transaction will move West Virginia forward, with Frontier’s commitment to:
-Increase broadband availability in the acquired areas to Frontier’s current 92 percent availability. That means more high-speed Internet in Mingo County and other parts of West Virginia.
-Focus on the rural to small and medium-sized areas that comprise the Mountain State.
-Establish its Southeast region headquarters in Charleston, adding 30-40 new jobs.
-Honor all existing labor contracts and maintain present employment of installers and technicians for at least 18 months after the transaction closes. Fortunately for West Virginians, the Public Service Commission will decide the issue on the merits of the case. In fact, many of the CWA-touted letters from legislators actually urge the commission not to deny the transaction, but to review it carefully. We agree that the commission should do just that, and we believe that, after its review, the commission will make the right call and approve the transaction with the resulting public benefits to West Virginians.
Harry J. Mitchell
Verizon Communications Director-Media Relations, Charleston
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