Verizon's Bold Move: Reclaiming Frontier to Revolutionize West Virginia's Internet and Phone Services

Verizon's Strategic Acquisition of Frontier in West Virginia

Fifteen years after Verizon transferred its wired internet and phone lines to Frontier Communications in West Virginia, the telecommunications giant is making a move to reclaim its original network. This acquisition, pending approval from state regulators, positions Verizon to become the largest internet and phone provider in the state, promising to address longstanding customer service and broadband speed issues.

Why Verizon is Taking Over Frontier

In a landmark $20 billion deal announced last September, Verizon aims to acquire Frontier's operations nationwide, including over 150,000 homes and businesses in West Virginia. Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg highlighted the strategic fit of this acquisition, emphasizing the enhancement of Verizon's fiber network to deliver premium services.

Frontier's Troubled Legacy in West Virginia

Frontier's tenure in West Virginia has been marred by customer dissatisfaction, with thousands of complaints over slow internet speeds and unreliable phone service. The company's financial struggles, including a 2020 bankruptcy filing and a $12 billion debt, have further compounded its challenges.

Verizon's Plan for Improvement

Verizon has pledged to overhaul Frontier's customer service, expand broadband access, and invest in the state's workforce. Key initiatives include:

• Enhanced Customer Service: Aiming to answer 80% of service calls within 30 seconds and hiring 25 new technicians.
• Broadband Expansion: Committing to connect at least 35,000 new addresses with high-speed internet and investing $30 million in state broadband projects.
• Affordable Options: Introducing a $20 per month broadband plan for low-income households.

What Frontier Customers Can Expect

While Verizon assures that services will remain unchanged initially, the long-term vision includes significant upgrades to infrastructure and service quality. Customers are advised to stay informed about potential changes to billing and account services as the transition unfolds.