Verizon is once again becoming Manteca’s landline telephone service.
The California Public Utilities Commission Thursday approved the transfer of control of Frontier Communications’ California operations to Verizon Communications, subject to enforceable conditions, ongoing monitoring, and consumer protections.
The decision authorizes Verizon to acquire Frontier Communications and its California subsidiaries while requiring safeguards designed to protect customers, preserve service quality, and advance the public interest.
The approval follows extensive public participation, testimony from multiple parties, and negotiated settlement agreements with consumer advocates and labor organizations.
Frontier bought the Manteca landline system from Verizon in 2016.
Manteca was served by GTE before 2000 when Verizon acquired the phone company.
GTE bought ConTel in the early 1990s.
ConTel became the landline provider in Manteca in the 1970s after buying Manteca Telephone.
The Frontier switching office in Manteca is in the 400 block of West Center Street near the library.
The CPUC decision includes requirements intended to:
*Expand affordable voice and broadband options, including protections for low-income customers and California LifeLine participants.
*Support continued broadband investment and network reliability, particularly in communities currently served by Frontier.
*Further California’s public policy goals of diverse supply chains and workforces, including a $10 million partnership with the California State University system.
*Protect rural and copper customers through enforceable performance standards, resilience requirements, and oversight.
The decision also adopts multiple settlement agreements that include additional commitments related to affordability, service quality, labor protections, infrastructure deployment, and $500 million in spending with California small businesses.
“California isn’t just approving a merger, we’re securing real commitments that will connect communities, lower costs for families who need it most, and strengthen workforce and supplier diversity protections,” said CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds, the Assigned Commissioner on the proceeding.
“With robust conditions and independent oversight, we’re ensuring these commitments translate into real improvements for California families and standing up for California values to support our diverse communities.”
