New Jersey Regulator Warns Against CenturyLink's Qwest Takeover

摘要

Retail customers could bear the brunt of any problems from CenturyLink’s "challenging nback-to-back integration efforts" if CenturyLink acquires Qwest while still integrating Embarq’s nsystems, the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel said in comments to the FCC. The ncounsel asked the commission to "examine carefully the implications of these back-to-back nmergers." Qwest has performed better on customer service measures than CenturyLink, the nrate counsel said, and CenturyLink’s New Jersey customers have received worse service than nother CenturyLink customers. The company’s "potential new focus" on urbanized areas could n"divert its attention and resources" from less urban areas, including its service area in New nJersey. If the FCC approves the acquisition, "it should do so contingent upon enforceable nconditions that mitigate risks for consumers and increase the likelihood that consumers nexperience benefits."