The FCC found that Verizon faces limited competition in six major metro markets.

by Alex Goldman ISP-Planet Managing Editor [December 5, 2007]

Chris Putala, EarthLink executive vice president of public policy, issued the following statement today:

"EarthLink applauds the Federal Communications Commission's unanimous ruling today, denying Verizon's petitions for forbearance in key broadband markets. This ruling only sounds like bad news for the telecommunications giant. The reality is this decision is good news for everyone.

Markets work best for all competitors when the customer is in charge; when the customer has choice and can reward the best and most innovative technologies.

The worry for most except Verizon was whether other players—innovators, competitors and emerging technologies—would have a foothold in these mega-marketplaces.

The FCC's decision today is good for consumers, competitors and broadband. We are gratified the FCC has chosen innovation and competition over market protectionism. It was the right thing to do.

With this decision at hand, we also commend the FCC for launching a review of the forbearance process. Over the last many months, many valid concerns have arisen about how the FCC considers these petitions, including how they should appropriately handle the collection of data and testimony. With this fight behind them, we hope the commissioners will be able to consider reforms that help all the players understand the rules of the game and help consumers get the right answers to these complicated questions."

The FCC's decision was simple [.doc]:

The Federal Communications Commission today addressed petitions for forbearance filed by the Verizon Telephone Companies, which sought certain forbearance relief in the Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence and Virginia Beach Metropolitan Statistical Areas, or MSAs.

The Commission found that the current evidence of competition does not satisfy the section 10 forbearance standard with respect to any of the forbearance Verizon requests. Accordingly, the Commission denied the requested relief in all six MSAs.

ISP-Planet commentary: Verizon needs competition.

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