CenturyLink-Qwest deal advances in Washington State

The CenturyLink-Qwest Communications deal passed a key regulatory hurdle late last month, gaining support from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. The companies agreed to invest at least $80 million in broadband infrastructure in Washington over the next five years and freeze basic residential telephone prices for three years. The agreement is one piece of the puzzle for gaining regulatory approval from the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission, which is likely to render a final decision soon.