Levin: California PUC Likely to OK Verizon Acquisition of Frontier

Blair Levin, the Policy Advisor to New Street Research, thinks that the Verizon $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications will ultimately be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, though it may be a bit of a bumpy ride. His analysis, titled “VZ/FYBR Faces California Trump Transaction Trap,” focuses on how the Trump administration’s antipathy for diversity, equality, and inclusion can be reconciled with the goals and position of the CPUC, which must approve the transaction between Verizon and Frontier. Levin’s hints at an important piece of context: Since the deal was made, Los Angeles has become a focal point of resistance to the administration. Governor Gavin Newsom has lashed out at President Trump and the state has sued over the federalization of its National Guard. However, Levin thinks it is “highly unlikely” that Newsom will make the acquisition an issue. That doesn’t mean, however, that the CPUC won’t.