Montana Public Service Commission Approves CenturyLink-Qwest Merger

The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously approved the pending merger between CenturyLink and Qwest Communications.

The PSC's approval of the merger in Montana included an agreement on public interest benefits the companies reached with the Montana Consumer Counsel, the Montana Department of Administration, as well as several competitive carriers in the state relating to various retail and wholesale issues. As part of the approval process, the companies committed to investing a minimum of $10 million in broadband infrastructure in Montana over five years. When the merger is completed, the combined company will serve nearly 270,000 access lines throughout the state. It will have a presence in all of Montana's largest communities, as well as many towns and rural areas.