CPUC Draft Would OK CenturyLink/Level 3; CETF Not Satisfied With Commitments

the draft order approving a June 30 settlement agreement between the companies and some consumer groups (see 1708170022). The settlement "meets the requirements for approval in that it is reasonable in light of the record, consistent with the applicable law, and in the public interest,” the proposed decision said. "The combined company will be enabled to offer wholesale and enterprise customers a broad range of services that they currently provide individually.” Customers will benefit from settlement conditions including “the commitment for California-specific capital expenditures over the next three years of at least $323 million,” it said. The companies should invest more because the committed amount is less than what the companies invested earlier, said California Emerging Technology Fund CEO Sunne McPeak: CETF wants the CPUC “to require fair, reasonable and comparable public benefit contributions from CenturyLink-Level 3 as has been committed by all other companies doing business in California and seeking approval for a corporate consolidation that reduced market competition.” The Utility Reform Network, one of the consumer groups that signed the settlement, supports the proposed decision and urges quick approval, Managing Director-San Diego Christine Mailloux said: "While TURN does not like to see further consolidation in the wholesale market, we think that the settlement terms and the companies' commitments to continue offering middle mile and backbone services means consumers will see broadband deployment and advanced services throughout the state." California is the last state OK that CenturyLink and Level 3 need; the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said yes last month (see 1708230044). The FCC’s 180-day shot clock Friday remained paused at Day 170. CenturyLink didn’t comment.