Pennsylvania PUC Votes To Partially Deregulate Verizon Wireline Services in Urban Areas

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted 3-2 Thursday to partially approve Verizon’s petition to deregulate the telco’s wireline phone service in its Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg/York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton/Wilkes Barre service areas. The PUC chose not to grant deregulation in 41 of the 194 zones Verizon sought, including in Philadelphia suburbs like Ardmore, Chester and Langhorne. PUC Chairman Robert Powelson, Vice Chairman John Coleman and Commissioner Pamela Witmer voted for the petition. Commissioners Gladys Brown and James Cawley, both Democrats, said they voted against the petition because they were concerned it would result in steep bill hikes for the estimated 100,000-200,000 customers who retain wireline service in the affected areas. Regulated wireline phone service prices in Pennsylvania average $22 per month.