Commission: Frontier Must Give Network Access to Rival

The West Virginia Public Service Commission has ruled that Frontier Communications must lease part of its broadband service to rival Internet provider Citynet.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports last week the commission upheld most of an administrative law judge’s decision that requires Frontier to lease unused fiber-optic cable to Citynet in several rural communities, including Philippi, Buckhannon and Elkins.

Citynet filed a complaint with the PSC in August 2014, accusing Frontier of trying to shut out competition for high-speed Internet by not honoring the agreement and stifling competition.

Citynet CEO Jim Martin praised the ruling, saying it will help rural communities across West Virginia receive better telecommunication services.

Frontier spokesman Andy Malinoski said the company already leases unused fiber-optic cable to other telecommunications providers across the state.