Tag: Frontier Communications

State Accused of Wasting Funding on Unused Fiber

West Virginia officials and a Frontier Communications have been accused of wasting government funding on unused fiber for internet connection.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that internet company Citynet recently filed a federal lawsuit accusing Frontier and state officials of defrauding the U.S. government by paying the company to install fiber that didn’t meet federal grant guidelines.

The newspaper reports that at least $1.1 million in unused fiber was either built to closing schools or county education buildings that already received internet service through a different connection. Some of that fiber was used for less than a year, and much of it was never used at all.

The funding came from a $126 million federal grant from the U.S. government.

State officials didn’t comment on the lawsuit.

Legislation Aims to Hold Providers to Internet Promises

 The House of Delegates is reviewing legislation that would require Internet providers to offer download speeds of at least 10 megabits per second to promote their broadband service as “high speed,” according to the Charleston Gazette-Mail. 

Many rural West Virginians don’t have Internet speeds anywhere near that. Customers with slow service can’t use TV- and movie-streaming services.

In 2014, Frontier Communications customers filed a class-action lawsuit. It alleges the company provides speeds slower than advertised.

Frontier contends customers get the service they paid for.

Lawmakers say they’ve fielded an increasing number of complaints from constituents about Internet service.

 

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…

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.

ArcelorMittal to Sell 1,100 Acres in Weirton

ArcelorMittal plans to sell 1,000 acres of surplus property in Weirton to The Frontier Group of Companies.

Media outlets report that ArcelorMittal announced this week that it has entered a purchase agreement with Frontier for the property adjacent to its steel plant. The sale is expected to close later this year. Details of the deal weren’t released.

Frontier says its plans for property include developing the Ohio Valley Industrial Park.

Frontier President David Franjoine says in a statement that the company believes the Weirton site has significant development and reuse opportunities.

Frontier, Union Extend Contract Again

Frontier Communications and the Communications Workers of America have extended their contract again while negotiations continue on a new labor…

Frontier Communications and the Communications Workers of America have extended their contract again while negotiations continue on a new labor agreement.

Frontier says the existing contract will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 2. The contract was set to expire Saturday night.
 
The company and the union have extended the contract several times since negotiations began in mid-June 2013.
 
Frontier East Region vice president Ken Arndt says in a news release that the two sides have made substantial progress.
 
The contract covers more than 1,500 workers in West Virginia.
 

Exit mobile version