SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- An administrative law judge with the Illinois Commerce Commission on Tuesday (March 9) issued a proposed order opposing the transaction under which Frontier Communications Corporation would acquire the local landline operations of Verizon Communications in Illinois.  The following statement should be attributed to Carl Erhart, president of Verizon's Central region:

"We disagree with the administrative law judge's proposed order, which, it's important to note, is just a recommendation.

"The record developed in this case provides comprehensive evidence and assurances that the transaction with Frontier Communications is in the public interest and will ultimately provide many benefits to Illinois residents. 

"This is underscored by the fact that Verizon and Frontier have reached separate agreements that address the issues raised by all parties in this case but the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In addition, the commission staff has recommended the transaction be approved by the commission.    

"Based on the record in this case, we believe the commission should not adopt the administrative law judge's recommendation, but instead should issue an order that approves the transaction, as regulatory commissions in six other states have already done."

SOURCE Verizon