Yesterday, the FCC
issued a Memorandum
Opinion and Order approving of the transfer of various licenses and
authorizations from Level 3 Communications to CenturyLink, Inc. As FSF Scholars
have explained in various blogs and Perspectives,
merger reviews at the FCC often take too long and this one was no exception. However,
this approved merger, valued at $34 billion, will enable CenturyLink/Level 3 to
deliver pro-competitive benefits in the video and broadband markets.
It appears that
some merger conditions were imposed but I will refrain from commenting
on those until I have the chance to review them. For now, I will commend the Commission
for its decision to approve this pro-consumer transaction. In his statement, Commissioner
Brendan Carr said the merger will “promote the public interest and benefit
consumers” by “allowing the merged firm to operate as a more efficient and
stronger competitor against larger providers.”
For more on
benefits of this merger, please read the following:
Seth Cooper, “CenturyLink/Level3 Merger Should Bring Pro-Competitive Public Benefits,” Perspectives
from FSF Scholars, Vol.12, No. 3 (January 13, 2017).Seth Cooper, “Focus on CenturyLink/Level 3 Merger Benefits Should Lead to Prompt Review in States,” FSF Blog (March 6, 2017).
Michael Horney, “FCC Should Complete CenturyLink-Level 3 Merger Review Soon,” FSF Blog (September 14, 2017).
Michael Horney, “California Public Utilities Commission Approves CenturyLink and Level 3 Merger,” FSF Blog (October 13, 2017).
Randolph May, “CenturyLink Will Become More Heavily Business Focused,” FSF Blog (December 1, 2016).
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