"History has shown that positive pledges and good intentions without
binding commitments has been insufficient to protect consumers and
workers."
Washington (July 21, 2021) - U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.),
Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Dianne
Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore) pressed the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) today to probe Verizon's proposed
acquisition of TracFone and secure specific commitments from the
company to ensure that this acquisition will not harm consumers. In
the $6.9 billion transaction, Verizon would acquire one of the largest operators of the Lifeline program which provides free or discounted
internet and affordable prepaid mobile phone services to low-income
Americans. TracFone's SafeLink Wireless Brand supports 1.7 million
Lifeline subscribers in 43 states and approximately 21 million
customers overall.
"We are concerned that Verizon does not have a sufficient record on
supporting Lifeline for its current wireless services and has provided
few enforceable commitments to the FCC within the proposed TracFone transaction," wrote the senators to FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica
Rosenworcel. "While we note Verizon's stated goal of maintaining these services, Verizon would have significant incentives and opportunities
to push subscribers from Lifeline and inexpensive prepaid services to
higher revenue plans."
https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democratic-senators-push-fcc-to-scrutinize-verizons-tracfone-acquisition-and-secure-commitments-to-prioritize-consumers
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