Qwest and CenturyLink have reached a settlement with Washington state officials that places conditions on the companies’ proposed merger.
The companies agreed to invest at least $80 million on broadband infrastructure in the state over five years. That compares with a commitment of at least $70 million in Colorado and Arizona.
Under terms of the Washington agreement, Denver-based Qwest and Monroe, La.-based CenturyLink will freeze rates on some business services for three years.
The companies will also continue to offer “naked” DSL and honor “price for life” promotional guarantees on broadband services.
The settlement still needs approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, which is slated to review the merger next week. The deal was reached with UTC staff and the Public Counsel Section of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.
