DOJ endorses Verizon's Maine LD application

The United States Department of Justice has endorsed Verizon Communications' application to provide in-region long-distance service in Maine under Section 271 of the Telecom Act.

Charles James, assistant attorney general in charge of the DOJ's antitrust division, said that competitive carriers have made progress in penetrating the business market in Maine and that the Justice Department doesn't believe there are any "material obstacles" to residential competition in the state. "Conditions in Maine’s local telecommunications markets now appear favorable to fostering competition," he said.

Though the DOJ's recommendation is not binding, the FCC is required by the Telecom Act to give it "substantial weight." The Act also requires the FCC to approve or deny the application within 90 days of its filing. Verizon filed its application for Maine with the FCC on March 21, 2002.

Verizon vice president and associate general counsel Sara Deutsch said in a statement that the carrier is confident the commission will grant its approval. "The positive evaluation will help our application through the process at the FCC," she said.

--Glenn Bischoff, Senior News Writer