SYRACUSE -- Members of the Communications Workers of America held a rally at the Verizon building in downtown Syracuse Thursday, to urge the FCC and Public Service Commission to stop a proposed Verizon deal.
Protestors said the deal would create a monopoly that will destroy 25,000 jobs in New York and leave customers with fewer choices and higher prices when it comes to television, phone, and internet service.
A spokesperson for Verizon says the company believes the deal will actually enhance competition, allowing Verizon to take market share from wireless companies, while allowing cable companies to compete to offer the best package of services.
Verizon issued the following statement: "Verizon Wireless has made a persuasive case that the marketing agreements with the cable companies are strongly in the public interest. We believe these agreements will enhance competition, allowing Verizon Wireless to take market share from other wireless companies, while allowing cable companies to more vigorously compete by enabling them to offer wireless services as part of a triple or quad-play package of services. As a result of these enhanced offers, Verizon believes consumers will benefit with a variety of new packages and services."
