CenturyLink-Level 3 Deal Gets New Regulatory Clearance

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Four more states have given the OK to CenturyLink’s acquisition of Level 3 Communications.

CenturyLink announced on Monday that Alaska, Colorado, New York and Pennsylvania have approved its $34 billion purchase.

John Jones, CenturyLink’s senior vice president of public policy and government relations, says more than 20 states and territories have officially given their blessing to the deal, including: Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, Texas and Puerto Rico.

“The combined company will have an extensive global network with a greater range of services that will meet customers’ and communities’ growing bandwidth and technology needs,” Jones said.

The companies first disclosed the deal Oct. 31, 2016. It will create one of the largest telecommunications providers in the U.S. CenturyLink and Level 3 both say their customers and partners will get access to a broader portfolio and more bandwidth.

CenturyLink last month unveiled details about what its leadership structure will be when the deal closes in the fall. Level 3 CEO Jeff Storey will lead the combined company.

The companies say they aim to finalize all of the necessary regulatory approvals by Sept. 30.