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Public utilities

Verizon Seeks Confidential Treatment for Trade Secrets in California Public Utilities Commission Proceedings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Verizon Communications Inc. has filed a motion with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to keep certain information related to its cell site location plans and Frontier's buildout locations confidential. The motion, filed in conjunction with the Public Advocates Office, seeks to maintain the confidentiality of two confidential exhibits attached to the joint motion. The CPUC has issued an order granting Verizon's motion, allowing it to keep the information under seal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Verizon has filed a motion to keep confidential information related to its cell site location plans and Frontier's buildout locations.
  • The confidential information includes the locations of 250 new cell sites and Frontier's planned buildout locations for 2025 and 2026.
  • The information is considered trade secrets and proprietary by Verizon, and disclosure would harm the company's competitive position.
  • The CPUC has granted Verizon's motion, allowing the company to keep the information under seal.
  • The confidential information will not be accessible or disclosed to anyone except Commission staff, the Administrative Law Judge, or the law and motion judge, unless further ordered by the Commission.

Statistics:

  • 250 new cell sites are planned by Verizon, with locations to be known only through confidential means.
  • Frontier's buildout locations for 2025 and 2026 will also be kept confidential.
  • The confidential information is considered trade secrets and is protected under the California Public Records Act.
  • The CPUC has granted Verizon's motion, allowing the company to maintain confidentiality of the information.

Sources:

  • California Public Utilities Commission. (2024). In the Matter of the Joint Application of Verizon Communications Inc., Frontier Communications Parent, Inc., et al. for Approval of the Transfer of Control of Frontier California Inc., et al. (U 1002 C), (U 1024 C), (U 1026 C), (U 7167 C), (U 5429 C), to Verizon Communications Inc. Pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Section 854 A.
  • DLA Piper LLP (US). (2025). Motion of Verizon for Leave to File Confidential Attachment 1 to Joint Motion of Verizon and Public Advocates Office for Adoption of Settlement Agreement Under Seal.
  • California Public Utilities Commission. (2025). [PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING MOTION.

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