Letter to FCC Chairman Genachowski

Letter

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he is urging the Public Services Commission and Federal Communications Commission to act swiftly on the pending review of Windstream's purchase of PAETEC. When the proposed purchase was announced, Schumer immediately lobbied Windstream CEO Jeff Gardner to commit to keeping a major presence in the Rochester region, and asked regulators to consider the impact on jobs before approving the merger. Now that Windstream has decided to move over 300 jobs into the old Seneca building at the Midtown plaza, and keep hundreds of other jobs at PAETEC's Perinton facility, Schumer is urging the PSC and FCC to move quickly on review of the purchase.

"With yesterday's announcement, it's absolutely clear that Windstream is committed to keeping hundreds of jobs right where they belong -- in Rochester," said Schumer. "Now that Windstream has shown that they want to be a partner with Rochester and its incredible workforce, I'm urging the PSC and the FCC to move swiftly on reviewing the proposed purchase. I welcome Windstream to Rochester, and wish them years of success in Upstate New York."

The PSC and FCC must approve of Windstream's purchase of PAETEC in order for the agreement to be finalized. The PSC could take up the matter as soon as Thursday, and Schumer is pushing for the FCC to consider the purchase as quickly as possible. Schumer's push comes after he joined Rochester Mayor Tom Richards and Windstream CEO Jeff Gardner to announce that Windstream will open a newly built office building in downtown at the Midtown site which will accommodate hundreds of its workers. Windstream will occupy two thirds of the former Seneca Building that will be redeveloped under the agreement, creating an anchor in the Midtown Plaza site that should help attract other tenants and new businesses to the plaza. Windstream's decision means that hundreds of PAETEC jobs will come to downtown Rochester, and comes after Schumer personally lobbied Mr. Gardner to make a major commitment to the Rochester region after the company announced its planned purchase of PAETEC. Windstream will also maintain a significant local presence at PAETEC's Perinton facility.

Dear FCC Chairman Genachowski,

Several months ago, I wrote to you to express concern about the pending acquisition of Rochester-based PAETEC Holding Corp. by Arkansas-based Windstream Corporation. In particular, I was concerned about the jobs consequences for Rochester as a result of the merger as well as the continuation of a construction project started by PAETEC to build a new downtown office which is integral to local, state, and federal efforts to revitalize downtown Rochester.

I am happy to report that, since I sent you that letter, the parties have come together and announced an agreement that will maintain a significant number of PAETEC's employees in Monroe County and proceed with the construction of a new downtown office for the combined company. This landmark agreement means that Windstream will be part of Rochester's future, and Rochester will be part of Windstream's -- a positive outcome for all involved.

In light of this agreement, I urge you to take swift action on your pending review of the merger. As such, I would appreciate an update from the FCC on its anticipated timeline to approve and conclude this matter. A quick decision will provide much needed certainty to the many groups who have worked hard to make this agreement a reality.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

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