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Commission accepts Verizon tariff change; commissioners press company on supplier diversity shift
Summary
The commission accepted Verizon Maryland LLC tariff pages raising certain business line and PBX trunk rates and questioned Verizon executives about a recent company decision to withdraw from the PSC's supplier‑diversity memorandum of understanding and announce a nationwide small business development initiative.
The Public Service Commission accepted Verizon Maryland LLC's tariff filing, effective June 1, 2025, that raises the business 'bridged' line month‑to‑month rate from $35 to $37 and the 24‑month term plan rate from $23 to $25, staff told the commission on June 4. Cameron Wallen presented staff’s compliance review and recommended acceptance; the commission voted to accept the tariff pages.
Commissioners used the Verizon agenda item to press Verizon on a separate company filing notifying the commission that it had withdrawn from the state supplier‑diversity memorandum of understanding (MOU). Doug Smith, Verizon vice president for state government affairs, said the company will not participate in the PSC’s July 8 supplier‑diversity hearing because it is directing resources to a newly announced national Small Business Development Program (announced May 13). Smith said Verizon’s new initiative will include networking, training, grants and mentoring.
Commissioners said Verizon’s withdrawal from the MOU — a program the company helped found and that ties utilities to state supplier‑diversity goals — warrants clearer public explanation. Commissioner Linton asked Verizon to share outreach materials and to explain how the new program will maintain opportunities for Maryland‑based small businesses that historically benefited from the MOU. Verizon said it intends to continue purchasing from capable suppliers and to communicate the new program to stakeholders; Verizon committed to provide the PSC with follow‑up materials describing the new initiative.
Why this matters: The tariff change is a routine rate filing but Commissioner Linton and colleagues flagged potential local economic consequences of Verizon’s strategic shift away from the PSC MOU. Commissioners asked Verizon to provide public details about its new small business program so the commission and stakeholders can assess whether Maryland‑based small businesses will continue to have procurement pathways with the company.
Sources: PSC administrative meeting transcript, June 4, 2025; staff memorandum and Verizon filings.
