Commission approves Lumos Fiber certification and Zayo transfer of control pending federal approvals

The Public Service Commission approved two telecommunications petitions in its June open meeting, granting certification for a new fiber operator and approving a transfer of control for existing Zayo licensees subject to federal approvals.

Staff told the commission that Lumos Fiber of Mississippi LLC had demonstrated the financial, technical and managerial qualifications required to serve enterprise customers statewide and recommended granting a CPC to operate as a facilities-based competitive local exchange carrier. "Granting this application would serve the public interest by fostering competition, expanding customer choice, promoting competitive pricing, and improved service quality," the staff presenter said. The commission approved the petition by voice vote.

Commissioner Carrigan raised construction and contractor concerns, asking whether the company was registered in state and whether the commission could require stipulations ensuring contractors were registered with the state board of contractors and that personnel were qualified. Carrigan cited local problems with boring contractors and locate procedures on gas pipelines and asked staff to check registration and paperwork; staff said it would look into the matter.

On a separate telecommunications docket (2026-UA-11), staff summarized a joint petition to transfer control of Fiber Asset Co, Zayo Group and Zayo Network Services to Duncan Holco (SoftBank-linked ownership). Staff said the licensees are in good standing, no operational changes were proposed in Mississippi and the FCC application remains pending; "the staff recommends approval of this joint petition subject to the receiving the required federal approvals," staff said. Commissioners approved the petition by voice vote, noting federal approval remains outstanding.

Why it matters: Approvals open the way for new fiber service competition in the state and clear ownership transactions for existing carriers; construction oversight questions may affect local permitting and safety practices.

What’s next: The Lumos certification was granted and the Zayo transfer approved subject to required federal approvals; commissioners asked staff to follow up on contractor registration and construction oversight.