Competitive Effects Greenlining argued that The Final Decision notes ongoing market consolidation increasing consolidation in the caused by recent mergers wireline voice (Final Decision would result in fewer at p. 70, note 188), wireless competitors in the market and (Final Decision at p. 73, note could therefore result in a 200), and broadband markets reduction in competition. (Final Decision at p. 78). The Goodman 3/15/2016 Final Decision calculated the Testimony at p. 4; Goodman Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 06/01/2016 Testimony at pp. (HHI) for relevant markets, Opening Brief at p. 9. noting that the HHI is an indicator of increased market concentration which can result in decreased competition. Final Decision at p. 55, note 141. The Final Decision further noted that the mobile voice market particularly suffered from an increase in HHI (Final Decision at p. 74) and noted that of “40 percent Californians generally live in less densely populated MSAs and counties that we expect would be more concentrated for every product market we Final Decision at p. examine.” 56. Just and Reasonable Rates Greenlining, along with other The Final Decision clearly and consumer advocates, argued repeatedly states the that the Commission should obligation to Commission’s take additional action to ensure ensure that rates are just and that rates are just and reasonable for all customers. reasonable. Greenlining also See e,g, Final Decision at p. urged further action to address 189, COL 1 and p. 191, COL the concerns identified 17. elsewhere in the decision. See CforAT/Greenlining Comments on PD at pp. 7-11 and Final Decision at pp.
Competitive Effects Greenlining argued that ongoing market consolidation caused by recent mergers would result in fewer competitors in the market and could therefore result in a reduction in competition. Goodman 3/15/2016 Testimony at p. 4; Goodman 06/01/2016 Testimony at pp. Opening Brief at p. 9. The Final Decision notes increasing consolidation in the wireline voice (Final Decision at p. 70, note 188), wireless (Final Decision at p. 73, note 200), and broadband markets (Final Decision at p. 78). The Final Decision calculated the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for relevant markets, noting that the HHI is an indicator of increased market concentration which can result in decreased competition. Final Decision at p. 55, note 141. The Final Decision further noted that the mobile voice market particularly suffered from an increase in HHI (Final Decision at p. 74) and noted that “40 percent of Californians generally live in less densely populated MSAs and counties that we expect would be more concentrated for every product market we examine.” Final Decision at p. 56. Just and Reasonable Rates Greenlining, along with other consumer advocates, argued that the Commission should take additional action to ensure that rates are just and reasonable. Greenlining also urged further action to address the concerns identified elsewhere in the decision. See CforAT/Greenlining Comments on PD at pp. 7-11 and Final Decision at pp. The Final Decision clearly and repeatedly states the Commission’s obligation to ensure that rates are just and reasonable for all customers. See e,g, Final Decision at p. 189, COL 1 and p. 191, COL 17.
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