PSC Approves $125M Restructuring of Telecommunications Companies
Summary
The New York State Public Service Commission conditionally approved a parent-level restructuring transferring indirect control of Archtop Fiber LLC and its subsidiaries, including Alteva of Warwick LLC, GTel Teleconnections, Hilltop Communications, and Hancock Telephone Company. The companies committed to invest at least $125 million in New York over four years to improve infrastructure and expand high-speed broadband networks. The restructuring facilitates a five-year $115 million term loan through 2030.
What changed
The PSC granted conditional approval for a parent-level restructuring involving Archtop Fiber LLC and six subsidiary telecommunications companies, including Alteva, GTel, Hilltop Communications, and Hancock Telephone Company. The restructuring facilitates a $115 million term loan through 2030, with companies committing at least $125 million in New York infrastructure investment from 2026-2029, including passing approximately 94,800 addresses with broadband service.
Affected companies—local exchange providers serving approximately 4,000 access lines in Columbia, Delaware, and Orange counties, plus broadband providers statewide—should note the Commission's finding that the transaction will have no impact on ultimate ownership, operations, competition, employment, or customer service. No new compliance obligations are imposed beyond the investment commitments, and customers should experience no change in telecommunications services.
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
PSC Approves $125 Million Restructuring of Telecommunications Companies in New York State
Companies Commit to Invest at Least $125 Million in New York ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today conditionally approved a parent level restructuring that will transfer indirect control of Archtop Fiber LLC (Archtop Fiber) and its subsidiaries, including Alteva of Warwick LLC (Alteva); Germantown Telephone Company Inc. d/b/a GTel Teleconnections (GTel); Valstar, Inc. dba GTel Teleconnections; Hilltop Communications, Inc.; Hancock Telephone Company (HTC), Hancock Long Distance, and Han Cel, Inc. The Commission also granted authority for these entities to participate in certain financing arrangements.
“This transaction will result in stronger telecommunications and cable markets in New York State,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Further, the transaction will be seamless to customers as it is not expected to cause any change to New York residential, business, or enterprise customers’ telecommunications or cable services or service providers. It is a win for consumers.”
Alteva, GTel and HTC provide local exchange services in Columbia, Delaware, and Orange counties, which combined serve approximately 4,000 local access lines. Archtop Fiber provides broadband internet service in various communities in New York State.
The purpose of the restructuring is to facilitate a five-year term loan of $115 million through 2030. The companies state that the restructuring will have no impact on the ultimate ownership or control of the New York operations or any negative impact on operations, competition, employment markets, or service to consumers. The companies indicate that the new loans are necessary to provide the companies with capital needed to expand and improve their core fiber broadband networks, providing growth and innovation, and strengthening operations in the Northeast region.
Specifically, the companies commit to invest at least $125 million in New York over the four-year period from 2026 to 2029 to improve infrastructure, extend their high-speed broadband network, and improve customers’ service, including upgrading switches, firewalls, and other electronics at local market offices and hub sites; passing approximately 94,800 addresses; performing data center upgrades benefitting all Archtop Fiber customers; and deploying new interconnection facilities to interconnect New York markets without the need to rely on third-party circuits.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s website at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 25-M-0326 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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26040/25-M-0326
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