Verizon to Shelve Massachusetts Plan

Verizon Communications said it will shelve an application to sell long-distance telephone service in Massachusetts because it needs to update data with the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon, the largest U.S. local phone company, said it acted to ensure competitors have a chance to evaluate information about its ability to offer access to fast Internet connections called digital subscriber lines. It plans to refile the application with new data in January. In October, the Justice Department criticized Verizon’s Massachusetts application, saying it fails to provide rivals with speedy access to its network. WorldCom Inc. and other competitors complained that Verizon charges too much when it leases lines, switches and other pieces of the network. Verizon shares fell 50 cents to close at $55.81 on the New York Stock Exchange.