Verizon-MCI deal clears final regulatory hurdle

VZ "said on Friday that Washington state telecoms regulators had approved its purchase of MCI, which sets the stage for Verizon and MCI to close the deal in early January. With the OK from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, the companies have now received all required regulatory approvals for the $8.6 billion deal, including federal, state and international, Verizon said."