The Federal Communications Commission on Friday approved the pending merger between Qwest Communications and CenturyLink Inc., Oregon’s first- and third-largest telephone service providers, respectively.

During the review process by the FCC, the companies made several voluntary commitments that will significantly advance the commission’s goals of promoting infrastructure investment and expanding broadband availability, while protecting consumers and fostering competition, according to a news release from the companies. CenturyLink committed to increase broadband service availability, encourage the adoption of broadband service in the combined service territory, preserve certain competitive rates, and transition wholesale operations systems in a timely and orderly manner, the release said.

The companies expect to close the merger and combine operations on April 1, subject to receipt of the remaining necessary regulatory approval. The combined company will use the name CenturyLink, and its stock will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under CenturyLink’s current symbol, CTL. Qwest shares outstanding at the end of the business day immediately prior to the close date will convert to CenturyLink shares on the close date at an exchange rate of 0.1664 share of CenturyLink for each share of Qwest.