Maine, N.H., Vt. wrestle with proposed phone deal

The proposed sale by Verizon Communications of its business in northern New England to FairPoint Communications is being reviewed by utility commissions and has drawn criticism from lawmakers in all three states. Here’s an update:

Maine: Parties including Verizon, FairPoint, smaller local phone companies, labor unions and others are in discovery – the legal process of exchanging information – as the case is pending before the Public Utilities Commission. Public hearings are set for September. A bill pending in the Legislature would set a higher standard for the commission to use in determining that a large utility sale would be good for the state.

New Hampshire: A similar process is under way before the Public Utilities Commission, but it has been holding a series of public hearings this month. A bill in the Legislature would provide extra money to the state’s office of public advocate to hire a consultant to help it scrutinize the telephone sale’s impacts on the Granite State.

Vermont: The Public Service Board held a public hearing on statewide Vermont Interactive Television earlier this month. As lawmakers geared up for an expected adjournment this weekend, the fate was uncertain for legislation that would call on the board to provide an extra layer of scrutiny to the deal. The measure’s principal backer said it could kill the deal if passed. The administration of Gov. Jim Douglas was working to kill the legislation.