FairPoint, independent phone companies come to terms

PORTLAND – FairPoint Communications announced Friday it has reached agreements with 38 independent phone companies in northern New England regarding network management issues if FairPoint’s proposed acquisition of Verizon’s landline operations goes through.

FairPoint reached agreements with 22 independent exchange carriers in Maine, eight in New Hampshire and eight more in Vermont. Negotiations are ongoing with one additional independent company, Union Telephone in New Hampshire.

In the agreements, the independent companies indicate they are satisfied that FairPoint will continue to provide them with the same services that they receive from Verizon over Verizon’s telephone lines, FairPoint officials said.

The agreements represent one more step in FairPoint’s attempt to buy Verizon’s landline operations in the three-state region for $2.7 billion. Approval of all three states’ regulatory agencies is needed for the sale to go through.

Public Utilities Commission hearings on the proposal begin Monday in New Hampshire.

In advance of the hearings, Executive Councilor Raymond Burton endorsed the plan. He represents the northern part of the state, parts of which have lagged behind in acquiring high-speed Internet service.

“Fast and efficient communications in rural areas is essential for business, the community, and residential uses,” he said. “FairPoint assures us it will bring that to all rural areas of our state.”

In Maine, the Public Utilities Commission announced this week that its staff has begun its analysis of the proposal.

The analysis is scheduled for completion on Nov. 21, and the commission plans to hold deliberative sessions in December to determine if the acquisition is in the interest of the public, ratepayers and investors.