PUC talks today on Fairpoint

PORTLAND – The Public Utilities Commission will take up several issues today in advance of its final deliberations on Verizon’s proposed sale of its wired phone network to FairPoint Communications.

Among the questions facing the commission at the Augusta meeting is whether to grant a hearing sought by labor unions on a partial settlement reached by the two companies, state consumer advocates and other parties in the case.

With the holidays approaching and no time to consider the proposed settlement, the commissioners have decided to defer final action until January.

The sale also requires approval by regulators in Vermont and New Hampshire.