The Maine Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings next month in Fort Kent, Bangor and Portland on the proposal by FairPoint Communications Inc. to purchase Verizon’s land-based telephone and Internet services in Maine.

The public is welcome to attend and give input, but the PUC requests that comments be limited to those who have not filed for intervenor status or do not have legal representation in the proceeding.

The public hearings are scheduled for:

. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 18 at 23 University Drive in Fort Kent

. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Bangor High School auditorium

. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 25 at Portland High School

Hearings for FairPoint, Verizon and other legal parties in the matter will take place in Augusta and are scheduled for the entire week of Oct. 2 and the following week if needed.