A staffer of New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission says that FairPoint Communication Incorporated’s purchase of Verizon’s landlines in the state is in the public interest.
Kate Bailey, the PUC’s director of telecommunications, testified at a hearing yesterday that FairPoint has committed to new capital investment, specific goals for broadband expansion, and keeping basic phone service rates unchanged for five years.
FairPoint, Verizon and commission staff have reached a modified agreement.
The deal needs approval in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Last week, Maine’s public utilities commission gave its final order approving the sale of Verizon’s landline business to FairPoint. Regulatory boards in New Hampshire and Vermont have not yet voted on the proposal.