Last Friday was the final day for FairPoint Communications to file arguments with the Vermont Public Service Department supporting its planned $2.7 billion acquisition of Verizon Communications properties in New England. The public service agencies in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are moving toward decisions on the deal within the next month or so on a deal announced last January, and the controversy still isn't cooling. This is particularly true in Vermont, where the acquisition may need to meet several conditions.
Many Verizon union workers still oppose the deal, along with public advocate groups and some elected officials (as Election day draws near). They are worried about North Carolina-based FairPoint's ability to manage the new properties, the cost of the deal and future broadband commitments. FairPoint continues to re-assure the opposition that everything will be fine.
For more:
- See this story about final arguments in The Burlington Free Press
- Newsday provides this overview from the Associated Press wire
Related articles:
- FairPoint and Verizon have faced much criticism