Champion of Broadband
FairPoint Communications' $2.7 billion acquisition of Verizon's wireline
operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont sets the stage for the growth of
broadband services throughout the region.
Losing the signal?
Bringing broadband to rural New England is crucial to the region's economic
future. When telecom giant Verizon decided to focus its resources on deployment
in urban communities in sourthern New England and beyond, hopes for improved
rural access dimmed in northern New England. Enter FairPoint Communications,
specializing in rural and small urban telecom operations. FairPoint made a pitch
to acquire Verizon's wireline operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
The smaller company promised bigger results - 90% broadband availability and
nearly 700 new jobs in the region - but faced a chilly reception from regulators
and labor leaders who doubted it could deliver.
Communication wins the day
FairPoint retained us to obtain the required regulatory approvals from the
Maine Public Utilities Commission, a critical step in the acquisition. Fiercely
opposing us were powerful national unions that tried to persuade the Maine
legislature to block the deal. We spearheaded a full-out communications effort
to line up legislative support and educate the public on FairPoint's
capabilities and goals for Maine's future. After a hard-fought public battle
that saw months of media headlines and intensive litigation at the PUC combined
with extensive negotiations behind the scenes, a settlement agreement was
reached and approved by the Maine PUC over the objections of the opponents.
Maine's PUC became the first of the three state regulatory bodies to approve the
acquisition, paving the way for approvals in New Hampshire and Vermont.
FairPoint's acquisition of Verizon's wireline operations has been described
as the region's most important telecommunications deal in memory. We are proud
to have contributed, and we continue to work with FairPoint to transition its
work force and operations and to successfully implement its growth strategy.
