PUC denies FairPoint investigation
State utilities regulators have denied a request for an investigation into FairPoint's billing practices, the latest development in a dispute between the North Carolina-based telecommunications company and a Biddeford phone and Internet service provider.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission yesterday unanimously denied a petition by GWI to investigate FairPoint's wholesale billing practices, saying the issue of access to fiber optic networks falls into the realm of the Federal Communications Commission. "Although we decline this petition from GWI because it is beyond our jurisdiction, we will not hesitate to intervene in the future to enforce FairPoint's interconnection obligations, which do fall within our jurisdiction," PUC Chair Sharon Reishus said in the release. The PUC also denied GWI's request for a temporary emergency moratorium to prevent FairPoint from disconnecting any of its wholesale customers, and directed both companies to file comments with the FCC.
It's the most recent development in a dispute between FairPoint and GWI surrounding $2 million FairPoint says GWI owes for using its network to service large customers. FairPoint said it plans to cut service to about 3,000 GWI customers if it's not paid by Feb. 12.
In related news, FairPoint has delayed filing its bankruptcy reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York for the third time, saying it needs more time to negotiate with lenders, unions and other stakeholders, according to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. The company has not set a new date.
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