Senate committee to work on telecommunications carriers bill to make regulation fairer

On Wednesday, January 12th at 9 am in Room 27 of the Statehouse the Senate economic development committee (SEDHGA) will hold a hearing on a Committee draft bill to change the method by which FairPoint is regulated in Vermont. Following the hearing, the Committee will hold a press briefing at 10:30 am in the Cedar Creek Room, Statehouse.
The legislation says it would allow FairPoint to compete on a level playing field for business with cable companies, regional and independent phone companies and wireless providers. Those other companies can quote prices immediately, while FairPoint must have price changes approved by regulators ‘ often tacking on delays of one to seven weeks.
The proposed legislation, which has been drafted by Senator Vince Illuzzi, chair of the SEDHGA, would have FairPoint Communications regulated under the same rules that presently apply to most other telephone companies.
Although Illuzzi led the opposition in the General Assembly against the sale of Verizon’s assets in Vermont to FairPoint, he said he now feels it’s important to work with FairPoint to enable it to financially survive and deliver the best possible service to Vermonters.
FairPoint is not allowed to seek alternate regulation without going through a lengthy and expensive process before the Public Service Board.