Vt., FairPoint agree on settlement

MONTPELIER — The state of Vermont and FairPoint Communications say they believe a $1.6 million settlement is a good way to resolve a series of complaints about the company’s service after it took over the landline telephone and Internet system in the state.
FairPoint could have faced penalties of up to $10.8 million for service problems after it took over the system from Verizon in 2009.
The Public Service Department’s James Porter says the company has fixed many of the problems, such as customers receiving wrong bills.
The settlement money would be used to further expand broadband service in Vermont.
FairPoint’s Vermont President Michael Smith tells Vermont Public Radio the settlement should allow the company to compete successfully against other telecom providers.
The settlement must be approved by utility regulators.

-- The Associated Press