The Maine Public Utilities Commission is considering a staff recommendation to fine FairPoint Communications for failing to meet the state’s telephone service quality metrics.
According toa story by Maine Public Broadcasting, the company failed to meet the standards over a period of approximately 18 months.
According to the story, the company’s inability to clear telephone service problems within 24 hours was particularly troublesome.
FairPoint experienced similar problems in Vermont over the same period, and the Public Service Board opened an investigation into service quality issues and a failure of the state’s Emergency 911 system attributed in part to FairPoint equipment.
Eventually, Vermont regulators said they were satisfied the company had rectified the problems and they agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding in return for FairPoint’s commitment to apply for federal funds to improve internet service. No fines were levied.
Currently, the Public Service Board is considering a company request to drop telephone service quality standards for all Vermont FairPoint customers who have access to alternative wireline telephone service.
The company says service quality requirements would remain in place for those customers with no alternative to FairPoint telephone service, but it is asking regulators to extend the time necessary to perform repairs from 24 hours to 48 hours.
