AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Public Utilities commissioners have unanimously rejected FairPoint's request to get about $67 million a year from the so-called Universal Service Fund to pay for what's called "provider of last resort service" to nearly 30,000 Mainers.
It's a good decision, says Maine Public Advocate Tim Schnieder.
"We think the commission reached the right outcome," he says. "But, really, this is just the beginning of an ongoing process to figure out how to make sure Mainers have continued availability, universal access, to quality telecommunications."
What the company was asking for would have increased phone bills by about $5 a month, for both landline and cell phones.
FairPoint's Jeff Nevins, in an email, says the company is "surprised and puzzled" by the commission's action. But Nevins declined further comment until the actual order in the case is issued.
