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PUC Moves to Implement Phone Service Changes

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Public Utilities Commission has voted unanimously to open formal rulemaking proceedings to implement changes in the telephone provider of last resort - or POLR - legislation passed earlier this year.

All three commissioners say it's a major change that deserves a through hearing and deliberation.

"Also of significance in this notice of inquiry is the continued concern for customers and ratepayers who might be affected by the removal of POLR obligations," says Commissioner Bruce Williamson.

The three PUC commissioners say the changes in the law that will end the decades-old requirement of land line phone companies like FairPoint to provide a basic no frills telephone service at a very low cost is a significant change that deserves a full blown review by the PUC, with hearings and rulemaking.

Journalist Mal Leary spearheads Maine Public's news coverage of politics and government and is based at the State House.