FairPoint fights back

FairPoint Communications fought back against its critics this week and told state officials it's done nothing that would result in its license to operate being taken away. The Vermont Public Service Department this summer asked the Public Service Board, which regulates telecommunication companies, to open an investigation to determine why the company's authority to operate should not be revoked. Board members were surprised by FairPoint officials who said do not believe there is evidence to support that move. The PSD's James Porter said the Department's concerns have been clearly explained to FairPoint officials during informal monthly workshops. He called for the end of those workshops during the meeting Wednesday, saying future conversations with the company need to be formal and on-the-record.