PORTLAND – Utility regulators approved FairPoint Communications’ bankruptcy reorganization plan Thursday and its request to modify an agreement it made with the state when it took over Verizon’s landline and Internet operations.

On a 2-1 vote, the Public Utilities Commission approved FairPoint’s petition seeking approval of its bankruptcy plan and changes to the commission’s 2008 order approving FairPoint’s $2.3 billion purchase of Verizon properties in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Among other things, FairPoint was seeking a six-month delay for completion of the first phase of its broadband expansion plans, a reduction in the number of broadband lines that must be in service upon completion of its five-year expansion plan, and the ability to offer different pricing plans in different areas of the state.

North Carolina-based FairPoint is seeking similar approvals in New Hampshire and Vermont, but regulators in those states have yet to make decisions.

FairPoint filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October.

 


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