I was pleased to see the Sept. 20 Associated Press article, “Maine regulators consider $500,000 fine against FairPoint for poor service,” discussing FairPoint’s poor quality record and a proposed fine for years of poor service. For too long, FairPoint customers here in Maine have endured lengthy outages and poor service from the company.

AARP Maine is grateful for the tireless efforts of the Maine Public Advocate’s Office to ensure that basic landline customers have a serviceable line as we head into the stormy winter months, when emergency help should always be only a phone call away for every Mainer. We hope that the public advocate and the Public Utilities Commission continue to make Maine consumers a priority as they deal with important utility issues like this one.

While many of us have moved to cellphones, basic landline service is critically important to many older Mainers, who rely on it for better health access or because they are unable to adopt smartphone technology.

AARP Maine remains committed to ensuring all Mainers have access to the reliable and affordable phone service they need, whether in Falmouth or Fort Kent. FairPoint’s customers have been more than patient.

It’s time to stop the arguing and start meeting the standards.

Rich Livingston

volunteer state president, AARP Maine

Biddeford

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