In this wrap-up report on the saga of FairPoint, it's not hard to see a risk for establishing "telecommunications backwaters" in states where major phone companies exit for "greener pastures." The companies taking over service must be held to high standards, even if it means rejecting the deal. (Image courtesy: pfly)

Unlucky part thirteen is especially appropriate.  Is this the final chapter?  Hardly, as the telephone company’s endless problems perpetuate a never-ending saga of bad service, woefully inadequate planning, and unprepared regulators.  It’s an illustration of the future telecommunications backwaters that many communities will cope with as major providers leave for richer returns elsewhere.

However, we have reached the end of the beginning — the review of the entire sordid history of Verizon-FairPoint transaction from its beginning in 2007 until June 2009.

In this wrap-up, the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are coping with ongoing delays in service requests, major billing problems from FairPoint, and company requests to begin enforcing collection action against those with past due accounts.

We begin with a friendly interview, from FairPoint’s perspective, with WMUR’s New Hampshire Business.  Host Fred Kocher is one of the few people we’ve seen speak in positive terms about FairPoint.  FairPoint spokesperson Jill Wurm didn’t exactly need to squirm in her seat in this interview on May 22nd.

[flv width=”480″ height=”360″]http://www.phillipdampier.com/video/WMUR Manchester Status Check On FairPoint Issues 5-22-09.flv[/flv]

Billing issues have been part of the long lasting problems customers have faced with the switch from Verizon to FairPoint, with wrong amounts, payments going unapplied, and new charges for disconnected lines driving customers crazy.  FairPoint sought approval to begin collection activity on past due accounts, and as WMUR reports on June 3rd, state regulators wanted to monitor the process to make sure a new nightmare wouldn’t begin:

[flv width=”480″ height=”360″]http://www.phillipdampier.com/video/WMUR Manchester FairPoint Says Some Bills Seriously Overdue 6-3-09.flv[/flv]

Finally, back on June 9th, New Hampshire regulators decided it would be appropriate to review where things stand with FairPoint, with another hearing with the public and company executives.  WMUR closes our series with their report:

[flv width=”480″ height=”360″]http://www.phillipdampier.com/video/WMUR Manchester FairPoint Meets With State Regulators 6-9-09.flv[/flv]

Where do we go from here?  The FairPoint story has hardly ended, and we’ll continue coverage as issues warrant.  Meanwhile, Frontier Communications’ proposed takeover of Verizon customers in multiple states is just beginning.  We’ll be advocating that customers, as well as regulatory officials, take to heart the experiences of New England’s endless adventures with FairPoint and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.