In The News: Lawmakers Question Verizon-FairPoint Deal

Growing numbers of lawmakers are standing with CWA and IBEW members in voicing concern over the pending sale of Verizon's access lines in Northern New England to tiny FairPoint Communications.

Vermont Republican Vince Illuzzi, chair of the state Senate Economic Development Committee, joined a delegation of union and community leaders in late November to deliver 2,600 postcards to the governor from citizens who oppose the sale.

"Vermont is in dire need of broadband access for every business and household — not someday, not maybe, and not when Verizon or FairPoint gets around to it," said Illuzzi. He and other opponents are concerned that FairPoint, which is assuming $1.7 billion of additional debt in the deal, won't have the ability to maintain, let alone upgrade, services.

In New Hampshire, more than 50 state legislators have written to the Public Service Commission urging officials to either block the sale or impose conditions on FairPoint. Meanwhile, CWA radio and online ads have been urging the public to e-mail lawmakers from the campaign's website, www.stopthesalenow.com.