Telecommunications
The Telecommunications Staff advises the Commission in regulating the telecommunications industry in Maine. Registered public utilities include incumbent local exchange carriers (FairPoint and twenty-one independent telephone companies), approximately 15 active competitive local exchange carriers (of over 30 authorized), and over 300 in-state toll providers. The Maine Public Utilities Commission's focus is in developing and implementing policies and procedures to facilitate competition in all telecommunications markets, address regulatory changes required by state and federal legislation, assure reasonably-priced essential services and provide consumer protections against abusive practices. The Commission does not regulate cable television, wireless/cellular, out-of-state long distance or Internet service providers.