As a result of Public Law 2015, Chapter 462 enacted by the Maine Legislature in 2016, Consolidated Communications (formerly FairPoint) is relieved of its obligation to offer Provider of Last Resort (POLR) Service in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Auburn, Biddeford, Sanford, Scarborough, Gorham, Waterville, Kennebunk, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Bath, Westbrook, Freeport, Brewer, Kittery, Windham, Brunswick, and Augusta (the "deregulated municipalities").
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is POLR Service? Incumbent local exchange carriers like Consolidated Communications offer POLR service, which provides consumers the ability to receive a flat-rate service with voice-grade access to the public switched telephone network within a basic local calling area. It’s the most basic form of telephone service.
Is this service being deregulated? Yes. In areas where telephone service has been deregulated, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will no longer have jurisdiction to regulate Consolidated Communications' retail rates and will no longer oversee many aspects of Consolidated's telephone service.
Will I still be able to get telephone service from Consolidated? Yes. For one year, Consolidated must continue to offer current POLR customers a POLR-equivalent service in recently deregulated municipalities . After that, Consolidated will still provide telephone service in the deregulated municipalities, but will no longer be required to offer a POLR-equivalent service.
Will Consolidated continue to provide Lifeline service? Yes. Consolidated will continue to provide Lifeline benefits to eligible customers.
If there is a problem with my Consolidated service, who should I complain to? For one year, customers in the deregulated municipalities who receive POLR-equivalent service may bring complaints or disputes regarding their service to either Consolidated or the PUC's Consumer Assistance and Safety Division. After that, customers with complaints or disputes may contact Consolidated, the Office of the Public Advocate, or the Maine Attorney General's Office.
Will my rates go up after deregulation? After the obligation to provide POLR service is removed, Consolidated will, for one year, offer current POLR service customers in the deregulated municipalities a POLR-equivalent service at current rates. After that, Consolidated may charge a new rate for telephone service.
Are there other choices for telephone service? Yes. Customers may learn more about options in their community by referring to the National Broadband Map at www.broadbandmap.gov or the Maine Public Advocate’s Office Ratewatcher Telecom Guide at www.maine.gov/meopa. You can also call the Public Advocate’s Office at (207) 624-3687 for assistance.
Why is the Maine Public Utilities Commission involved? As a result of changes in law, the only retail telephone service offering that falls within the PUC’s regulatory authority is POLR service. The 127th Maine Legislature removed the PUC's POLR regulatory authority in the deregulated municipalities listed above. Additional municipalities may be removed if Consolidated meets certain service quality standards.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Commission at (800) 452-4699.