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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 M A R C H 7 , 2 0 1 6 Reed says the agreement reflects a consensus that emerged from six stakeholder meetings held since last fall. "During those six meetings we had good healthy debate," he says, noting that in the end it boiled down to the company and the public advocate finding a common ground they both could live with. "is gives both FairPoint and the state a path forward," he says, in balancing the state's POLR goals with 21 st century telecommunication industry realities. Hurdles still remain Gaining the support of Schneider's office is a signifi- cant victory for FairPoint, since the public advocate had vigorously opposed the company's more sweeping proposals embedded in LD 1302, "An Act To Increase Competition and Ensure a Robust Information and Telecommunications Market," the bill carried over from last year's session of the 127 th Legislature. But it's by no means the final hurdle. e next step is to work out the language of a new bill reflecting the stakeholders' consensus. LD 1302 was pulled off the table during a Feb. 24 work session of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. In its place, language from the stakeholders' agreement will be incorporated into what had been a placeholder bill, LD 466, having the same title. e goal is to bring the new bill to a vote by the full Legislature before its statutory adjournment on April 20. "We're going to sweep all the stakeholder concerns into one bill," says state Rep. Larry C. Dunphy, sponsor of LD 466 and a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technology committee. "I'm not sure we'll end up with a bill that addresses all of the concerns. It is an incred- ibly complex issue. ere is some common agreement, but there are some difficult differences that remain." e draft compromise that Schneider sent by email to Mainebiz includes these provisions: No obligation for the existing POLR provider to provide that service in 25 communities: Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Auburn, Biddeford, Sanford, Brunswick, Scarborough, Saco, Augusta, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Waterville, Kennebunk, Standish, Kittery, Brewer, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Bath, Freeport, Belfast. Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, an incumbent POLR provider may petition to the Public Utilities Commission to be relieved of its obligation in one or more municipalities. e PUC "shall grant such request" if there's: 1. At least one wireline provider offering service to at least 95% of the municipality's households; 2. At least one mobile telecommunications provider serving at least 97% of the municipality's households. POLR providers not receiving Maine Universal Service Funding must report service quality metrics for "network trouble" and "missed appointments." Failure to meet specified minimum service require- ments will trigger PUC review and possibly lead to being directed to take steps to improve service. e PUC will report back to the Legislature by Jan. 15, 2018, on the impact eliminating POLR services might have had on the 25 deregulated communities. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Voice. Data. Video. Today—more than ever—successful businesses are relying on their voice and data networks to increase productivity, enhance customer service and streamline business operations. Connectivity Point is a Maine-owned company, specializing in the design and installation of infrastructure for voice, data, video and security applications. We're like I.T. guys. With tools. We offer free estimates and pride ourselves on developing creative solutions for unique situations. Get to know us at connectivitypoint.com phone systems cellular amplification video conferencing audio/visual equipment sound masking server rooms security solutions network cabling wireless networks connectivity point design & installation / ME-NH-MA / 866-782-0200 / connectivitypoint.com network cabling / audio visual / security / wireless / telephone

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