MONTPELIER, Vt. — Officials say customers of the telephone and broadband services provider FairPoint Communications won’t notice much difference at first after it merges with an Illinois-based telecommunications provider.
On Monday, Vermont utility regulators gave final approval that will allow FairPoint to merge with Consolidated Communications of Mattoon, Illinois. The Vermont action follows similar approvals from utility regulators in New Hampshire and Maine.
Consolidated officials say the deal is expected to be approved by Illinois regulators on Wednesday.
Consolidated Vice President Michael Michael Shultz says that among other things, Consolidated will continue with a FairPoint promise to expand and improve high-speed internet service to tens of thousands of customers in the three states. They will offer also other new services.
After the merger with FairPoint, Consolidated will be operating in 24 states.