Fairpoint Communications, a provider of rural telephone service, has had its bid to buy some rural Verizon landlines rejected by the Vermont state government. Verizon and Fairpoint announced the deal, which consists of 1.6 million landlines in Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire, nearly a year ago.
The deal has also faced opposition from regulators in Maine. The Vermont Public Service Board's decision doesn't terminate the deal, but it forces the companies to reach a new agreement, which could mean lowering the sale price.
It's just another reminder of how much regulators shape and condition the telecom market.
