FairPoint Exec Grilled By RegulatorsFairPoint Exec Grilled By Regulators

Struggling with a heavy debt load and hoards of disgruntled customers, FairPoint Communications CEO David Hauser told skeptical regulators from three Northern New England states that the company expects to have a plan in place by the end of November to resolve its customer service problems.

Telecommunications regulators grilled Hauser, who took over the helm at FairPoint two months ago, as they sought answers to learn why there hasn't been more progress since FairPoint took over assets from Verizon Communications in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

"I have a huge sense of urgency," said Hauser at the public hearing Wednesday. "Let's face it -- Northern New England is what makes or breaks FairPoint, now, tomorrow, and next week as far as we can see." Hauser and other FairPoint executives have raised the specter of bankruptcy in recent weeks, although they have said they successfully dealing with FairPoint's debt load. Hauser said he expects the firm's debt will be reduced in the next few months.

Hauser, a former Duke Energy executive, heads a new executive team at FairPoint that includes Vicky Weatherwax, vice president of internal business solutions, who is directing outside analysts reviewing the company's operations. She told the regulators that recommendations are expected by mid-November and an implementation plan should follow by the end of the month.

Hauser said FairPoint is moving from a "workaround" status to a "fix-it and improve it" mentality.

James Volz, chairman of the Vermont Public Service Board, cited his "frustration" over the failure of FairPoint to fix customer service and operational problems and noted that the company had repeatedly said those problems would be solved.

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