AUGUSTA – Representatives from Fairpoint Communications appeared today before the Legislature’s Utilities and Energy Committee amid public scrutiny over their migration of customers’ Verizon e-mail addresses to the new MyFairpoint.net e-mail addresses.  One of the biggest issues addressed was Fairpoint’s lack of responsiveness and busy customer service phone lines.

Fairpoint got no tougher questions than from Freshman Rep. Sean Flaherty, D-Scarborough.   After being assured that Fairpoint had increased their responsiveness as of noon Tuesday, Flaherty probed for more information.

“I’m fielding complaints from constituents who said they’ve tried to call into Customer Service for hours, and all they got all day was a busy signal,” Flaherty said.  “I just stepped out and dialed your 1-800 Customer Service number twice in the last ten minutes,” Flaherty told the Fairpoint spokespeople, “I got a busy signal both times.  We need to be assured that when issues arise, that you are able to tackle them on behalf of your customers and our constituents.”

Flaherty’s questions of Fairpoint did not stop at the current migration issues facing phone and internet consumers. He also asked for information on how Fairpoint may be able to continue forwarding Verizon.net e-mails to the new MyFairpoint.net addresses.

Flaherty questioned at what cost to customers, and Fairpoint, would it take to enable Verizon e-mails to be forwarded to the myfairpoint addresses beyond the April 30th deadline.   He also suggested that as a consolation for the grief that Fairpoint customers are feeling currently, they could enable a longer forwarding time for their e-mails.

Fairpoint has agreed to appear back before the Utilities and Energy Committee in the near future.  Flaherty said he expects some answers and some honesty.   He argued that E-mail addresses are crucial people, including many small business owners.

“If there continues to be insurmountable hurdles for folks in my district, I will continue to do my best to clear up the issues and try to bring about a resolution,” said Flaherty.

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