By Rep. Laura Sibilia

It’s crucial to ensure that every Vermonter, regardless of their location, has reliable communication services. Today, I want to point to a significant development impacting Consolidated Communications, a company that plays a vital role in our state’s communication infrastructure including landline phone service.

Consolidated Communications, the recipient of millions in state and federal public funds, is undergoing a transformation from a public company to a private one. This shift requires them to secure a Certificate of Public Good from the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC). This process is essential to ensure that as they evolve, the interests of Vermonters are protected, particularly those in rural areas who rely on landline services.

While Vermont has made commendable progress in expanding broadband access to every address, the reality is that this mission will take several more years to complete. In the interim, a significant portion of our population, especially in rural regions, continues to depend on their phone lines. The impending conversion of Consolidated Communications adds a layer of concern for these Vermonters.

A crucial step in this process is the upcoming public proceeding, a hearing organized by the PUC, where a joint petition from Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., Consolidated Communications of Northland Company, and Condor Holdings LLC will be scrutinized. This hearing, governed by Vermont state laws, specifically Sections 107, 109, and 311 of Title 30 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.), is designed to evaluate the project’s compliance with utility regulations and procedures.

Scheduled for March 7, 2024, starting at 7:00 P.M. via GoToMeeting videoconference, this hearing provides a platform for the companies involved to present their plans and to answer public questions. A presentation by the Vermont Department of Public Service at 6:30 P.M. will help outline the project.

I urge Vermonters, particularly those in rural areas heavily reliant on landline services, to actively engage in this process. The PUC allows public participation through attending the hearing, submitting comments, or intervening as formal parties to the case. You can sign up at EPUC to offer your insights, comments and concerns.

Please consider helping elderly neighbors and family members who may be directly impacted by this change. Encourage them to share their experiences with service quality, their dependence on the phone line, and any challenges faced in obtaining reliable communication services.Let’s work together to make sure all Vermonters, especially those in rural areas, have their voices heard in this process, ensuring a smooth transition for our communication services.

Rep. Laura H. Sibilia represent Dover, Jamaica, Somerset, Stratton and Wardsboro in the Vermont House of Representatives.

House Environment & Energy Committee, Vice Chair
House Rural Economic Development Caucus, Co-Chair
Vermont National Guard and Veterans Affairs Legislative Caucus, Founder and Co-Chair
Joint IT Oversight Committee
http://www.laurasibiliavt.com
cell (802)384-0233 @laurasibiliavt