Analyst: FairPoint buyer will expand broadband, TV options

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The company that's buying FairPoint Communications is likely to expand broadband to more customers and to compete with cable companies for TV customers.

Illinois-based Consolidated Communications already has video offerings in other markets, and an analyst says the network can support such service in northern New England.

Telecommunications analyst Barry Sine from Drexel Hamilton said he expects the company to compete for cable TV customers in some markets in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. That would be welcome news to customers in places where cable companies currently have a near-monopoly.

Consolidated plans to buy FairPoint in a deal worth $1.5 billion. The boards of both companies have agreed but regulators must sign off, as well.