Vermont Public Service Department, FairPoint agree to interim repair priority protocols

The Vermont Department of Public Service says FairPoint Communications has agreed to take steps to ensure timely repairs for those most vulnerable who are without phone service while a workers' strike continues.

The department said Friday that it has received more than 700 complaints about FairPoint's service since workers went on strike in October. The department says it has grave concerns about how many customers appear to be having serious delays in repair of service.

The department said those who do not have cell service will get priority. It also says all subscribers who experience a service outage for more than seven days will be tracked and reported to the department.

More than 1,700 workers across Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire went on strike on Oct. 17.