Advocate: FairPoint bankrupcty won’t hurt NH users

BC-NH — FairPoint-NH, 2nd Ld-Writethru,0092

Advocate: FairPoint bankrupcty won’t hurt NH users

Eds: APNewsNow. RECASTS lead to clarify.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Gov. John Lynch says New Hampshire will work to protect consumers in FairPoint Communications’ effort to reorganize now that it has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Lynch said Monday that the attorney general’s office and outside counsel will appear on behalf of the state at the initial hearing in New York. Lynch said for FairPoint to restructure as a viable company, its first priorities must be improving customer service and expanding broadband.

New Hampshire consumer advocate Meredith Hatfield says FairPoint Communications’ bankruptcy should not affect customers’ phone service.