Bill looks to cut University of Maine Internet sales

FairPoint Communications took its cyber turf war with the University of Maine System to the Maine State House on Wednesday, arguing for new restrictions on the institution's ability to sell high-speed Internet services.

Relations between Maine's largest telecommunications company and the university system have been strained since last year when FairPoint officials accused the public system of unfairly competing with the private sector in offering broadband Internet. On Wednesday, lawmakers heard heated debate about whether UMS' efforts to expand the state's high-speed Internet infrastructure would undercut FairPoint's attempts to grow its broadband business, which the company believes is key to its long-term survival. Supporters of the university system, meanwhile, said it was FairPoint's legislative proposal that could keep Maine in the "dark ages."

"This bill, if passed, serves only the interests of one bankrupt company at the expense of Maine people," said Sen. Elizabeth Schneider (D-Orono).