Telecom Ramblings

Competitive service provider PAETEC (NASDAQ:PAET - chart, news, filings) has joined the expansion parade with a move into Vermont.  PAETEC has long been in most markets in New England, but had not cracked the Green Mountain State in any major way.  Of course in internet geography it is well off the beaten path so there aren’t many providers who do have a major business in the state. That makes 46 states now where they have a presence, and I’m sure they will be expanding further as 2010 rolls along.

I suspect that in part PAETEC is looking to take advantage of the travails of Fairpoint, which is currently restructuring after a disastrous 2009.  None of the northern New England states are at all happy with Fairpoint right now, whether in the private or public sectors.  I’d say it is definitely an opportunity for PAETEC, though it’s not a big revenue draw of course.