Kaitlin Lembo is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media phone and internet provider FairPoint Communications is beginning the process of rebranding itself under a new name. North Carolina-based FairPoint was purchased by Consolidated Communications for approximately $1.5 billion in a sale finalized in December 2017. FairPoint has operations in 17 states, and boasts the largest network in northern New England, comprised of 21,000 miles of fiber. The company maintains offices in Chatham, Copake and Kinderhook. “This transaction combines two companies with extensive fiber networks and complementary strategies focusing on being the leading business and broadband solutions provider,” said Bob Udell, president and chief executive officer of Consolidated Communications. Udell will continue to serve as president and chief executive officer of the combined company after the transition is complete. The combined company will retain the Consolidated Communications name and will be headquartered in Mattoon, Illinois. A representative of FairPoint said the company's rebranding "is happening very, very soon." Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.