Karrie Allen is reporting in the Register-Star about the proposed merger of FairPoint Communications and Consolidated Communications in mid-2017. The plan was announced by Consolidated in December, and details were released this week. Consolidated has its headquarters in Illinois, and currently operates in 24 states. FairPoint will be its first acquisition in New York, said Angelynne Beaudry, FairPoint’s director of corporate communications. "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. FairPoint serves customers at locations throughout Columbia County. The company has offices in Chatham, Kinderhook and Copake. FairPoint has applied for funding in Phase 2 of the state’s Broadband Program. Those awards have not yet been announced. Consolidated has indicated it will continue FairPoint's expansion plans if state funding is secured. Read the full story in the Register-Star.