FairPoint Communications 2004 Annual Report Download - page 492

(a) Make sure you have all the facts. In order to reach the right solutions, we must be as fully informed as possible.
(b) Ask yourself: What specifically am I being asked to do or ignore? Does it seem illegal, unethical or improper? This will enable
you to focus on the specific question you are faced with, and the alternatives you have. Use your judgment and common sense; if something seems unethical
or improper, it may very well be.
(c) Clarify your responsibility and role. In most situations, there is shared responsibility. Are your colleagues informed? It may
help to get others involved and discuss your concerns.
(d) You should report violations of this Code to or otherwise discuss your concerns in this regard with your supervisor or your
Human Resources representative. In many cases, your supervisor will be more knowledgeable about the question or concern, and will appreciate being
brought into the decision-making process. Remember that it is your supervisor’s responsibility to help solve problems. Supervisors and Human Resources
representatives are obligated to report violations of this Code to the General Counsel.
(e) In the case where it may not be appropriate to report a violation to or discuss your concerns with your supervisor or your Human
Resources representative, or where you do not feel comfortable approaching your supervisor to report a violation or discuss your concerns, you may report the
violation or discuss your concerns with the General Counsel. If you prefer to report violations or your concerns in writing, on an anonymous basis, please
address your concerns to our General Counsel at the following address: FairPoint Communications, Inc., 521 East Morehead Street, Suite 250, Charlotte,
NC 28202, Attention: Shirley J. Linn.
(f) Reports of violations of this Code or other complaints made to the persons referenced above will be reviewed by the General
Counsel or her designee, who shall either (i) conduct an investigation of the facts and circumstances as she deems appropriate and report her conclusions and
remedial actions taken, if any, to the Audit Committee or (ii) report the alleged violation or other complaint to the Audit Committee for further direction.
(g) Your communications of violations or concerns will be kept confidential to the extent feasible and appropriate, and except as
required by law.
(h) All reports of violations of the Code will be promptly investigated and addressed. If you are not satisfied with the response, you
may contact the Audit Committee directly.
(i) Always ask first, act later: If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek guidance before you act.
17. 
The matters covered in this Code are of the utmost importance to the Company, its shareholders and its business partners, and are essential
to the Company’s ability to conduct its business in accordance with its stated values. We expect all of our directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors,
consultants and representatives to adhere to these rules in carrying out their duties for the Company.
Any individual whose actions are found to violate these policies or any other policies of the Company will be subject to disciplinary action,
up to and including immediate termination of employment or business relationship. Where the Company has suffered a loss, it may pursue its legal remedies
against the individuals or entities responsible.
18. 
No code, including this one, can cover all situations. Similarly, exceptional circumstances may occur which do not fit neatly within the
guidelines of this Code or where strict application of this Code may not produce a fair result. Overall administration of this Code including its interpretation
and amendment is under the authority of the Audit Committee of the Board.