FairPoint Communications has hired two firms from Maine to beef up its marketing and communications.

The phone company which is struggling to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy says it has hired Portland-based Garrand and the VIA Group to help get the word out about its services.

The company recently announced it had lost $77 million last quarter.

Maine Public Advocate Richard Davies says hiring marketing and communications firms may be a good move for FairPoint if it can bring in more revenue and help stabilize the company's finances.

Regional FairPoint Union President Don Trementozzi agrees the move may be a good one, as long as is not paid for with staff cuts.