In 1999, Consolidated Telephone Cooperative had been the sole provider of telephone service. Western Wireless began providing service by cellular connection and thus saving the costs of installing wires. Angered by the loss of its customers, Consolidated refused to connect calls to and from Western's central switch, effectively disconnecting all of Western's customers in town. Western complained to regulatory authorities, and Consolidated agreed to connect the disconnected customers.Gruley, Bryan, "Battle lines: as phone wars move to rural towns, tactics are growing rougher; fighting for clients, cash from subsidiaries, upstart finds its main cable cut; 'not the 900-pound gorilla.'" The Wall Street Journal 1999.
In 1999 Consolidated Telephone Cooperative had been the sole provider of telephone service. Western Wireless began providing service by cellular connection and thus saving the costs of installing wires. Angered by the loss of its customers, Consolidated refused to connect calls to and from Western's central switch, effectively disconnecting all of Western's customers in town. Western complained to regulatory authorities, and Consolidated agreed to connect the disconnected customers.Gruley, Bryan, "Battle lines: as phone wars move to rural towns, tactics are growing rougher; fighting for clients, cash from subsidiaries, upstart finds its main cable cut; 'not the 900-pound gorilla.'" The Wall Street Journal 1999.