Legal Advice-Rural Phone Line Issues

[Aquatica]

I'm trying to do some research for my parents but I don't know where to start. They live in a rural area with no cell service and since moving here, have had a lot of issues with their land line. The phone company keeps making excuses for the phone lines not consistently working and now they are again without a phone, as well as all their neighbors in their loop (about 10-15 homes). So if there is an emergency, there is no way to call for help.

One of the neighbors is trying to file a complaint and the phone company sent a packet requesting everyone's medical issues that live in the area. No one wants to give this private information and just wants their phones to work. There is only one phone service company available to service their area.

What could they do to hold this company liable? Where do they start? I suggested coming together as a group but it seems that while people want a solution, no one wants to take the mantle to push for it (e.g. financial burden of a lawsuit, etc.).

[crystald528]

Our state has a public service commission that regulates telecommunication. Consumers can file complaints through them.

[Aquatica]

Dec 5, 2019 22:56:06 GMT -5 crystald528 said:

Our state has a public service commission that regulates telecommunication. Consumers can file complaints through them.

Thank you! I found the one for her state and sent her the links so she can file a complaint. It could at least get the ball rolling.

[wise_rita]

Also contact the state office of her senators. They'll have staff (maybe in DC) who does case work and someone focused on telecommunication issues.

[VillainV]

As a last-ditch effort, they can contact their local news station. Sometimes media attention goes these issues fixed faster.

[hamster]

I don't have legal advice, but do they have reliable internet? Our internet phone is rarely down, but the phone company seems to have frequent issues.

[aprilsails]

I was also going to suggest a VOIP phone as a back up option. If that is down as frequently as the phone (or is the same company) then I would go the political route- contact their local and state reps to get the ball rolling. I would write up a letter and have all the affected homeowners sign it as well.

[ohgillian]

Dec 6, 2019 2:26:44 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Also contact the state office of her senators. They'll have staff (maybe in DC) who does case work and someone focused on telecommunication issues.

Yes, although you might want to start with the state representative and senator for her district. (vs the federal ones). 

[sadlebred]

Each state has a Public Service Commission that oversees public utilities including phone, gas, power, etc. They should contact their public service commission and file a complaint. This is exactly the type of issue they handle.

[wise_rita]

Dec 6, 2019 8:53:47 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

Dec 6, 2019 2:26:44 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

Also contact the state office of her senators. They'll have staff (maybe in DC) who does case work and someone focused on telecommunication issues.

Yes, although you might want to start with the state representative and senator for her district. (vs the federal ones). 

If the state is half as rural as I'm picturing I doubt the state people would even have a staff.

And good call on the Public Service Commission.

[Aquatica]

Thank you for all the advice and tips, this gives me a lot to work with to hopefully get something changed in their area or at least some light brought to the issue to hopefully get it fixed.

I suggested using WiFi calling, if possible, but her internet is not stable enough for it.