| A number of northern Calhoun citizens have appealed to the Calhoun Commission to complain to the West Virginia Public Service Commission regarding a long-time phone service problem in the general Big Springs area.
Calhoun commissioners said they will forward the official complaints to the West Virginia Public Service Commission, and go on record about Frontier's poor service, saying such service is unacceptable.
"Hopefully, other Calhoun citizens will support their neighbors and complain to the WV Public Service Commission," said commission president Chip Westfall.
While hundreds complain about low-speed Internet service, the complainants say disrupted phone service has been on-going for nearly two years, and hundreds of calls to Frontier have not resulted in a fix.
Citizens did say that local Frontier employees have done what they can to try and help.
Nancy Yoak said, "Our grand-kids worry about us. We are not in the stone age. It is not fun being without a phone for days, not weather related."
"I am 91 and live by myself and my phone is my lifeline to keep in touch with my family," said Oleta Kelly.
Resident Sandra Welch presented about a dozen individual letters from Big Springs citizens, many elderly, saying that the phone service is disrupted several times a week, sometimes several times daily, since the Derecho storm about two years ago.
One resident says the problem is likely linked to equipment that needs to be replaced at a sub-station.
Bette Ritchie said in her complaint, "Frontier's service has deteriorated to an intolerable level...I surmise that antiquated lines and outdated equipment are the root of the problem."
"Because of Frontier's poor and often interrupted service, I don't have peace of mind and do not feel safe in my own home," wrote Pauline Wilson.
"My husband is employed by the federal goverment 24/7 and has problems being reached," said Ashley Kinder, who is concerned she can't be reached by the local school system.
Howard Welch wrote, "I can't even call my doctor or 911."
"I have a sick friend and often can't check on him," said Eursel Roberts.
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