Tester Demands Answers From Verizon After Montanans Receive Termination Letters

Senator Questions Telecommunications Company on Decision to End Contracts in Rural Montana

(U.S. Senate)-U.S. Senator Jon Tester is demanding answers from Verizon after the telecomm giant unexpectedly terminated the wireless contracts of rural Montanans.

Tester is pushing Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam to reverse his company’s decision to remove rural customers from its network. In a letter to McAdam, Tester urges Verizon to continue serving customers in rural areas. Verizon has stated that it terminated the contracts of rural customers who used too much data, despite the fact that customers had signed up for Verizon’s unlimited data contract.

“I am very troubled by Verizon’s recent decision to terminate contracts for customers living in rural areas of Montana,” Tester wrote. “Given the importance of wireless communications for maintaining public safety, running a business, and staying connected during emergencies, I strongly urge Verizon to reverse its decision to involuntarily remove rural customers from its network.”

Tester in his letter is demanding immediate responses to specific questions about why the company is backing out of its contracts with rural customers. Tester is specifically asking Verizon exactly how many Montana customers and phone numbers the decision affects, when the company decided to take action against rural customers, and why Verizon didn’t provide more notice to affected customers.

Tester also raised concerns about the impact Verizon’s actions will have for rural families and their ability to access wireless communications, especially during emergencies.

Tester’s letter to Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam is available HERE.