Newspapers / Galax News (Highlands, N.C.) / Aug. 12, 1971, edition 1 / Page 3
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PAGE 3 AUGUST 12,1971 THE GAUX NEWS NGS GIFTS Gome see Opposite the Methodist Church^ Main Street, Highlands PHONE SERVICE MILL IMPROVE - GUFFEY Ed Guffey, a member of the West Asheville Club and an official of the Continental Telephone Company which oifns the local Western Carolina Conpar^, told fellow Rotarians and guests Tuesday that steps are being taken to make substantial improvements in local service. Some 2ii visiting Rotarians and k guests attended the luncheon meeting at Phelps House. Mr. Guffey explained that the Continental system, of which our company is a part, is only ten years old this year having been started as a national system in 1961. At the present time the con^any serves communities located »n i|2 States, Canada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Virgin Islands. North Carolina communities served are located in 12 counties. As of this week the 50,000th telephone will be installed and there are some 397 employees in the state. The Highlands exchange has shown some substantial growth, from 1032 stations in 1963 to over 1600 today - better than a $0% increase.-Plant investment in the Highlands exchange now stands at approximately $1,^00,000 includ ing the new line to Scaly which cost $90,000. lykny long distance telephone calls have been cut off due to power surges caused, in many cases, by lightning. Jfr. Guffey stated that a crew of engineers 0 Bo o K Co. s-Vox ^ iS S Vo oQ o-V. u au '(\ a m'i \ li \^ol door. P ' "Z e-5 m a e |Tu\\ev^ ro§ from California is now in the area studying the situation and that it is hoped soice simple solution can be found - if not use of microwave is a possibility. The plan of the company is to have a maximum of four parties on a line by 1972 which will mean elimination of the present eight party lines. Costs of providing service have risen sharply in recent years - the recent union contract calls for a 2h% increase in wages and material costs have increased by as much as 50^. (Continued on page 12)
Galax News (Highlands, N.C.)
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Aug. 12, 1971, edition 1
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