ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 14, 1993                   TAG: 9302120116
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short


SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR LONG-DISTANCE SERVICE

I am writing to appeal to the residents of Christiansburg on behalf of the proposed telephone calling service. This plan would enable Locust Grove customers to call Christiansburg without being charged exorbitant long distance rates.

Many of us live within the boundaries of Montgomery County and pay county taxes. Despite this, we still do not have the privilege of calling our county schools or our local post office without being barraged with long distance charges.

Our children fall victim to this unfortunate situation. They are hindered from calling their friends because the majority of their schoolmates have Christiansburg phone numbers.

The proposed calling service would eliminate this hardship of many Montgomery County residents. It also would benefit many Christiansburg residents who have relatives and friends in the Locust Grove area.

On Jan. 22, a random survey was sent to 2,000 Christiansburg customers. The proposed increase would be a mere 9 cents for those with flat-rate service. Businesses will be asked to pay 31 cents.

I am asking for the favorable support of all our friends in the Christiansburg area. Please help us get this long overdue extended local service. It would be greatly appreciated.\ Sharon Quesenberry\ Pilot

Editor's note: Those who receive the survey have until Saturday to respond.



by Archana Subramaniam by CNB