Rural Texans at risk as satellite phone services dissipate amid funding cuts from state

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A satellite phone service provider serving nearly 3,200 Texans sent a letter to its customers, warning it will no longer be able to offer its services due to a lack of funding from the Texas Universal Service Fund.
Dialtone Services, which spans 45 counties in Texas, provides a lifeline to rural Texans, many of whom do not have access to cell service. Inflation may impact Austin’s housing market, rural areasThat includes customer Harold Vestal, a landowner out in West