Montana’s congressional delegation successfully defended Montanans from Verizon’s attempt to terminate contracts.

Sen. Jon Tester demanded answers from Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam last month and pushed the telecommunications company to reverse its decision to eliminate contracts and remove rural customers from its network.

Rep. Greg Gianforte said he had been hearing from constituents as well, and worked with Tester and Verizon to resolve the issue.

Verizon responded to the congressional demands and announced that the company will continue to serve Montanans and will not terminate the service of rural customers.

“Wireless communication is critical for Montana families, businesses, and emergency first responders,” Tester said. “I am pleased with Verizon’s decision to uphold its commitment to our state, if any Verizon customers have continued concerns, please contact my office. I will continue to defend Montanans from harmful actions that undermine our quality of life.”

Gianforte said, “Verizon’s decision to reverse its plan to cancel contracts and leave hundreds of Montanans without cell service is a win for our communities. Folks shouldn’t be left without this critical service they rely on, particularly in our rural areas. It’s a fundamental issue of safety.”

The congressional delegation received assurances from Verizon on Sept. 22 that no Montanans will be involuntarily removed from their contract.

In Tester’s letter to Verizon CEO he expressed the importance of wireless communications for maintaining public safety, running a business and staying connected during emergencies, citing this summer’s severe wildfire season.

The initial letter sent out from Verizon earlier this month went to 900 Eastern Montana rural customers, telling them that after Oct. 17, they would no longer be able to use their phone number on a Verizon network.

Verizon is a main provider in Mineral County, but Western Montana customers were supposedly not affected by the terminated contracts.