Vandalism Cuts Off Gte Customers

About 1,500 Priest Lake GTE customers with the 443 prefix are unable to make or receive long distance telephone calls because of stolen and damaged equipment.

A microwave radio site on Binarch Ridge was broken into and vandalized. An emergency generator there was stolen and needs to be replaced, according to GTE.

The microwave controls long distance calling because the area’s hills and steep terrain make traditional phone lines less practical. The microwave runs on solar energy during the day, but used the generator during the night.

Binarch Ridge is at 5,000 feet, and is difficult to reach in the winter. The cold and snowy weather will hamper repairs to the microwave, but GTE technicians say they will have the unit working again as soon as possible.

For emergency assistance, residents with the 443 prefix should call Priest Lake Ambulance at 443-2042. , DataTimes