By Jessica Farrish, The Register Herald
BECKLEY, W.Va. — During the state’s history, West Virginians have had to fight — for miners’ rights, for black lung benefits, for their country and, sometimes, to eke out a living when the coal mines were shut down and they needed to feed their families.
In the ceremonial courtroom at Raleigh County Courthouse on Monday evening, around 50 West Virginians attended a meeting with the Public Service Commission and Suddenlink Communication representatives and told them about the fight they’re having to get telephone and cable service, along with internet service.
The new fight — for reliable telephone and internet service — has had an impact on their livelihood, in some cases, their medical care, their access to emergency services and their children’s education.
Del. Mick Bates, R-Raleigh, had led a movement in Charleston in January to “fix the internet.” Bates and Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, both spoke at the hearing about the challenges lawmakers and the average person are having with what they said is a “monopoly” that Suddenlink holds in West Virginia…
