Ted Doss, a 93 year-old veteran told the Cootamundra Herald he had success with assistance after calling 132 203 after going without a mobile and landline for eight days.

Last week we reported an elderly Wallendbeen woman in poor health was overhead this week at the Telstra shop at Young saying she was "desperate" because her phone wasn't working.

The woman had been calling 132 200 which is also a customer service line.

Calling 132 203 you are still put in a queue and told there are delays because of Covid-19 and also given an option to go online to report a problem or to download the Telstra App on your phone.

READ ALSO:

If you're calling from a mobile you receive a message telling you "We can help you through our app. Find answers directly or use the support section to connect with us by phone https://tel.st/gettelstraapp

While pleased with the response he received from Telstra Mr Doss laments the loss of services to his village.

"I went eight days without a landline and a mobile which isn't good, especially with no public transport out here," he said.

"After calling 132 203 I got onto someone and they straightened it out.

"But I can't believe how bad it is out here."

"The sides of our roads are bad, we pay for garbage in our rates but then have to take the garbage to the tip and you struggle to get a loaf of bread and carton of milk.

"It's no good when you're crook, I'm 93," Mr Doss said.

When he first called for assistance Mr Doss said he received instructions to go online for assistance which was of no use to him.

"The only line I've got is a clothesline," he said jokingly.

Residents at Wallendbeen and Stockinbingal have had ongoing problems with their landlines and mobiles recently