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When the driveshaft flies out of Oliver's tractor, he decides to phone the Hoyt Clagwell company in Fargo and have a replacement part shipped. After climbing the phone pole, he's unable to get through because the operator's not working--Sara's at home basting a rump roast. Instead, Hank Kimball is there playing announcements on a victrola. Besides, Oliver couldn't contact to Hoyt Clagwell even if Sara was there; the antiquated switchboard doesn't have a "Fargo hole".
At Drucker's store, Oliver discovers that everyone has come to tolerate the operator's frequent absences. He tries to call using Drucker's phone but has to bend down since the cord is so short. This prompts another of Oliver's patriotic speeches, complete with fife accompaniment. The final straw comes when Mr. Trendell, the phone company owner who Oliver calls a "knot head", walks in. He gives Oliver the brush-off, viewing his grievances as mere complaints from an unhappy subscriber. Oliver resolves to petition for modern phone service in Hooterville.
Oliver sets out to get all 34 subscribers to sign his petition. He discovers Mr. Ziffel's phone doesn't even have an earpiece. To get Mr. Haney's signature, he has to purchase Irvin Two-Smokes, a "woodified" cigar store Indian.
When he appears before the state utility commission--Lisa calls it the "futility commercial"--the chairman points out that the Hooterville exchange is exempt from state regulations; they have fewer than the minimum 42 subscribers.
An angry Oliver continues to vent his frustrations on Trendell, who's finally has had enough of the complaining. He hands Oliver the keys and tells him that if he thinks he can do better, then have at it.