Workers are dodging bobcats and feral hogs as they crisscross Oklahoma's westernmost sliver in trucks outfitted with electronic gear that tests wireless signal strength.

At stake are $4.5 billion in federal subsidies that small carriers across the country, including their employer, Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, stand to lose if they can't convince the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that their rural areas are inadequately served by telecom giants.

If their electronic survey can prove that Verizon Communications' signal isn't adequate, then the tiny, Guymon, Oka.-based Panhandle will remain eligible for subsidies to bring wireless phone and internet service to underserved areas.

"We have no desire to bash Verizon, but we have to protect our interests," said Shawn Hanson, chief executive of Panhandle.