The ending is pure Monty python.
It must be a bit tongue in cheek.
Some living in places like that didn't have phones until the '80s' or '90s'. Everyone knew each other anyway and the older generation, especially crofters and the like (as depicted) often didn't feel the need, for such 'new fangled' and extravagant devices, as they were out in the fields all day and uncontactable (so why pay for something you'd hardly use? What would you say to someone over the phone that could not be said over a cup of tea or a dram at their's or yours? Besides, no doubt someone would have a rough idea of where you'd be if needed to be contacted in a real emergency anyway).
That's how it had worked for generations, so why change now?
The most you'd probably ever do is write a letter, simple as!
I am sure some felt the same about TVs and 'the wireless' too; also they were living in somewhere remote and didn't want their home 'invaded' by those lowland city types, with their strange ways!
I do wonder how much the Calvanist element came into it too?
