Now you say you are unable to get ahold of him - not the same as saying the phone is disconnected.
I have no reason to think that NBS is lying, why would he? He does not always reach Frank, which he has stated, but when he does, he relates the conversation to the boards.
Of course, the other possibility, is Frank might have him on a lucrative contract to pass such conversations along, but I do not think ARSC has money for that sort of deception - so, I sincerely believe NBS talks with Frank. Frank may be pumping a bit, but I do not think NBS is.
JMO!