September 27, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Since implementing a plan a few years ago to build a world class fiber optic network in its service area, DTC Communications has made significant progress toward that goal and today more customers are taking advantage of it.
In his address during the annual meeting Saturday, Chris Townson, CEO of DTC Communications, commended the Board of Directors for their foresight and commitment to rebuilding the network with fiber optic technology. A decision that has paid off in many ways especially during the COVID-19 pandemic that no one could have envisioned when the project began.
“I stand before you today to report that your cooperative continues to move forward as we connect thousands of local residents and businesses to a world-class fiber optic network at an affordable price. This is great news, because never has the need for broadband connectivity been more important or more recognized than it is today,” said Townson.
“Just one year ago, none of us could have predicted a global pandemic or the disruption it would have caused all across the world. In our own communities, we saw its effects on businesses, schools, governments, and even in our homes. Our means of connectivity shifted in many ways to rely more and more on digital platforms”.
“I don’t think we could have dreamed of conducting most of our business, educating our children, or even going to the doctor or church virtually, but most of us have done one or more of these in some form or another recently. And during these tough times, the human need for connectivity did not change – it just became more apparent”.
“I am proud to report that this board of directors was looking out for the people in our area when they had the foresight just a few years ago to take the measured risk to rebuild our network with fiber optics. Their decision is already paying off today. Their service to this cooperative and the communities it serves has been proven as a critical one as we have seen our broadband internet usage increase over 200% in the past year. Additionally, the use of broadband for educating our kids and entertaining our families increased dramatically. All the while, working from home became the most used application on our network. If I may, being connected has become serious
business. And that is why we continue to build and connect each member as quickly as feasible”.
“In his address, Mr. (Roy Nelson) Pugh, DTC Board President, mentioned the continued growth of our fiber network and positioning our company for future success. I will confirm his comments by reporting that in 2019, DTC built more than 450 miles of new fiber optic lines while passing more than 4,100 homes and businesses. We connected more than 1,600 members to fiber, and added more than 600 brand new customers to the DTC network. But to take a bigger look, from the beginning of 2017 through 2019, we saw a 15% increase in total internet customers, built over 1,100 miles of new fiber lines, and we’re now over one year ahead on our initial projections for overbuild and connectivity. We are still on target to complete the first three phases of the Cooperative Fiber Overbuild and make fiber available to approximately 75% of our membership by late 2021,” said Townson.
“Please know that DTC’s employees play a key role in our achievements, and the progress we have made could not happen without their selfless commitment, knowledge and hard work”.
“Under this Board’s direction, and with careful planning and project management, we have also continued to improve the cooperative’s financial performance while building for the future, and enabling improved connectivity and service directly to our membership”.
“Thank you Board for your diligence in directing this cooperative and working so hard for our communities. Thank you, DTC employees for your dedication and hard work to serve our members. Thank you Members for participating in the cooperative process,” said Townson.
In his remarks, DTC Board President Roy Nelson Pugh said “I am pleased to report that in 2019 DTC continued to grow our world class fiber network and position our cooperative for future success. In our annual report you will find an updated map (also shown here) showing the progress we have made in this last year. It also shows plans for construction for areas in 2021. While I know that this still leaves some areas waiting on fiber, please know that the entire organization is working extremely hard to reach everyone as quickly as possible even during the adversity we are seeing this year and I am referring to COVID-19 and all the storms the state has had which has affected DTC. As your elected Board of Directors we take seriously the duty to ensure this cooperative is operating in a manner that may serve our communities for generations to come. It is our pleasure to report that the cooperative is being operated on sound operational and financial principals. I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their service, our dedicated employees for their hard work and continued support, and our members for their continued investment in this cooperative and its mission,” said Pugh.
Meanwhile, DTC Communications (DeKalb Telephone Cooperative) Directors up for re-election Saturday during the annual meeting won new terms without opposition including Incumbents Jim Vinson – Milton exchange with 72 votes;, Terry McPeak – Norene exchange with 70 votes; and Brian Alexander – Woodbury exchange with 73 votes.