Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (VTCI) was created by a group of dedicated community members who came together with one common goal: to bring telephone service to their families, friends, and neighbors. This milestone not only connected communities but also paved the way for future growth and innovation.
The Cooperative was officially established on April 22, 1952, with the mission of providing telephone service to rural subscribers who had been overlooked by larger companies. The inspiration came from the success of rural electrification programs in the 1950s, which demonstrated how cooperatives could transform quality of life for families living in remote areas.
To support this vision, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA)—now known as the Rural Utilities Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture—created a telephone branch to provide low-interest loans to cooperatives like ours. This funding allowed rural communities across the country to bring phone service to areas deemed “too expensive” or “unprofitable” by commercial providers.
In South Texas, residents from Willacy, Hidalgo, Cameron, Kennedy, and Starr Counties were determined to bring connectivity to their homes. They reached out to existing companies for service, but after being turned away, they chose to take matters into their own hands.
On September 28, 1950, a pivotal meeting was held in Monte Alto, Texas, where a task force of local citizens formally organized the Cooperative. At this meeting, a name was chosen, directors were elected, bylaws were adopted, and the foundation of what would become Valley Telephone Cooperative was set in motion.
The first board of directors included:
Verner E. Gustafson, J.B. Pinson, and Godfrey J. Lassig of Lyford
L.R. Ayers of San Perlita
B.C. Hester of Hargill
W.T. Holland and Reid Rikard of Raymondville
These leaders personally recruited members, gathered funds, and applied for the first REA loan that made it possible to begin providing service in 1957.
From those humble beginnings, Valley Telephone Cooperative has grown into a leading provider of broadband Internet and telephone services for more than 4,700 members across South Texas.
What started as a fight for basic phone service has evolved into a mission to deliver reliable, cutting-edge technology to rural communities—bridging the digital divide and keeping families, schools, businesses, and farms connected.
Valley Telephone Cooperative was built on the principles of service, excellence, and value. More than 72 years later, those same principles guide us as we expand into the future.
Mission: As a member-owned cooperative, we are committed to delivering world-class internet, phone, and customer service to rural communities across Texas. With a foundation built on service, and community pride, we go beyond connectivity—giving back, engaging, and growing alongside the people and places we proudly serve.
Vision: To be the trusted connection for rural Texas, empowering our members with world-class internet and phone services while preserving the cooperative spirit that has guided us since 1952.
Experience ultra-fast internet with our fiber-optic connections. Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass to transmit data at ultra-fast speeds.
For areas where fiber isn’t available, our wireless internet offers a dependable alternative. Using point to point from nearby towers.
Need a temporary speed boost? Our Speed-On-Demand feature allows you to increase your internet speed for specific periods. Whether you’re hosting a virtual event, large family gatherings or downloading large files.
We know how important it is to stay connected, which is why our friendly support team is here for you 24/7. Whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend, you can count on us to answer your call and help keep your service running smoothly. Because when you’re part of a cooperative, you’re never on your own—we’re always just a call away.
Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. has always been about people first. What started with neighbors coming together to bring phone service to rural South Texas has grown into a cooperative that still puts members at the heart of everything we do. Unlike big companies, we’re owned by the very communities we serve, which means our focus isn’t on profits—it’s on families, small businesses, and local connections. Every step forward we’ve made, from the first phone lines to today’s high-speed internet, has been about giving our members the tools they need to stay connected and thrive.
President
District 5 - San Isidro
Vice President
District 8 - Fowlerton & Millett
Secretary
District 9 - San Miguel & Tilden
Treasurer
District 6 - McCook & El Sauz
