History

Our History

1967

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative was officially incorporated on July 3, 1967.

From 1903 until that time, telephone services were provided to a limited portion of our current services areas by the old Pembroke Mutual Telephone Company.

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative’s original service area was limited to a portion of Eastern Giles County.

1969

The Board of Directors obtained an REA Loan which was used to construct the original Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Business Office.

1970

On June 27, 1970 the official cut-over to Pembroke Telephone Cooperative’s new switching system took place at 11:49 pm. This switch was an electro-mechanical, dial-only type switching device. It remained in service for 16 years.

1971

In 1971, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative constructed outside plant facilities which would provide service to the areas of Kire and Big Stony. Telephone Service had previously been unavailable in those areas.

Also in 1971, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative held its first ever Annual meeting which was held on the grounds of the newly constructed business office.

Harvey Niday & Jack Gurley, Jr. work to make the switch to Pembroke Telephone Cooperative’s switching system.

Emmett Britts places the first Long Distance Call made on Pembroke Telephone Cooperative’s switching system.

Following the switch to the new equipment, operators were no longer required to complete calls.

1984

Profits earned by Pembroke Telephone Cooperative were given back to our Members in the form of Patronage Capital Credit Refunds which have been paid yearly since 1984!

1988

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative established the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Scholarship Program.

Three $1000.00 College Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who are residents of the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative service area. In addition, one $1000.00 College Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from the Giles County Technology Center.

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative also participates in the annual Foundation for Rural Service Scholarship Program.

1990

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative acquired the Newport (544) Exchange from Contel of Virginia.

1991

The 5 31 Pembroke Charity is a non- profit corporation which was formed by Pembroke Telephone Cooperative in 1991. Its sole purpose is to contribute to non-profit, tax exempt organizations in the Eastern District of Giles and the Southern end of Craig Counties.

Money distributed by the 5 31 Pembroke Charity is obtained in various ways:

One way is through interest which is earned on the $380,000.00 gift which was given to The 5 31 Pembroke Charity by Pembroke Telephone Cooperative.

Another source is from Memorials and Private Gifts which are received from individuals and companies.

1995

Giles-Craig Communications, Inc. was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Pembroke Telephone Cooperative.

1996

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative began offering 5 27 PemTel Internet Dial-Up Internet access services.

2000

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative's new business office was completed.

2001

In 2001, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative began offering 5 25 DSL Service. DSL allows subscribers to benefit from High Speed Internet access without tying up their existing telephone line.

2002

In July of 2002, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative published its’ first ever 5 42 PemTel News Quarterly Newsletter.

2004

Giles-Craig Communications, Inc. began offering Digital Cable TV which allowed an expanded channel offering.

2005

PemTel Long Distance began offering services to subscribers of Pembroke Telephone Cooperative.

2006

The first ever Directory Cover Art contest and Community Food Drive was held.

2007

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative celebrated its’ 40th Anniversary!

We began offering Service Bundles designed to combine the most popular services and features into convenient “one stop shopping” package.

We also began offering more 5 25 DSL speed and rate plans designed to offer subscribers the flexibility to choose the speed and price options that best suit their needs.

5 23 Giles-Craig Communications, Inc. began offering new 5 23 Digital CATV packages.

5 22 PemTel Long Distance began offering new Nationwide Calling Plans designed to offer better rates for users who have consistent calling patterns!

And 5 31 The Pembroke Charity made some exciting donations!!!

Pembroke Telephone Cooperative made a donation for the purchase of a SMART Board for Eastern Elementary / Middle School classrooms.

The Pembroke Charity later donated funds which were for the purchase of another SMART Board unit.

Also in December 2007, Mrs. Beverly Kerr, also a Director of the Pembroke Charity, presented a check to Mr. John Stanley of the Eggleston Fire Department.

In December, 2007, Pembroke Charity Director, Mr. Leon Law, presented a check to Mrs. Clarice Williams who serves as Treasurer of the Newport Ruritan Club.

We installed new “Remotes” to reduce the length of the Subscriber loop and expand our DSL service areas.

2008

The 2008 Annual Community Food Drive was a great success!

The donated food was taken to the New River Community Action to be used for Giles County residents who were in need throughout the holiday season!

The 2008 Pembroke Christmas Parade was great fun!

2009

The relocation of the CATV Head end was an ongoing project throughout the year!

A 2009 Special Meeting was held on October 17, 2009, at Giles High School. Revisions to the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Bylaws were voted upon at this meeting.

2010

The moving of the CATV head end was completed making it easier and more efficient for PemTel to maintain its CATV services.

PemTel proudly awarded (3) $1000.00 to graduating high school seniors from Giles & Craig County High Schools as well as (1) $1000.00 for a graduating senior of Giles Technology Center. We were also very proud that one of our area students was awarded the National FRS $2500.00 scholarship!