The first Annual Meeting 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.

 

Operators busy at work prior to the switch to Pembroke Telephone’s new electronic switching system

 

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

In 1996, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative began offering PemTel Internet Dial-Up Internet access services.

 

1996

In 1995, Giles-Craig Communications, Inc. was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Pembroke Telephone Cooperative.

 

1995

The 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 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 Pembroke Charity by Pembroke Telephone Cooperative.

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

To date, the Pembroke Charity has given over $180,000.00 to area civic groups, clubs, Churches and non-profit organizations.

1991

In 1990, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative acquired the Newport (544) Exchange from Contel of Virginia.

 

1990

In 1988, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative established the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Scholarship Program.  Each Year…

Three $1000.00 College Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who are residents of the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative service area.

In addition, one $500.00 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.

 

 

 

1988

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

 

 

 

 

1984

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 these areas.

 

Also in 1971, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative held its first ever Annual meeting.

1971

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.

1970

The first Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Business Office.

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

 

In 1969, the Board of Directors obtained an REA Loan which was used to construct the original Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Business Office.

 

 

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.

 

 

The old Pembroke Mutual Telephone Company Business Office.

1967

2000

In October 2000, the new Pembroke Telephone Cooperative Business office was completed.

A new Drive-Thru window was also made available to our customers.

 

A larger lobby offers customers space to do their business.

 

And a “Miniature Museum” featuring a variety of antique and rare telephone items.

 

In 1986, the Pembroke Telephone Cooperative switching equipment was once again upgraded.

1986

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2001

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

 

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

 

2002

In 2004, Giles-Craig Communications, Inc. responded to customer requests by offering subscribers the option of Digital Cable TV.

 

2004

In January of 2005, PemTel Long Distance began offering services to subscribers of Pembroke Telephone Cooperative.  

 

2005

2006

In April of 2006, we held our first ever Directory Cover Art contest and our first Community Food Drive.

In November 2006, we sponsored our First Annual Community Food Drive.  The items collected were donated to the Giles County Emergency Food Bank.

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2007

In 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 DSL speed and rate plans designed to offer subscribers the flexibility to choose the speed and price options that best suit their needs.

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

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

And The Pembroke Charity made some exciting donations!!!

 

 

 

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.  

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. 

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

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

Our History