Implementation of Services and Technology

Mobile Telephone Service
Mobile telephone service was implemented in November, 1980.

Issuing of Capital Credits
During March 1982, capital credits were retired for the first two years (1969 & 1970) and the cooperative experienced a profit over their operating expense.

One-Party Service
Upgrading the exchanges to one-party service was completed at 12:00 a.m. on October 2, 1982.

Satellite Home Receiving Systems
The sale of satellite home receiving systems was implemented in October 1985.

SWB Mobile Systems Limited Partnership (MSAs)
An agreement was signed in March, 1986 to form a limited partnership with SWB Mobile Systems for cellular telephone service in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission and the Brownsville-Harlingen MSAs. This partnership was reorganized when SWB Mobile Systems became Cingular Wireless in 2001 and again when Cingular Wireless merged with AT&T Wireless in 2004. This partnership operates today as VTX Investments L.P.

Formation of Subsidiary (Grande River Communications, Inc.)
Grande River Communications, Inc. was incorporated as an unregulated subsidiary on December 22, 1987, to sell fiber optic transport and long distance services. This unit operates today as VTX Communications, L.P.

SWB Mobile Systems Limited Partnership (RSA 18 & RSA 19)
An agreement was signed in August 1989 to form a limited partnership with SWB Mobile Systems for cellular telephone service for RSA 18 & RSA 19. These partnerships were reorganized when SWB Mobile Systems became Cingular Wireless in 2001 and again when Cingular Wireless merged with AT&T Wireless in 2004. These partnerships operate today as VTX Investments L.P.

Custom Calling Features Implemented
Custom Calling Features were implemented in 1990.

Aguilares & Pueblo Nuevo Colonia Receives Telephone Service
October 1993 marked the expansion and upgrading of telephone service in the Mirando City exchange which covers approximately 800 square miles in the east portion of Webb County from Aguilares to the Pueblo Nuevo Colonia and north to Highway 59. This new service area was made a part of the existing Mirando City exchange.

Completion of Digital Conversion
The Digital Conversion was completed in 1993.

Equal Access Implementation
Equal access was implemented during the year 1994.

Formation of Valley Telephone Long Distance
Valley Telephone Long Distance was formed in 1994.

Fiber Optic Conversion
The completion of all 17 exchange conversions and the placement of almost 600 miles of fiber optic cable was completed in 1994.

Fiber Optic Network Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
The fiber optic network dedication and ribbon cutting was held on October 22, 1994. Roscoe Harvey was honored by naming the tandem building the “Harvey Tandem”.

Raymondville Headquarters Building Expansion
The construction of the annex to the Raymondville Headquarters building was completed in 1995.

Distance Learning (VIA-NET 1)
The Distance Learning Project (VIA-NET 1) was implemented during the year 1995. The project linked high schools from Raymondville, Mirando City, San Isidro, and San Perlita with a DS1 level network.

Digital Satellite System (DSS) Implementation
DSS was introduced to VTCI members in 1995.

VTLD Debit Cards
VTLD Debit Cards also known as prepaid calling cards were introduced to customers in the year 1995.

Internet Implementation
Valley Telephone introduced VistaNet internet service in March of 1996 and became an internet provider.

Implementation of Short Loop Design
Implementation of Short Loop Design began in 1996.

Partial Deregulation
In July 1996 Partial Deregulation of the Cooperative was approved by members.

Installation of Centrex
The installation of Centrex was completed at the San Perlita Independent School District and the Lasara Independent School District in 1996.

High-Speed Internet Access
Effective February 17, 1998, Valley Telephone began offering high-speed Internet access at 700KB per second. Valley Telephone was one of the first independent telephone companies in the country to offer a low-cost digital access service based on xDSL Technology.

VTCI Scholarship Program
Valley Telephone implemented a Scholarship Program which provides financial aid to graduating high school seniors in 1998.

VTCI Youth Tour
Valley Telephone began sponsoring one student to attend a Youth Tour in Washington D.C. in 1998.

Digital PBX Service
Valley Telephone began offering Digital PBX Service in October 1998.

Long Distance Switch in San Antonio
Valley Telephone installed a long distance switch in San Antonio at the core of a fiber optic network of over 500 miles in length in December 1998.

Optional Extended Calling Plan
An Optional Extended Calling Plan was implemented in 1999.

Network Operations Center
A Ribbon-Cutting ceremony was held on October 17, 2000 dedicating the new Network Operations Center (NOC).

Internet Help Desk
The Internet Help Desk service was implemented in 2001.

Unlicensed Wireless Broadband Provider
In 2001, RGV Wireless Ltd. was purchased to organize and pursue wireless high speed internet customers in areas where VTCI did not serve. This unregulated subsidiary operates today as VTX Broadband, Inc. and is headquartered in McAllen, Texas.

Licensed Wireless Broadband Provider
Through its unregulated subsidiary VTX Broadband, Inc., licensed wireless broadband internet service in the 700MHz spectrum was introduced to non-VTCI customers in Willacy County in December, 2004. New service areas in Frio, Duval, and Jim Wells counties were brought on line throughout 2005.