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USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development, Victor Vasquez, presents check to Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc.

USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development, Victor Vasquez, presents check to Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc., at a Press Conference to be held at The University of Texas Pan-American

Date: Monday, April 12, 2010
Time:11:00 am
Location: The University of Texas-Pan American, International Trade and Technology Building – International Room

Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc., USDA Rural Development and the University of Texas-Pan American will hold a press conference to announce that Valley Telephone Cooperative has been selected to receive a USDA $40 million loan and $38.5 million grant for the construction of last-mile rural broadband infrastructure in the most rural communities of South Texas.

For almost 60 years, Valley Telephone Cooperative Inc. has provided a full range of telecommunications services to rural communities in South Texas. They were the first to deliver DSL Broadband service to 100% of their subscribers and also the first in South Texas to offer Fiber-to-the-Home. The company continues to grow today with 17 exchanges covering approximately 7,300 square miles in 19 counties, while providing the same friendly and quality service it did 50 years ago.

“Strengthening rural communities in South Texas begins with providing the availability of broadband and results in providing employment opportunities to allow for future economic growth,” commented USDA Texas State Director, Paco Valentin. “Valley Telephone Cooperative is investing in the development of broadband infrastructure in some of our un-served and underserved South Texas communities.”

“This project will fundamentally alter the technology landscape in South Texas and make it one of the most desirable locations in the country for business growth and new business relocations,” stated Dave Osborn, VTCI General Manager. “We already have good weather and a workforce with a strong work ethic – adding the fiber-optic broadband component will make us unique and highly desirable on a national scale.”

The University of Texas-Pan American was instrumental in conducting the research used to apply for the funding for this monumental initiative. With a USDA Rural Development grant, UTPA continues to facilitate regional rural economic development strategic planning in the rural communities of the Rio Grande Valley.

USDA and Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. officials will be available for interviews following the press conference.

Press Conference Contact:
Cristina Trejo-Vasquez
trejoca@utpa.edu
(956) 655-5144

Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Contact:
Dave Osborn
Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
VTX Telecom, LLC
VTX Communications, LLC
(956) 642-1124