Charleston, S.C. (April 9, 2026) – The Palmetto Broadband Coalition (PBC) welcomed 225 registrants from member companies and associate organizations from across South Carolina and around the country for its 2026 Annual Convention, held April 7–8 at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster joined the PBC on Wednesday when he received a special award for his work in advancing broadband across the state.
“Each year our PBC Convention serves as an important opportunity for our members and partners to align around shared goals and identify practical solutions to meet South Carolina’s connectivity needs and closing the digital divide,” said Nola Armstrong, Executive Director of Palmetto Broadband Coalition. “We were honored to welcome Governor McMaster and recognize the meaningful progress made to expand broadband access across the state.”
The two-day event featured a robust agenda of educational speakers, industry insights, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen collaboration and advance broadband expansion efforts statewide. Convention attendees participated in discussions, presentations, and social events focused on emerging trends, policy developments, and innovative solutions supporting connectivity in rural and exurban communities across South Carolina.
About the Palmetto Broadband Coalition
The Palmetto Broadband Coalition is a membership organization representing broadband providers, vendors, and industry partners committed to advancing reliable, high-quality broadband infrastructure throughout South Carolina. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, PBC supports policies and initiatives that promote expanded connectivity and technological innovation throughout the state.
Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA; Jason Shelton, NCSC and Keith Oliver, Home Telecom
Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA; Jason Shelton, NCSC and Wes McAllister WCTEL
Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA Jason Shelton, NCSC and Melinda Russell TruVista
Las Vegas, Nev., (September 16, 2025)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield today announced the winners of the 2025 Smart Rural Community Showcase Awards, presented annually to rural broadband providers who not only provide high-quality, reliable connectivity, but who also have led the way on collaborative and innovative projects that advance the communities they serve.
The Smart Rural Community program is a network of more than 290 communities across a wide swath of rural America supported by NTCA member providers who are committed to driving growth through robust broadband service. The Showcase Awards are presented to providers in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in promoting rural broadband networks and innovative applications that create opportunities for the educators, health care providers, farmers, small business owners, public safety professionals and others who help their communities thrive.
The following providers were recognized:
Bulloch Solutions (Statesboro, Ga.) – Bulloch Solutions designed and deployed a redundant network to support a new manufacturing facility in Bulloch County. The cooperative’s commitment to excellence also extends to the communities it serves, as it has partnered with community leaders and organizations to host literacy events, business expos and career days.
Home Telecom (Moncks Corner, S.C.) – Home Telecom is working to bridge the digital divide in South Carolina’s Lowcountry by deploying SmartTown community Wi-Fi networks to ensure students have access to broadband outside of school and helped launch the Berkeley Community Resource hub to provide hands-on digital literacy training.
Lynxx Networks (Camp Douglas, Wis.) – Lynxx Networks partnered with the Tomah Area School District to connect 13 schools and district facilities over 400 square miles with a 100% fiber 10 Gbps network. In addition, Lynxx Networks organizes a Giving Tree program, which has provided gifts to over 1,000 children over the past 15 years.
Rainbow Communications (Everest, Kan.) – Rainbow partnered with local schools, including Highland Community College, to support their esports programs, leading to the creation of the Rainbow Esports Scholarship, awarded annually to one student who joins the HCC esports team.
Truvista (Chester, S.C.) – Truvista partnered with local schools to establish a digital literacy and internet safety program for students as well as a Teacher Village housing complex to help recruit and retain teachers.
Twin Lakes (Gainesboro, Tenn.) – Twin Lakes launched the Twin Lakes Difference Grant Program in 2020. In the past six years, 104 community organizations have been awarded over $480,000 in grants to help drive economic development, enhance education, improve public safety and strengthen communities.
United Communications (Franklin, Tenn.) – United Communications launched Project UNITE, through which it has secured more than $110 million in federal and state grants for broadband expansion, aligning deployment plans with the economic development strategies and needs of the communities it serves.
West Carolina (Abbeville, S.C.) – After Hurricane Helene hit West Carolina’s service territory, the coop turned its offices into hubs where community members could charge devices, connect to the internet and contact loved ones. It also stepped up to ensure that Self Regional Healthcare facility and Anderson County Emergency Services had the connectivity needed to provide emergency assistance.
“I always love seeing the exciting work that our Showcase Award winners are doing to better their communities, and this year is no exception,”said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield.“This year’s winners continue to exemplify how local broadband providers deliver positive impacts that improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. These community-driven efforts to connect more rural Americans – and to keep them connected to life-changing technologies – offer stories of success that can be repeated. I would like to congratulate Bulloch Solutions, Home Telecom, Lynxx Networks, Rainbow Communications, Truvista, Twin Lakes, United Communications and West Carolina on this accomplishment!”
The 2025 Showcase Award winners were announced at the 2025 Fall Conference. Watch the announcement video here.
MONCKS CORNER, SC July 30, 2025 — Home Telecom is proud to announce the launch of its
ultra-fast 5 Gigabit internet service for residential customers, beginning in the vibrant and
innovative community of Nexton in Summerville, South Carolina. This milestone marks a
significant leap forward in broadband technology and underscores the powerful partnership
between Home Telecom and Nexton in building a future-ready digital infrastructure.
As the first residential area to receive this cutting-edge service, Nexton continues to lead the
way in smart community development. The collaboration between Home Telecom and Nexton
reflects a shared commitment to delivering world-class connectivity and enhancing the quality
of life for residents through technology.
“We’re excited to be ground zero for Home Telecom’s launch of residential 5 Gig — a reflection
of the innovative technology partnership we’ve come to expect in Nexton,” said Cassie Cataline,
Marketing Director at Brookfield Residential. “As the community developer, it’s our goal to
provide the best possible experience for our residents and the faster internet speed helps
enhance the lifestyle we’re cultivating.”
As demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, Home Telecom’s residential 5 Gig
offering is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern households. Whether collaborating
virtually across multiple devices while working, learning remotely from home, participating in a
friendly competition on gaming consoles (when ultra-low latency is a must), or supporting
emerging smart home ecosystems, customers will notice a big difference in their connectivity.
“With the launch of a residential 5 Gig plan, we are not just offering faster internet—we are
empowering families, remote workers, gamers, and content creators with the bandwidth to do
more than ever before,” said Gina Shuler, Vice President of Marketing at Home Telecom.
“Nexton is the perfect launchpad for this innovation, and we are excited to bring this
transformative experience to its residents first.”
With this launch, Home Telecom continues to lead the charge in delivering high-speed internet
across the Lowcountry, backed by unmatched customer service and the assurance residents
and businesses are equipped for the demands of tomorrow.
About Nexton
Nexton is owned by a subsidiary of North America Sekisui House, LLC (NASH), and is managed
by Brookfield Properties as part of the Newland communities portfolio. These partners share a
deep commitment to sustainable development practices and apply these core values to the
vision, planning and development of their communities. Nexton is one of more than 20
communities this partnership manages together across the U.S. For more information,
visit Nexton.com.
About Home Telecom
Home Telecom is an innovative communications provider with a history that spans more than
120 years headquartered in Moncks Corner, SC. Home Telecom provides multi-gig internet,
app-based video, next generation security services, home automation, and voice over IP
telephone services to residents and businesses in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester
Counties of South Carolina. They utilize a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, most notably
FTTP technology, making them a leader in providing the fastest broadband internet services in
the state.
For more information, visit HomeSC.com. For media use only: If you have any questions regarding Home Telecom’s 5 Gig Launch in Nexton, contact Caoimhe Zett at Caoimhe.Zett@hometelco.com.
MONCKS CORNER, SC March 3, 2025 — Home Telecom is thrilled to announce the expansion of
SmartTown Community Wi-Fi to Moncks Corner, following the successful inaugural launch in Nexton
last fall.
SmartTown Wi-Fi by Home Telecom is a game-changer compared to the typical open public Wi-Fi
found in local coffee shops. Not only does SmartTown offer faster speeds, but it also uses the same
security measures that customers enjoy at their homes. This means that when customers are out in the
community, they benefit from an added layer of protection against hacks, viruses, and other malicious
attacks.
“The Town of Moncks Corner is excited to partner with Home Telecom as they expand SmartTown Wi-
Fi to our community,” said Mayor Thomas Hamilton. “Access to fast, secure, and reliable Wi-Fi in our
public spaces enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike, whether they are attending a
ballgame, visiting the Farmer’s Market, or simply walking around Main Street. This technology will
make it easier for everyone to stay connected while enjoying The Lowcountry’s hometown.”
With SmartTown Community Wi-Fi, Home Telecom ensures that its customers stay connected, while
visitors to Moncks Corner enjoy reliable Wi-Fi access in lively public areas such as the ball fields at the
Moncks Corner Recreational Complex, the Train Depot, Unity Park, the Home Telecom Miracle League
Field, and the Market Pavilion while visiting the Farmer’s Market and other events.
“Once Home Telecom customers become part of the SmartTown community and connect their
devices, they will enjoy seamless access to SmartTown networks wherever they are available,” said
Gina Shuler, vice president of Marketing at Home Telecom. “Introducing SmartTown in the public
spaces of Nexton and Moncks Corner is just the start. SmartTown connections are expanding within
our service areas and beyond, ensuring Home Telecom customers can stay securely connected.”
Home Telecom customers and visitors to Moncks Corner can get a sneak peek of SmartTown at the St.
Patrick’s Day Festival hosted by the Town of Moncks Corner on March 8 th . Home Telecom employees
will be available at the booth to answer any questions about SmartTown.
Stay tuned for the official unveiling at the Town of Moncks Corner Recreational Field during Spring
Sports Opening Week. To learn more, visit HomeSC.com/SmartTown.
For media use only: For more information regarding SmartTown Wi-Fi by Home Telecom, contact
Caoimhe.Zett@hometelco.com.
ABBEVILLE – The West Carolina Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Chris Townson as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. Townson, who currently chairs NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association’s Government Affairs Committee, is the fourth CEO/General Manager in West Carolina’s 73-year history. Townson began his new role on Feb. 10.
“Chris’s professional qualifications are outstanding, and his personality and character make him a wonderful addition to the West Carolina family,” said Wes McAllister, West Carolina Board President. “His extensive national leadership experience, combined with his deep understanding of rural telecommunications, positions him perfectly to lead our organization forward while maintaining our commitment to our employees, members, and communities.”
Townson brings 30 years of telecommunications industry experience to the role, most recently serving as CEO/GM of DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (DTC Communications) in Alexandria, Tenn., since 2016. During his tenure at DTC, he jointly spearheaded the creation of Trilight, an innovative collaboration between seven telephone cooperatives that expanded broadband access to electric cooperatives and municipalities.
“I’m honored to join an organization with such a rich history of serving its communities,” said Townson. “West Carolina’s deep family and community-oriented culture aligns perfectly with my vision for how a cooperative should serve its members and communities. As we move forward, we’ll build upon the strong foundation laid by its former leaders while continuing to innovate and expand our services to meet the evolving needs of our members and customers.”
A recognized industry leader, Townson has held key positions with the Tennessee Broadband Association and the Telecommunications Association of the Southeast, in addition to his leadership role with NTCA. His career began as an installer/repairman at Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Rainsville, Ala., where he spent 22 years advancing through various technical and management roles.
Townson holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Organizational Leadership & Growth from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his wife of 29 years, Melissa, have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and recently welcomed their first granddaughter.
WINNSBORO, SC – August 15, 2024 – TruVista and their partners at the Fairfield County School District have made final selections for residency at “The Village in Winnsboro, a Community of Fairfield Educators” development in Winnsboro, South Carolina.
In early June, TruVista and the FCSD announced their partnership in constructing this first of its kind education initiative in the state of South Carolina. Both the residential development and Village in Winnsboro Technology Center will be opening this fall.
TruVista will be providing all the high speed broadband service for the residential section as well as the technology center.
The Technology Center is intended to appeal to teachers across the district as a place where they can come to find cutting-edge resources and tools that will enhance their teaching capabilities. It will also serve as a hub for innovation, professional development, and collaboration for teachers in a district where retention has been a major problem.
Working with TruVista’s Director of Market Development for South Carolina Brian Winland, the Technology Center will be equipped with community Wi-Fi and multi-gigabit internet speeds provided by TruVista. It will also feature a WebEx board the teachers can use for screen shares and online meetings, a digital whiteboard, and a large shared meeting space with smaller collaborative rooms.
Seventeen residences will be open for move-in this fall and The Fairfield County School District Education Foundation board of directors selected the educators from a lengthy list of teacher applicants.
They used a completely blind process based on a set of requirements, then hired a property management company and rental management company to work together to make the selections.
Teachers across the district and beyond were invited to apply but according to Veronica Thomas, a Fairfield Central High School math teacher, former district Teacher of the Year recipient, and instructor at the Fairfield County Adult Education Center, longevity is one of the main requirements.
“Because the Village in Winnsboro is primarily a teacher recruitment and retention tool, the longer you have been teaching in the district, the better the teacher’s chances were at being selected,” she said.
Thomas is one of the teachers chosen for the first residential houses to open this fall. She has been with the district for nine years. The average teacher longevity for that district is three years. Although she knew it would be competitive, she felt she had a good chance of being selected.
“Their recruitment and retention theory works because prior to this year, I was looking around and had an opportunity to move on. A reasonably priced brand-new home in the Village in Winnsboro gives me a reason to stay, at least three or four more years” she admits.
The initial residential community features a mixture of 17 three-bedroom, two bath, one story; or three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, two-story standalone houses. The community will also be equipped with TruVista high speed internet and optional automation and security services.
Owned by the Foundation, educators are given the opportunity to rent houses for between $700 and $900 a month with a subsidy available to keep the rent low. Leases are for one year but renewable annually.
“I currently rent a two-bedroom townhouse and the rent is nearly three times that,” Thomas explains. “To have a brand new three-bedroom home complete with appliances including washers and dryers, no yardwork, and only minimal annual rent increases for under $1,000 a month is for me, and I am sure for a lot of other teachers, a great opportunity,”
Nine more lots will be available for future expansion and the FCSD Education Foundation continues to seek donations and support to realize the full potential of The Village in Winnsboro, and to serve the waiting list of teachers for the housing.
The idea for the groundbreaking Village in Winnsboro residential community and technology center has been in the works for more than a decade.
Fairfield County is a rural South Carolina school district serving about 2,500 students, 75% of whom reside outside of the county. The district has always faced ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining qualified teachers.
The FCSDEF envisions The Village in Winnsboro as a transformative project that will set a precedent for other rural districts facing similar challenges.
For more information about the Village in Winnsboro Technology Center and residential community, contact:
Melinda Russell, Vice President of Marketing TruVista Communications Phone: 803-601-7264 Email: Melinda.russell@truvista.biz
About TruVista:
TruVista has been providing telecommunications services for over 125 years and offers high-speed internet, video, and phone services to communities in South Carolina and Georgia. With a strong commitment to community engagement and support, TruVista is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the areas it serves.
About The Village in Winnsboro:
The Village in Winnsboro is a signature initiative of the Fairfield County School District Education Foundation, aimed at building the first residential community for educators in South Carolina. This project seeks to address the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention in rural districts by providing a supportive and engaging living environment for educators.
Greenwood, SC – West Carolina announces the expansion of its high-speed fiber-optic broadband network into Greenwood County, bringing transformative connectivity to the towns and surrounding areas of Shoals Junction, Hodges, Coronaca, and Cokesbury. This $11.6 million project is the result of a strategic partnership between West Carolina and South Carolina’s Office of Regulatory Services’ State Broadband Office, who awarded funding from an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Project Fund.
“This partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when public and private entities work together,” said Jeff Wilson, CEO of West Carolina. “Together, we’re bringing critical infrastructure to communities that need it most.”
This expansion will provide reliable, state-of-the-art broadband service to approximately 1,875 addresses across 153 miles of newly installed fiber. It underscores West Carolina’s commitment to closing the digital divide and fostering economic growth and educational opportunities for rural communities.
When completed, this project, together with previous West Carolina projects, represents a $76 million investment in Greenwood County, with West Carolina directly funding all but $12 million. Additionally, more than 24,000 Greenwood County addresses will be serviceable.
Collaborative Efforts Drive Success The success of this project was made possible through the collaboration of key leaders and organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greenwood County. West Carolina extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and groups for their instrumental roles:
Greenwood County Council
Dr. Hope Rivers, President, Piedmont Technical College
Kay Self, Executive Director, VisionGreenwood
Patricia Hartung, Executive Director, Upper Savannah Council of Government
Toby Chappell, Greenwood County Administrator
Dr. Faye Sprouse, Superintendent, Greenwood School District 51
Representative John McCravy, South Carolina State House
Senator Billy Garrett, South Carolina State Senate
“Their collective efforts and advocacy were vital in bringing this project to fruition and ensuring that Greenwood County communities are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy,” Wilson said.
A Milestone for Greenwood County “This expansion is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s an investment in the future of Greenwood County and its residents,” said Jeff Wilson, CEO of West Carolina. “We are proud to partner with the South Carolina State Broadband Office and to work alongside dedicated community leaders to make high-speed internet a reality for more families, businesses, and schools.”
High-speed broadband access is critical for education, telemedicine, remote work, and overall community development. West Carolina remains committed to delivering exceptional service while fostering local economic resilience and growth.
Next Steps Construction is set to begin mid 2025 with plans to connect the first customers in mid 2026. Residents and businesses in the project areas will receive updates regarding service availability and installation timelines.
About West Carolina West Carolina is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to delivering cutting-edge broadband, phone, and video services to rural communities in South Carolina. With a focus on innovation and community engagement, West Carolina continues to empower its members with connectivity solutions that enhance their quality of life.
Organization strengthens efforts to bridge the digital divide in South Carolina.
Columbia, S.C. – Today, the South Carolina Telecommunications and Broadband Association (SCTBA) announced it is now the Palmetto Broadband Coalition (PBC). This evolution reflects the organization and its members’ commitment to leading broadband access and adoption across South Carolina.
For nearly a century, South Carolina’s connectivity providers have collaborated to ensure all citizens remain connected and are not left behind as new, modern communication technologies become the norm. The organizations first came together under the South Carolina Independent Telephone Association moniker in 1934. It later became the South Carolina Telephone Association. In 1990, the name was changed to South Carolina Telecommunications Association, then underwent another name change in 2014 to the South Carolina Telecommunications and Broadband Association. Now, the organization is
“South Carolina is changing and so are we,” said Will Helmly, CEO of Home Telecom and Chairman of the PBC. “Our transition to the Palmetto Broadband Coalition marks the latest chapter in our collective efforts to ensure that all South Carolinians have access to reliable, high-speed internet. While our name is different, our dedication to working collaboratively with policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to expand broadband infrastructure, foster economic development, and empower communities remains as steadfast as ever.”
Collectively, companies making up the PBC serve over 430,000 broadband customers and employ more than 2,800 South Carolinians on a full-time basis. In the last few years alone, they have expended nearly $1 billion in broadband capital investment. Unlike national and multinational companies that are largely driven by profits, PBC companies and their leaders live and work in the communities they serve and are committed to ensuring their customers have modern technologies and superior customer service.
Mr. Helmly along with Jay Brown (Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc.), Ben Spearman (Comporium), and Executive Director Nola Armstrong, will oversee the essential work of the PBC as it continues to serve as the unified voice for South Carolina’s telecommunications community. The PBC will advocate for policies and investments that promote broadband expansion, foster relationships between public and private sectors, and support initiatives to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
Members of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition include Comporium of Rock Hill, Farmers Telephone Cooperative (FTC) of Kingstree, Home Telecom of Moncks Corner, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) of Conway, Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Walterboro, Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Laurens, Sandhill Telephone Cooperative of Jefferson, TruVista of Chester and West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (WCTEL) of Abbeville as well as over 100 associate members who supply products and services.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today, the Palmetto Broadband Coalition, a consortium of well-established, locally owned broadband providers, announced its launch. This alliance is the most recent collaboration among providers, some with over 120 years of history, who consistently unite to enhance connectivity and better serve their customers as technology advances.
The founding members of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition are Comporium of Rock Hill, Farmers Telephone Cooperative (FTC) of Kingstree, Home Telecom of Moncks Corner, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) of Conway, Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Walterboro, Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Laurens, Sandhill Telephone Cooperative of Jefferson, TruVista of Chester and West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (WCTEL) of Abbeville. Each brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving the people of South Carolina.
“Time and time again South Carolina’s local telecommunications and broadband providers have stepped up to the plate to serve our state,” said Speaker of the House Murrell Smith. “With the formation of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition, these homegrown companies are yet again putting their local communities first as we move forward in an ever more connected future.”
Each provider traces its roots to the early days of the telecommunications industry when the rural areas of South Carolina did not offer a viable market for the large telephone companies to establish operations and serve residents. Recognizing the growing need to connect homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare providers, independent telephone companies stepped up.
Fast forward to the 1980s when the same group of companies refused to let advancements in information technology and connectivity pass by South Carolina. They again came together and pooled their resources to best serve the needs of the state. The resulting product was a provider of fiber optic connectivity that traversed thousands of miles across South Carolina.
It is in this same vein that the Palmetto Broadband Coalition was founded. With South Carolina investing significant resources to ensure every home and business has access to high quality, affordable broadband, it is pivotal that the longtime experts and providers in connectivity that make up the Palmetto Broadband Coalition come together again in service to the people of the state, regardless of their location.
“Access to high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, economic development and quality of life,” said Will Helmly, President & CEO of Home Telecom and Chair of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition. “Our coalition is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every corner of South Carolina is connected to the opportunities of the digital age.”
Key goals and initiatives of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition include:
Expanding Broadband Access: The coalition will work tirelessly to expand high-speed broadband access to underserved and unserved areas in South Carolina, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Advocating for Policy: The coalition will engage with policymakers at all levels to advocate for policies that encourage investment and innovation in the state’s broadband infrastructure.
Fostering Innovation: Through partnerships and collaboration, the coalition will support innovative solutions that leverage broadband technology to address local challenges and drive economic growth.
To stay updated on the Palmetto Broadband Coalition’s activities and initiatives, please visit our website at PalmettoBroadbandCoalition.com.
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About the Palmetto Broadband Coalition:
The Palmetto Broadband Coalition is a collective effort of leading telecommunications and broadband providers in South Carolina. The Coalition is committed to shaping the state’s broadband future, while providing high quality, reliable broadband access, customer service, and community investment to South Carolina customers and communities so that they can be connected now and into the future.