McKEE, Ky. – Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) participated in the 2017 SOAR Summit in Pikeville, Kentucky, to showcase the world-class fiber network they provide for residents in the Appalachian region. 

PRTC recently built a 100 percent fiber network in Jackson and Owsley counties. This state-of-the-art network helped create 400 new jobs over the past 2 years and unlimited possibilities for the communities that the technology cooperative serves.

“People have to drive so far to work, so we are helping create jobs and provide services closer to home,” said Keith Gabbard, CEO of PRTC. “This has opened the door for new telecommuting opportunities in our service region.”

In 2015, Teleworks USA, a part of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), partnered with PRTC to open a Teleworks Hub in Jackson County and 370 people have gained employment either working from home or in a Teleworks Hub. Last year, a Teleworks Hub opened in Booneville in Owsley County, creating an additional 105 jobs.

“PRTC exemplifies everything that is great about a home-grown company,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “What they have been able to do in Jackson and Owsley counties is fully leverage the benefits of fiber to build 21st Century opportunities for their customers.”

Now that the new 100 percent fiber network is available in Jackson and Owsley counties, PRTC hopes to branch out to surrounding counties to build more fiber networks.

“Our mission is to make our community and our region a better place to work and live,” Gabbard said. “What we provide is a key component to the quality of life of our customers.”

To learn more about PRTC, visit prtcnet.org.