A telecommunications company that has been connecting the Ardmore community for more than a century is starting a new chapter with a new name and national recognition for its broadband service.
The Greater Ardmore Chamber joined employees and community members Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting celebrating Cornerstone Connectivity, formerly Ardmore Telephone Company. The event also marked updates to the company’s Ardmore office and its designation as a Smart Rural Community.
Ardmore Telephone Company traces its history to 1908. Cornerstone Connectivity was formed on the foundation of Ardmore Telephone and West Kentucky & Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative, which has served communities in Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois since 1951.
Together, the organizations have focused on providing communications services to rural communities that can be underserved by larger providers.
The Smart Rural Community designation comes through NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association and recognizes rural broadband providers and communities using high-speed internet to support economic development, education, health care, public safety and quality of life.
“We’re proud to celebrate our progress, our new name, and our Smart Rural Community designation,” said Gentry Puckett, marketing coordinator for Cornerstone Connectivity.
“To earn this designation, telecoms must meet several standards, including offering 100 Mbps broadband to at least half of their service area and maintaining strong subscription rates,” Puckett said. “This is a significant milestone, and we’re excited to share our refreshed look and new name with the people who matter most to us.”
Greater Ardmore Chamber Director Yolandia Eubanks said the company’s continued investment has implications beyond faster internet service.
“Reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential to the way our residents live, learn, work, and do business,” Eubanks said.
She said the Smart Rural Community designation also reflects the role broadband can play in the area’s continued development.
“The Smart Rural Community designation is something our entire community can be proud of because it reflects the quality of service available here while also supporting economic growth and encouraging collaboration among our businesses, schools, local leaders, and public safety officials,” Eubanks said.
“Cornerstone Connectivity’s investment in Ardmore is an investment in the future of our community.”
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