SCRTC Marks 75 Years of Service, Growth, and Connection in South Central Kentucky
The first board consisted of A.W. Ross, Paul Young, J.J. Crouch, Roger Glass, and Robert Eaton. Photo | SCRTC
By Nicole Randall
Marketing and Sales
What began as a visionary effort to connect rural homes to telephone service has grown into one of South-Central Kentucky’s most trusted and vital community institutions. As South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (SCRTC) celebrates its 75th anniversary this summer, it stands as a symbol of perseverance, innovation, and local service, still rooted in the same cooperative values that sparked its founding in 1950.
Today, SCRTC provides broadband internet, television, My Stream TV, telephone, and many other business communications solutions to nearly 28,000 subscribers across 11 counties. With 136 employees and offices in Glasgow, Munfordville, and Greensburg, the company is not only a major regional employer, but a key part of the infrastructure that keeps homes, businesses, schools, and farms connected.
“Seventy-five years ago, our founders were committed to solving a problem—bringing reliable telephone service to rural Kentucky,” said Jeff Eaton, General Manager of SCRTC. “That same spirit still drives us today as we work to bring high-speed internet and advanced technology to every member we serve.”
Humble Beginnings with a Bold Vision
SCRTC was officially incorporated on September 21, 1950, during a time when rural Kentucky was often left behind in the rapidly advancing world of communication. In many areas, telephone service was nonexistent. SCRTC was born out of a grassroots determination to close that gap.
The cooperative’s first board meeting took place just weeks later on October 31, 1950, inside the George J. Ellis Building in Glasgow. These early leaders had no guarantees of success—just a shared mission and the backing of local members who understood the importance of connection.
By August 5, 1953, SCRTC held its first official annual meeting at the Gamaliel School in Monroe County, drawing 160 members. From the beginning, engagement from the community was strong. Members weren’t just customers—they were owners. While SCRTC has expanded to many areas over 11 counties, this cooperative model, where those who use the service have a stake in its success, remains a core part of SCRTC’s identity.
Over the decades, SCRTC steadily expanded its services, coverage area, and capabilities. In 1977, touch-tone dialing was introduced, and by 1985, the cutover of all party line services was complete. These were major steps forward in modernizing the phone system, ushering in a new era of convenience for customers.
By 1981, the cooperative had grown enough to warrant a move into its current headquarters building in Glasgow, a space that remains central to its operations today.
The early linemen with the South Central Rural Telephone Company Photo | SCRTC
A Regional Technology Leader
While SCRTC’s roots are in traditional telephone service, it has repeatedly embraced the technologies of the future.
In 1991, SCRTC joined forces with four other Kentucky cooperatives—Brandenburg, Duo, Logan, and North Central—to form the largest cellular network in the Commonwealth at that time. It was an ambitious leap, but one that aligned with the cooperative’s mission to keep its members connected.
The mid-1990s marked another turning point, as the internet began to reshape every aspect of daily life. In 1995, SCRTC offered dial-up internet to its customers, becoming one of the first rural cooperatives in the region to do so. Though slow by today’s standards, it was a bold step that laid the groundwork for future growth.
In 1997, SCRTC opened its Munfordville office, making its services even more accessible to Hart County residents. By 2002, the cooperative launched digital video services, providing cable television to local homes and businesses. A few years later, in 2006, it introduced ad insertion technology, allowing local businesses to market directly to their communities.
But perhaps the most transformative step in recent memory came in 2008, when SCRTC began deploying fiber-to-the-home technology. This major investment allowed for internet speeds and reliability previously unheard of in rural areas—and positioned SCRTC as a leader not just regionally, but nationally, in next-generation broadband access.
A third office opened in Greensburg in 2015, further extending the cooperative’s community footprint. Current expansions to Brownsville and Edmonson County show SCRTC is committed to growth.
An operator at one of the early switchboards. Photo | SCRTC
Impact That Goes Beyond Technology
While much of SCRTC’s success is tied to innovation, its impact extends far beyond cables, poles, and networks.
With a team of 136 employees, SCRTC is one of the area’s most stable and committed employers. Many of its staff have deep family and community ties, and their work supports not only local customers but also schools, emergency services, farms, small businesses, and large corporations.
“The people who work here aren’t just called engineers, technicians, customer service reps, or employees—they’re neighbors,” said Eaton. “They care about the people they serve because they live in the same communities.”
Today, SCRTC’s services touch nearly every facet of life across 11 counties. Its fiber optic broadband internet connects our region and enhances our quality of life. Its TV and streaming services offer access to entertainment, news, and sports. Its telephone and security offerings provide safety and reliability for homes and businesses alike.
And through it all, the cooperative has maintained its member-owned structure, meaning decisions are always made with the best interest of customers in mind.
Community First, Always
Over the years, SCRTC has contributed to countless community efforts—from local sports teams, county fairs, schools, and volunteer organizations to participating in economic development initiatives.
That dedication will be on full display on Friday, July 25, when SCRTC invites the public to a 75th Anniversary Birthday Bash on the front lawn of its Glasgow headquarters at 1399 Happy Valley Road.
The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature something for everyone: bounce houses and an obstacle course for kids, free SnoBalls, and complimentary lunch tickets for your choice of a BBQ sandwich or tacos. Free commemorative T-shirts will also be available while supplies last.
There will be an educational component to the Birthday Bash featuring a “touch a truck experience” where families can learn about SCRTC equipment as well as interactive displays from various departments, showing everything from cable splicing to security setups.
“This event is really a celebration of our members and the communities that have supported us for 75 years,” said Eaton. “We hope people come out, have fun, and help us honor this incredible milestone.”
Linemen are doing their jobs at the top of the telephone poles. Photo | SCRTC
A Legacy of Service—and a Future of Possibility
Looking ahead, SCRTC continues to invest in expanding fiber optic broadband access, exploring new technologies to meet the evolving needs of its members, and continuing with the same excellent customer service on which SCRTC was built. While the pace of change in telecommunications shows no signs of slowing. The SCRTC cooperative foundation remains as relevant as ever. “We’re here to serve the people who depend on us,” said Eaton. “That’s what makes us different, and that’s what has helped us thrive for 75 years. “As it celebrates this major milestone, SCRTC honors the many board members, employees, retirees, and community partners who helped shape its journey, while keeping its eyes on what comes next. From a handful of members in Gamaliel to thousands of broadband subscribers across south-central Kentucky, the story of SCRTC is one of progress powered by people.
Working with the technology of the day. Photo | SCRTC
SCRTC Through the Years
- 1950: Incorporated on Sept. 21; first board meeting held Oct. 31 in Glasgow.
- 1953: First annual meeting held at Gamaliel School with 160 members.
- 1977: Touch-tone dialing was introduced.
- 1981: Moved into current Glasgow headquarters.
- 1991: Helped form KY’s largest cellular network.
- 1995: Launched dial-up internet service.
- 1997: Opened Munfordville office.
- 2002: Began digital video services.
- 2006: Introduced ad insertion for local cable.
- 2008: Launched fiber-to-the-home.
- 2015: Opened Greensburg office.
- 2024: Celebrates 75 years of service.
I was an employee for SCRTC back in the 1970’s. First on the crew, then the remainder of my time as an IT computer operator and programmer. SCRTC was an awesome company to work for. I worked there for over 7 seven years before moving on to my next job at SKF. SCRTC sent me to school and other provided other training courses during my employee there. Thank you SCRTC for my kick-start in my life-long career in IT.