Led by top innovators in telecommunications, our growth and transformation over the years are in large part thanks to our GVTC Board of Directors (BOD). The GVTC Board consists of 15 directors who are GVTC members, and each serves on behalf of the designated GVTC district they reside in. They've helped secure long-term viability in an industry riddled with poor customer service and unfulfilled promises. We rely on their leadership and strategic foresight to set GVTC apart and ahead of other providers.
Providing Greater Value
2020 marked the third year of our Member Dividend Program(MDP). This program changed the telecommunications industry by trimming active member's monthly payments by 20%, just for being loyal to GVTC. We have seen the program grow with over $11.5 million returned to members in the form of dividends applied to their bills in the past 12 months. That is an increase of $1.4 million from the previous year. The success of this program demonstrates the value there is to membership in this cooperative. Your commitment to GVTC puts money back in your pocket.
Led by the GVTC Board of Directors, GVTC also released record-breaking capital credits of $7.25 million in 2020. GVTC’s CEO & President, Ritchie Sorrells says, "GVTC's ability to issue annual Capital Credits this size is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated employees and the visionary leadership of our Board of Directors.”
We continue to innovate with new products and services, like our new GVTC Premium WiFi, connectHome, and faster connection speeds. We also invest in our network at twice the rate of our competitors, to make sure that as many of you can experience the best services we have to offer.
Helping Our Community
GVTC recognizes how crucial the internet is in keeping us connected during the pandemic. To help customers that were financially impacted by the coronavirus and to alleviate stress, GVTC committed to the FCC’s “Keep America Connected Pledge" on March 23, 2020, to ensure every customer continued to have access despite personal hardships. The pledge ended in 2021.
The pledge stated:
(1) Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
(2) Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
(3) Open its WiFi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Recognizing the enormous need in GVTC’s service area due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The GVTC Foundation also donated $82,000 in grants to provide immediate financial support to 18 local nonprofits assisting families across Greater San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and South Central Texas in 2020.
It’s important that we remain united, strong, and connected during this time. As GVTC continues to provide essential communications services like Broadband and Security to our customers, we also continue to lean on one another for support. That’s the GVTC way.
Looking to the Future
While there is much left of 2021 to be seen, GVTC is optimistic about the future of the communities it serves. GVTC’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of the company by providing the best value in communication services and enhancing the quality of life overall, and its board of directors, leadership team, and 220+ employees continue to fulfill this mission daily.