We launched GVEC internet in 1998 (known as GVEC.net back then) for the same reason the Cooperative was formed and began offering electric service in the late 1930s: If we didn’t do it, who would? Back then, larger internet service providers (ISP) were mostly bypassing our area because they saw it as insufficiently profitable. Residents here had few options for connectivity, and many had none.
Over 20 years later, larger ISPs still overlook or underserve rural areas across our service territory, but like the farmers who founded GVEC, we continue pressing forward, taking matters into our own hands. Our aim is to assure that our region continues to benefit from the latest internet delivery technologies—the same technologies readily available in larger, urban areas.
A Robust, Agile Network Constructed Meticulously Over Time
Building from 300 initial subscribers in 1998, we have since evolved from dialup service into high-speed wireless (debuting in 2004) and then into extreme-speed GVEC Fiber (debuting in 2013). Today, GVEC Internet serves thousands of subscribers across South Central Texas between our Wireless and Fiber services. Not only have we introduced new delivery technologies, but we never stop working to upgrade and expand the infrastructure behind them. Over the past several years, for instance, we have not only consistently added new wireless tower sites across the rural communities we serve, but have also relentlessly upgraded the capabilities to existing towers. We are committed to giving Wireless subscribers the best internet experience possible with this technology.
On the fiber side, we had a busy 2021, completing additional construction and expanding into new areas of Seguin, Gonzales, Cibolo, Schertz, Geronimo, Nixon, Shiner, New Berlin and La Vernia. One of the most important milestones of our ongoing fiber buildout came in late 2021, though, when we increased the speed of our lowest-tiered plan from 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 250 Mbps and added a 500 Mbps mid-tiered plan. Our 1 Gbps plan remains our fastest option and is available to all Fiber subscribers.
As of January 2022, we serve over 1,000 miles of Fiber infrastructure. We aim to continue growing these numbers well into the future. As the number of Fiber subscribers grows, so does our Wireless consumer base. Thanks in large part to our unrelenting commitment to improving and delivering more to those we serve, a majority of residents across our service territory now have access to internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps—considered the baseline standard for “broadband.” As long as there is a need, we will continue expanding GVEC Internet services throughout our region.
A Partnership of Connecting with and for Those We Serve
Although we’re pleased with GVEC Internet’s history of delivering more to underserved rural communities, we know the work is not done. Moving deeper into the 21st century’s third decade, we will keep listening to those we serve, always keeping informed of the latest trends and available technologies. We are committed to making sure our region doesn’t fall behind as the world grows ever-more connected.
I am always interested in your comments and feedback. Contact me by phone at 830.857.1152, by email at dschauer@gvec.org or by mail at P.O. Box 118, Gonzales, Texas 78629.
