Proudly serving our community for more than 70 years
Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative (BTC) was formed in 1953 to provide telephone service to communities in the Sequatchie Valley. Now referred to as BTC Fiber, we provide service to over 10,000 customers in all of Bledsoe and Sequatchie Counties, plus portions of Rhea, Van Buren, Cumberland, and Hamilton Counties, servicing a total area of more than 800 square miles. With our service area expanding, our mission remains steadfast: we strive to provide the best internet and service to rural areas, ensuring connectivity for all.
Today
Currently, BTC stays focused on the goal of providing state-of-the-art telecommunication services along Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, providing individuals the option to remain in this rural area without sacrificing the entertainment, educational, and economic benefits that are available through broadband today. To accomplish this goal, BTC constantly balances the demands of its members, sound economical practices, and the latest advances in technology to provide area wide, state-of-the-art, telecommunication
2014
In 2014, BTC completed network upgrades, deploying remote cabinets and trunking fiber throughout the network. In addition, BTC constructed its first “passive” optical network fiber system in a rural portion of Bledsoe County served with voice by AT&T.
2008
In 2008, BTC designed and began construction on its first “active” fiber network providing a new subdivision with “fiber-to-the-home” technology. The successful implementation of this technology and an increased demand for bandwidth, inspired design changes for later phases of the network upgrade. In later phases of the upgrade, fiber optic technology took the place of copper in remote locations as a means to keep up with the growing demand for bandwidth in the future.
1995
BTC became the first internet service provider in the Sequatchie Valley in 1995.
Since that time, BTC has continued to expand and enhance the network. In its beginning, dial up service provided adequate bandwidth for BTC’s members. However, demands soon exceeded the capability of dial up and BTC expanded its capability providing DSL services by the late 1990’s.
1994
In 1994 BTC was able to offer DirecTV satellite entertainment to members in more rural portions of the service area.
1981
In 1981, the company began construction of a cable TV system for customers in the Sequatchie Valley.
1980
In the late 1970’s, BTC extended its service to include paging technology and by 1980, all multi-party lines were upgraded to single party.
1972
Driven by the initial mission to be a technological leader while providing a safe work environment, in 1972, BTC was the first company in Tennessee to use power buckets on all service trucks.
1970
By the 70’s, the company operated 77 toll trunk lines. Constantly expanding to meet the needs of the area, the company created mobile telephone service, installed automated number identification, and extended service to Fall Creek Falls State Park.
1963
In 1963 BTC added customers in the Luminary community. In addition to expanding the network during this year, BTC became the first company in Tennessee to offer direct distance dial service to its customers. In the coming years, BTC continued to expand its reach, adding additional rural areas to the network.
1958
Expanding its reach, in 1958 the cooperative acquired the Sequatchie Valley Mutual Telephone Company in Dunlap, Tennessee. Construction immediately began to switch these customers to a modern dial system. BTC continued to improve the network adding additional long distance lines to Dayton, connecting its members with networks in Chattanooga.
1953
Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative (BTC), headquartered in Pikeville, Tennessee, was founded on April 14, 1953. The cooperative was created through an effort, that began in 1952, to establish enough interest in telephone service among residents within the rural areas of Bledsoe County and portions of Van Buren and Cumberland Counties. Since this time, BTC has continued to grow, extend its service area, and remain a leader in the industry.