About Our Co-op

Trailblazing for Today

West Central Telephone Association (WCTA) is a full-service cooperative telecom.

We deeply understand the need to have a technology infrastructure in our rural communities so that people and businesses thrive in a competitive future.

We’ve been busy transforming the area’s communication with fiber-to-the-premise technologies. It’s no exaggeration to say we’re a trailblazing technology model for areas across the rural United States. Our services are that good!

Nationally recognized as an NTCA Gig-Capable Internet Provider, we deliver broadband speeds up to 5 Gigs (that’s 5,000 Mbps!) to all of our members over our 100% fiber optic network. The network includes over 2,154 route miles of fiber and spans a 854 square mile area.

We love our customers and work hard every day to bring you ultra-fast internet service and so much more. The future is bright, because we’re ready today.

Thank you for choosing West Central Telephone!

Local Telephone Service Area

The following communities receive their local telephone service from WCTA.

Automatic Co-op Membership

You automatically become a member of the Cooperative when you sign up for local telephone service. That’s it, you’re in! No dues or forms required.

You’re An Owner with Perks ($$$)!

As a member of West Central Telephone Association, the cooperative, you are part owner. How it works is that each time you subscribe to services like fast internet or TV you are not just a customer. You are making an investment into the company. From that point forward, you are an owner!

As an owner of this cooperative, you are entitled to amazing benefits (not available to customers of private or big-name telecom companies). These benefits include:

Community Investment: Our priority is to invest in technology for our members, businesses, and schools. As a cooperative, we aren’t here for profit. We’re here to first ensure this area has the communication tools needed to thrive. We are consistently striving to meet the needs of the community and create partnerships.
Voting Rights: The democratic model of a co-op is one of its finest assets. You elect each representative on the Board of Directors meaning all owners have an equal say in the governing of the co-op. Their role is to ensure the cooperative provides the highest quality, best value and latest technologies for you and protect your investment.
Capital Credits: Any net profit is allocated back to members in the form of Capital Credits. Your percentage is tied directly to what you’ve invested—in other words patronage. It’s ultimately cash-back, in your pocket (ca-ching)!
Special Events: In addition to the Annual Meeting, members receive invitations to open houses, holiday celebrations and more. We bring the community together.

We’re determined to do our part, so you can enjoy life and be wildly successful in today’s global economy. Go get ’em!

Our Mission

West Central Telephone shall strive to provide exceptional and professional customer service, to promote customer ownership at all levels, and to be a progressive communication services provider with the vision to plan for and provide the services customers may need and want in the future, encouraging individuals and communities to thrive.

Articles of Incorporation

To learn more about the Cooperative, refer to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws that are printed in the front of the WCTA telephone directory.

History

West Central Telephone has been a driver of community and regional development for all of its many decades of service. We’re one of about 260 telephone cooperatives, serving more than 1.2 million Americans across the nation.

Democracy In Action

Telephone services thrived in big cities during the first part of the 20th century. Yet, due to the sparse population of our area, big telecom companies would not make investments here. That’s when innovative farmers of the region took matters into their own hands. They banded together as a cooperative to make it happen.

On September 7, 1950 area farmers formed West Central Telephone Association (WCTA). Articles of Incorporation were filed on October 9, 1950. The State of Minnesota approved incorporation on June 16, 1952. Then the magic, and hard work began.

WCTA’s technology has evolved through many lifecycles, but one thing hasn’t changed… commitment to members and our communities.

Click here for history details

West Central Telephone Association began September 7, 1950, at the Todd Wadena Electric Cooperative business office in Wadena, Minnesota. Elmer Larson served as temporary chairman and Paul Richter, manager of Todd Wadena Electric Cooperative, was temporary secretary.

The cooperative’s first board meeting was held October 17, 1950 and consisted of temporary chairman George Voss and temporary secretary Paul Richter. Board members included A el Hepola, Harry Nielsen, Matt Pulju, George Voss, Boyd Conley, Gordon Berg, and Alvin Abrahamson. Ray Bradford was the attorney for the association.

Membership fees were set at $5 per subscriber and funds were meager.

1950
Articles of incorporation were filed on October 9, 1950

1951
The bank balance was $253.12

1952
State of Minnesota approved incorporation on June 16, 1952

1952
Sebeka and Menahga telephone exchanges were purchased from Mr.Holman on March 31, 1952, for the amount of $56,000. The Verndale exchange was purchased from Mr. Jules Gadaire for $19,500.

1953
First REA loan approved

1960
Headquarters moved from Wadena to a newly constructed business office in Sebeka Telephone

1957
All exchanges were converted from magneto crank style and common battery service to rotary dial. Services ranged from private to eight multi-party lines.

1969 – 1972
Conversion to all private line service began in 1969 with all exchanges converted by 1972.

1980 – 1987
Conversion from analog to digital phone service, enabling better clarity, quicker call completion, and custom calling features like call waiting and call forwarding.

1995
United Data-Vision, an analog cable TV system was formed as a subsidiary, providing cable television to the cities of Menahga and Sebeka.

1996
West Central Long Distance was offered, and West Central Internet Services soon began offering dial-up internet service.

1996 – 1999
Complete update to fiber optic lines in the entire 602 square mile service area, plus installation of 88 new digital service units so that all customers are within 12,000 feet of a digital service unit. This investment in infrastructure is what allows WCTA to offer present state-of-the-art technology and positions the company for future growth.

2005-Present
Fiber to the Home is 100% complete, offering Internet speeds up to 5 Gigs and digital IPTV service to all members.

From the 1955 Telephone Directory:

“We should ask that our patrons refrain from rubbering. Cutting in several phones across a party line that is being used may reduce the efficiency of the line to a point where the persons conversing may be unable to hear.”

Let’s Start a Conversation

Always a human. We’re good with however you like to communicate so call, email, or just say yoo-hoo in person (drive-up and lobby available).

A Quick Response | Thoroughness & Expertise | Action & Follow-up

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