As technology advances and industries evolve, many businesses are focusing on profits over people. This often leaves rural and underserved communities struggling to access essential services like high-speed internet, fair wages, or affordable products. But there’s a different way forward, a model where businesses empower individuals and communities alike.

Cooperatives are uniquely positioned to meet these challenges, putting people before profit and fostering a future where everyone can thrive. Through shared ownership and democratic control, co-ops offer a sustainable path for growth, ensuring that the benefits of innovation and progress are shared and not concentrated in the hands of a few.

At Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc., we are proud to be a part of this future. Each October, we join over 40,000 cooperatives and credit unions across the United States in celebrating Co-op Month, an opportunity to highlight the cooperative business model that is helping to shape the future. This year’s theme, "The Future Is Cooperative," aligns with our commitment to expanding fiber-optic high-speed internet to underserved and rural areas across Oklahoma. By 2028, our overbuild projects will bring future-proof internet to nearly 70,000 locations, ensuring that our communities can thrive in the digital age.

Cooperatives are guided by seven principles that shape their values and operations. Here’s how Pioneer continues to embrace these principles to build a better future for our members and communities:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. At Pioneer, we proudly serve 80 exchanges in Western Oklahoma, inviting all within our service area to join our cooperative and benefit from our landline telephone and high-speed internet services.

2. Democratic Member Control

Co-ops are organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Each year, at our Annual Meeting in May, Pioneer members vote on important matters, including By-Laws and district representatives, ensuring their voices shape the future of our cooperative.

3. Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. This shared investment ensures that our members, not outside shareholders, benefit from Pioneer’s success.

4. Autonomy and Independence

If a co-op enters into an agreement with other organizations, including government, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control and their unique identity. Established under Cimarron Electric Cooperative, we have remained independent since 1953, serving as a trusted provider of communication services in Western Oklahoma.

Pioneer often partners with organizations in our communities to provide services. Pioneer has four Public Relation Specialists that develop relationships with our schools, city government, civic organizations and chamber of commerce members across our 11,000 square mile territory.  

5. Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, CEOs, and employees to help them effectively contribute to the growth and development of the cooperative. Pioneer provides essential updates at our Annual Meeting and offers guidance through our Customer Experience specialists at over 20 retail locations, and education through various media to ensure our members can make informed decisions about the products and services that best meet their needs.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

By working together co-ops improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with community needs. Across Western Oklahoma, cooperatives work together to enhance services and strengthen local economies. By collaborating with other co-ops, including other cooperatives and credit unions, Pioneer helps build vibrant, thriving communities.

7. Concern for Community

While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members. Pioneer is heavily invested in the development of their communities. Pioneer is committed to the development of the communities we serve. We continue to invest in critical infrastructure, such as expanding fiber internet access, and support local schools, scholarships, and civic programs. Since our founding, we have invested over $68 million in local schools through taxes, awarded over $1 million in higher education scholarships, and returned nearly $153 million to our members through capital credits.

As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated in our commitment to these cooperative principles. The future is cooperative, and at Pioneer, we believe that by working together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.

Happy Cooperative Month!

Cover photo taken by Pioneer Employee Ben Gray