SCTBA is now the Palmetto Broadband Coalition

Organization strengthens efforts to bridge the digital divide in South Carolina

The South Carolina Telecommunications and Broadband Association (SCTBA) announced it is now the Palmetto Broadband Coalition (PBC). This evolution reflects the organization and its members’ commitment to leading broadband access and adoption across South Carolina.

For nearly a century, South Carolina’s connectivity providers have collaborated to ensure all citizens remain connected and are not left behind as new, modern communication technologies become the norm. The organizations first came together under the South Carolina Independent Telephone Association moniker in 1934. It later became the South Carolina Telephone Association. In 1990, the name was changed to South Carolina Telecommunications Association, then underwent another name change in 2014 to the South Carolina Telecommunications and Broadband Association. Now, the organization is

“South Carolina is changing and so are we,” said Will Helmly, CEO of Home Telecom and Chairman of the PBC. “Our transition to the Palmetto Broadband Coalition marks the latest chapter in our collective efforts to ensure that all South Carolinians have access to reliable, high-speed internet. While our name is different, our dedication to working collaboratively with policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to expand broadband infrastructure, foster economic development, and empower communities remains as steadfast as ever.”

Collectively, companies making up the PBC serve over 430,000 broadband customers and employ more than 2,800 South Carolinians on a full-time basis. In the last few years alone, they have expended nearly $1 billion in broadband capital investment. Unlike national and multinational companies that are largely driven by profits, PBC companies and their leaders live and work in the communities they serve and are committed to ensuring their customers have modern technologies and superior customer service.

Helmly, along with Jay Brown (Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc.), Ben Spearman (Comporium), and Executive Director Nola Armstrong, will oversee the essential work of the PBC as it continues to serve as the unified voice for South Carolina’s telecommunications community. The PBC will advocate for policies and investments that promote broadband expansion, foster relationships between public and private sectors, and support initiatives to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.

Members of the Palmetto Broadband Coalition include Comporium of Rock Hill, Farmers Telephone Cooperative (FTC) of Kingstree, Home Telecom of Moncks Corner, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) of Conway, Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Walterboro, Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Laurens, Sandhill Telephone Cooperative of Jefferson, TruVista of Chester and West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative (WCTEL) of Abbeville as well as over 100 associate members who supply products and services.

To learn more about the Palmetto Broadband Coalition and its members, visit palmettobroadbandcoalition.com.