Considered a risky investment 56 years ago, MTA now thrives

You’ve probably heard the history of the Matanuska Telephone Association before, but given the challenging and uncertain economic times in which we are living, our story is worth repeating.

Founded by Valley residents in 1953, at a time when larger phone companies viewed investing in the Mat-Su region and Eagle River as too risky, MTA, a cooperative, was built on the labors of local men and women. Cooperatives were often created to bring telephone service to rural communities for-profit providers wouldn’t serve.

Taking that chance 56 years ago has paid off for our members by allowing them to enjoy the direct benefits of ownership and a strong sense of community, all while growing a financially sound company positioned to succeed during uncertain economic times. In fact, MTA was born during a recession and already has weathered nine.

The economic climate today reveals the story of how a culture of profit and risk-taking has shifted the focus of large corporations from serving customers to serving themselves. Meanwhile, MTA has achieved both a competitive and a financial advantage by keeping the focus on what we do best — serving our members with an eye toward tomorrow.

MTA has grown into a world-class communications company and one of the region’s most powerful economic engines by providing innovative communication products, affordable rates and a superior customer experience. A cooperative model gives its members a democratic voice in its governance. By listening to our members and maintaining solid business practices, MTA is poised to serve its members and communities in multiple ways.

This year alone, MTA will pump tens of millions of dollars into the local economy by employing more than 400 Alaskans. We also support our service area through donations of both time and money to local nonprofit organizations, which help make our communities stronger. And unlike some companies who are taking value from shareholders, MTA is returning value to ours.

Recently, MTA rewarded our owners for their dedication and patronage by issuing their annual Capital Credits checks — more than 2 million dollars in payments that ranged in size from $10 to more than $24,000. Imagine that — in this economy a company is actually making payouts rather than taking bailouts.

And if that isn’t enough good news, there is more. MTA has been quietly building the most superior communications company in Alaska. While a rich history and a strong financial position is important, being prepared for tomorrow is vital.

Why? It’s simple. While other companies were focused on providing profits for investors, we were building the most advanced network in Alaska to provide our customers with the technologies of tomorrow. As a result, MTA is in an excellent position to compete with other providers, who now, 56 years later, see our market as a profitable business proposition — for their shareholders. Due to aggressive investment in our infrastructure, today, more than 98 percent of our members have access to high-speed Internet service, and in just five years, we’ve developed the capability within our network to deliver DTV service to 76 percent of our members/owners.

For MTA, the cooperative is more than just a business model, it’s a dedication to excellence. It’s an unwavering commitment to protect, grow and honor the initial risk that members made back in 1953. It’s the reason why MTA has been the company you’ve called on for 56 years.

Greg Berberich, CEO of MTA, is a long-time resident of the Mat-Su Valley, who has dedicated his entire career to supporting the communications industry and cooperative form of business.