In November 1935, PP — a not-for-profit cooperative — was created by its members to provide life-changing electricity to their farms and homes. Back then, the co-op powered rural areas where other big companies said it wasn’t profitable; PP met a need when no one else would.
Today, the problem is modern connectivity: work, video streaming, gaming, home devices, and nearly every aspect of life in this digital age requires quality internet. Data shows that nearly 70% of PP's membership (especially those in rural areas) is unserved or underserved when it comes to high-speed, reliable internet. This should not be a luxury only available to those in cities.
Just as we did in the 1930s, we strive to improve our members’ quality of life by providing a crucial service. We see the need and are stepping up to fill it.
“As a utility, we experience daily frustrations due to a lack of connectivity,” said said CEO Randy Price. “Without reliable and affordable broadband, everyone’s quality of life is impacted.”
“Concern for Community” is 1 of our 7 Cooperative Principles and the lifeblood behind this decision. Providing high-speed, reliable fiber internet will support economic development efforts locally, lead to higher rates of new business formation, allow for improved remote healthcare, and increase job opportunities for area residents, especially for increasingly popular remote work. When the community prospers, the co-op wins.