By definition, cooperatives are built on cooperation. To be ‘cooperative’ means to work together towards a common goal.

Cooperatives are centered in people. They are owned, controlled and operated by their members and prioritize quality of life for those they serve. Co-ops are not owned by shareholders, the benefits of the services they provide stay in the communities they impact every day. Profits generated are either reinvested or returned to members. 

Cooperatives stand out because they are member-focused, not-for-profit and community driven. They go the extra mile because they care. Cooperatives are built on the premise of neighbors helping neighbors.

It is based on this strong foundation that several electric cooperatives are active players in helping to bridge the digital divide. In Oklahoma, 10 out of 27 distribution electric cooperatives have created fiber subsidiaries to bring high-speed internet to rural and suburban areas. 

While conditions are unique for every electric cooperative, the co-ops that have been able to form a fiber subsidiary were able to do so based on accessibility of grants and other favorable economic conditions. Other co-ops partner with existing providers, when feasible, to extend service to their rural membership. 

Nationwide, hundreds of electric cooperatives are providing broadband or assessing the feasibility of providing service to more than 6.3 million households in co-op service areas that don’t have access to high-speed internet service. 

It’s what cooperatives do. They see a need and they put their best effort forth to meet a need. If it means achieving a higher quality of life for those they serve, co-ops will respond. This is the cooperative difference.