MAKING CONNECTIONS

GVTC Communications Provides Cordillera Ranch Residents Reliable Digital Tools

By Brianne Magott, GVTC Communications Coordinator

As an award-winning fiber optics communications provider, GVTC® has created fiber networking spanning more than 2,200 miles, delivering high-speed Internet, digital cable TV, phone and interactive smart security to residential and business customers in far north San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country and South Central Texas. These services became increasingly important when the pandemic lockdown led to online schooling and working remotely — affecting about half of American workers, according to Gallup. Through The GVTC Foundation, they are also supporting the communities they serve through employee service hours and philanthropic donations to numerous causes.

Cordillera Ranch President Charlie Hill recognizes this shift in the work force as long term. “Fiber-to-the-home provided by GVTC is vital to the success of our residents and the local economy, and they ensure that our customers have the greatest technology available,” says Hill. “The infrastructure and service that GVTC has provided exceeds the high-speed internet options in many metropolitan areas,” Hill adds.

Premium WiFi technology maximizes the potential of GVTC’s world-class fiber optic network, delivering an experience unmatched by any other provider in the area, with Internet connection speeds up to 1 Gbps and symmetrical broadband connections up to 250 Mbps.

Whether you work from home or an office, you need adequate security to ensure your home and family are safe. GVTC’s connectHome® smart security affords you round-the-clock peace of mind by sending alerts to your phone. Wireless sensors notify you of movements around your marked perimeters including windows, doors and even inside the house. And the best part? You can control them from anywhere.

For online learners or digital safety in general, the new GVTC WiFi App provides enhanced parental controls for setting profiles, content filters, screen times and network usage, and allows you to schedule your child’s school day. It also provides virus protection and other account management services for a full Smart Home experience.

While GVTC’s main mission is to provide customers with outstanding telecommunication services at a remarkable value, they are, first and foremost, a member of this community. In fact, most GVTC employees live and raise their families alongside many of their customers. This connection is the motivation behind GVTC’s ongoing community outreach, and it’s this feeling that led to the establishment of The GVTC Foundation in 2006.

The mission of The GVTC Foundation is to profoundly enhance the quality of life in the communities GVTC serves through charitable contributions and volunteer service. The support of nonprofit organizations falls within six program goals: Health & Human Services, Education, Youth Programs & Services, Volunteer Emergency Services, Cultural, and National Public Charity. Sonia Aguillon, President of The GVTC Foundation says, “The GVTC Foundation is here for our community. We have built incredible partnerships with local nonprofits. Our volunteers are passionate about making a difference. We welcome others to support our mission, as donor or volunteer.”

Since The GVTC Foundation’s inception, GVTC employees have contributed thousands of volunteer hours in the community. In addition to giving back time to the community, 88% of GVTC employees and 100% of GVTC Directors contribute monetary donations through payroll deduction whereby the company matches every dollar given at 150%.

The need for support in the community has never been greater. The Foundation completed 32 community projects in 2020 and remained highly active through the pandemic. Last November, The GVTC Foundation partnered with nine food pantries, one Meals on Wheels program and 23 local organizations for the 8th Annual Thanksgiving Giveback Project. GVTC employees delivered more holiday meals to families in their service area during this event than ever before with 427 Thanksgiving The GVTC Foundation presented the Boerne Fire Department with meals given to local families right here in a $4,000 check during fire prevention month (October) to thank the the community. men and women who help keep us safe every day.

Over $143,000 was awarded for emergency response in 2020, and in total, The GVTC Foundation donated more than $585,000 to local The 2020 GVTC Foundation golf tournament was also a sucnonprofits in their service area to help when the community cess, even though it was canceled due to the pandemic. Thanks needed them the most in 2020. to partners, employees and others who believe in their mission, The GVTC Foundation raised over $233,000 from golf classic sponsors and had another record-breaking year. The GVTC Foundation golf tournament is the only fundraiser of the year, and over the past 17 years has raised more than $1.6 million to support the community. This year the golf classic is scheduled for September 27. For GVTC, it is all about making connections. They are proud of the partnerships they have made in the community as well as the lives they have touched. Ritchie Sorrells, President and CEO of GVTC, says, “It’s important that we remain strong and connected during this pandemic. As GVTC continues to provide essential communication services, we will continue to support one another in our community the best way we can. That’s the GVTC way.” Community involvement, superior customer service, competitive prices, reliability and product choices have always been priorities for GVTC Communications and will continue to be in the future. One of GVTC’s lineman helping in their service areas, which includes far north San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country and South Central Texas.

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