Windstream

In response to the lack of telephone service provided to Alabama s rural areas, a handful of local residents joined together to form what would later become the Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Alabama s largest member-owned telephone cooperative. Originally called the Farmers Telephone Cooperative, the name was changed in 2005 to reflect the company s commitment to more modern telecommunications services. FTC offers wireless, local and long-distance service, toll-free access to the Internet and high-speed broadband to approximately 20,000 subscribers in seven exchanges across DeKalb and Jackson counties. In 2002, FTC opened its new, expanded headquarters and business office in Rainsville, Ala.

CenturyTel is one of the leading providers of communication, high-speed Internet and entertainment services through its broadband and fiber transport networks in more than 25 U.S. states. It employs a staff of over 6,500 employees and serves nearly 555,000 subscribers. The company offers various programming packages that include local and premium channels. CenturyTel also provides home security devices that include master control units, integrated digital keypads, built-in sirens, as well as door and window transmitters and sensors. Additionally, it offers voice and data solutions to the finance, education, health care and government sectors. CenturyTel is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CTL and the company's newspaper stock listing is CntyTl. In addition, CenturyTel supports substance abuse prevention, disaster relief, and technology and economy development programs. The company maintains a location in Madison, Ala.