The History of VernonCom: Connecting Rural Communities for 75 Years

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For more than seven decades, VernonCom has been dedicated to one mission: connecting members with exceptional communication solutions with ease and integrity. What began as a small, member-driven effort to bring telephone service to rural Wisconsin has grown into a modern, fiber-powered communications cooperative.

Humble Beginnings Rooted in Rural Need

The story of VernonCom began on March 15, 1950, when farmers in the Liberty Pole area of Vernon County came together with a shared goal. At the time, rural residents were often overlooked by large telephone companies, leaving farms and small communities without dependable communication services.

Recognizing that connection was essential for safety, business, and everyday life, these local leaders formed what would become the Vernon Telephone Cooperative. With support from the Rural Electrification Act, the cooperative officially filed its Articles of Incorporation on October 11, 1951, securing rural Wisconsin’s future in communication technology.

Member-Owned Cooperative Built to Serve

From the beginning, VernonCom operated as a member-owned cooperative, meaning the people who used the service also owned it. This structure allowed the cooperative to reinvest locally, expand infrastructure, and prioritize long-term community benefits over short-term profits.

As technology evolved, so did the cooperative. What started as basic telephone service expanded to include internet, television, and advanced communication solutions for homes, farms, and businesses throughout the region. Each upgrade was driven by the same guiding principle: deliver dependable communication service tailored to the needs of rural communities.

Leading the Way with Fiber-Optic Technology

Perhaps VernonCom’s most significant transformation came with the deployment of a 100% fiber-optic network—a state-of-the-art system capable of delivering symmetrical gigabit speeds far beyond the capabilities of aging copper networks. Fiber isn’t just fast, it is also reliable and consistent, supporting everything from remote work and telemedicine to high-definition streaming and smart-home devices.

In recognition of that commitment to fiber and future-ready broadband, the cooperative was awarded the Vernon County Large Business of the Year in 2023. As well as an award presented by NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association, for Local Video Content in 2018.

A New Name for a Modern Mission

As the cooperative entered its eighth decade of service, it became clear that its identity had grown beyond “telephone”. In 2024, the cooperative officially rebranded as VernonCom, a name that better reflects its modern communication services and its ongoing commitment to innovation and community connection.

This rebranding marked a renewed dedication to serving every member across an increasingly digital world. Whether it’s expanding fiber to new corners of Vernon County or offering local customer support that truly understands the community, VernonCom has strengthened its role as a trusted local partner.

Cooperative Values That Put Members First

At its core, VernonCom is still a cooperative. Members don’t just subscribe to services; they share in the cooperative’s success. That member-centric structure is a reflection of the cooperative spirit that brought VernonCom into being 75 years ago.

Profits aren’t sent to distant shareholders. Instead, they’re returned to members through capital credits and reinvested in the network and community, reinforcing the cooperative’s foundational belief of working together and supporting local initiatives.

Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past

From its beginnings in 1950 to its future as a fiber-powered cooperative, VernonCom’s history is a story of neighbors helping neighbors stay connected. As new technologies emerge and needs grow, one thing remains constant—VernonCom’s commitment to keeping people connected, informed, and empowered in rural Wisconsin.