The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative ("NRTC") was formed in 1986 to bring quality telecommunications services to rural America. NRTC's 1,200+ members consist of rural electric cooperatives, rural telephone cooperatives, and locally-owned rural telephone companies. Beginning in the 1930's, and in partnership with the Rural Electrification Administration, NRTC's members have been responsible for bringing electricity and telephone service to all parts of rural America. In 1992, NRTC and its members became involved in the use of space-age technology to better serve the communities and citizens of rural America.
Direct Broadcast Satellite television transmission was on the drawing board in the early 1990's as a way to bring quality television entertainment to areas beyond the reach of conventional broadcast and cable systems. At that time, NRTC and its member systems invested over a $100 million to contribute to the business planning and economic viability of the launch of DIRECTV. In addition to financially backing DIRECTV, NRTC and its members assumed the role of being the primary distribution arm for DIRECTV throughout rural America. Satellite technology is an ideal service provider for rural areas. NRTC's members' willingness to invest in and work within the satellite television industry improved the quality of life in rural areas, thus adding to the long list of societal benefits attributable to space technology.
The faith of NRTC's members, their enthusiasm and their energy in working within the satellite industry truly strengthened the role of space technology in the everyday lives of rural Americans.