Frequently Asked Questions
Company Information
Our broadband network delivers Internet and telephone applications to Residential and Commercial customers. We also offer Business to Business support and solutions for larger clients.
Please refer to our Service Map.
We are a family of companies serving South Texas’ communities. Our organization is made up of three distinct broadband service providers. Our parent company is called Valley Telephone Cooperative (VTCI) and our two subsidiary companies are called VTX Communications (VTXC) and VTX Telecom (VTXT). These two legal entities were created years after the Cooperative was established to expand into other markets and other lines of business. Refer to our Service Map to view the communities we serve. In 2018 VTX Communications (VTXC) and VTX Telecom (VTXT) merged to become VTX Communications, LLC.
Capital Credits
Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. allocates a percentage of the profit margins to each member-owner of the Cooperative on a pro-rated basis, according to the total profit generated from communications service usage. These allocations to Cooperative members are known as capital credits. Customers served by our affiliate company, VTX Communications are not member-owners of the Cooperative and therefore, do not receive capital credits
Only residents, businesses and institutions within Valley Telephone Cooperative’s service area can be member-owners, thus receiving capital credits. Cooperative members are allocated capital credits based on their annual billed amounts from telephone service and, effective January 1, 2013, from Internet and television services. Customers served by our other affiliate company, VTX Communications, do not qualify to become members of VTCI because they do not reside within the Cooperative’s service area and they do not receive capital credits.
The VTCI Board of Directors annually reviews the financial status of the cooperative to determine whether a refund is feasible and if so, how much. They strive to operate in a prudent business manner so that the member-owners will continue to have the very best communication service possible at the lowest cost consistent with sound economy and good management.
Technical Terms
Bandwidth is a measure of the information-carrying capacity of a communications channel, usually measured in a quantity of data, such as megabits per second.
The word Broadband refers to telecommunication that provides multiple channels of data over a single communications medium whether it is copper, coax, category 5 or fiber optic. Broadband service allows faster Internet speeds and greater data transmission capacity.
Fiber optics is the technology associated with the transmission of information as light impulses travel along glass or plastic strands. Optical fiber carries more information than conventional copper. It is not subject to electromagnetic interference or the need to re-transmit signals, because its signal travels over longer distances than copper.
Fiber-To-The Premise (FTTP) refers to the technology used to deliver telecommunication services directly to the home or business. Fiber optic cables run directly to the facility, enabling high broadband access and allowing customers to enjoy quality Internet, television and phone service.
Wireless
Yes, you can through the use of a router or wireless router.
The short answer is No. However, your speed may decrease by up to 50% during torrential downpours of 6″ per hour or more. Fortunately for our users, this type of rain is very rare in our coverage areas. Wireless links are not affected by fog, smog, snow or non-torrential rain.
No. Wireless uses ground-based antennas to transmit data to your location. And while satellite systems usually require you to use a regular phone line and modem to send data, wireless systems are 2-way transmissions. Also, satellite systems have higher “latency” (the time it takes data to travel between 2 points) since the data has to travel from your location up to the satellite 22,300 miles over the equator and back down to the Internet. This can make surfing seem sluggish and videoconferencing and gaming unbearable.
Services, Quality, and Value
Our broadband service enables you to purchase different Internet and telephone service applications and features at various rates. We know we can provide the greatest value to our customers because we own and manage our broadband network. We also focus on providing the most valuable rate plans by selecting the top most efficient, reliable and affordable choices.
The first step is to check service availability for your home/business. Depending on your location, our Internet service may be delivered through wireless, copper or fiber optic cable. See our Service Map and based on your location, this site will direct you to the Internet services and rates available at your location.
Our company offers three different types of broadband connections: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), wireless and fiber. The broadband technology you may receive will be based on your location. See our Service Map to learn about service availability in your area.
Our bandwidth capacity may range from 10M-100M depending on your location within our broadband network. The bandwidth capacity will also depend on how many customers are using the network at the same time you do.
We provide quality service at affordable prices and have established quality assurance practices to achieve customer satisfaction at all levels. The level of service quality depends on service location and rate plan. Our Customer Service department can help you with sincere advice on your best options.
Once your home/business is connected to our network, it will take about 2-5 business days to enable service.
Our Internet speeds range from 10M-50M depending on your rate plan. To view the rates available at your location, follow the link on our Service Map.
Our broadband network enables customers to get Internet, television and telephone service applications and features, so it depends on your service plan, but the only types of equipment that you can expect to place within your home/business facility are structured wiring, television set top boxes and remotes.
VTCI Annual Membership Meetings
San Isidro Member Meeting: March 29, 2025
Hebbronville Member Meeting: April 5, 2025
Tilden Member Meeting: April 12, 2025
Raymondville Annual Meeting: April 15, 2025
VTCI Members will receive Meeting Packets in the mail, select the meeting that is closest to their region and mail that information back to us
Packets will go out from McAllen Post Office 3 weeks in advance from the meeting date.
A large envelope (Meeting Packet) is mailed to each VTCI member. Packet includes meal tickets and RSVP card.
Simply fill out the RSVP card inside your Meeting Packet and mail it back to us.
The deadline is written on your RSVP card attached to the Meal Ticket Sheet.