INDATEL Welcomes McDonough Telephone Cooperative as Newest Member, Expanding Network Reach in Illinois
Overland Park, KS – INDATEL Services is proud to announce that McDonough Telephone Cooperative (MTC) has joined the INDATEL member network, further strengthening INDATEL’s growing nationwide network of trusted, community-based independent service providers.
Based in Colchester, Illinois, McDonough Telephone Cooperative is a member-owned telecommunications cooperative that has served rural communities across west-central Illinois for 75 years. Founded in 1951 to bring reliable telephone service to underserved areas, MTC has evolved alongside the needs of its communities and now delivers high-speed fiber internet, voice services, and advanced Wi-Fi solutions through its subsidiary, MTC Communications.
MTC continues to invest heavily in fiber-to-the-home infrastructure, driven by a belief that everyone deserves access to fast, reliable, future-ready connectivity. Over the last five years, the cooperative has been awarded RDOF and ReConnect funding, accelerating fiber expansion to rural and unserved areas throughout Illinois. Beyond connectivity, MTC remains deeply committed to community development, supporting local schools, nonprofits, and economic growth initiatives.
“For small, rural providers, it can be challenging to gain access to large wholesale and enterprise opportunities,” said Eric Lee, Vice President of Competitive Services at MTC. “INDATEL is uniquely positioned to represent rural carriers and ensure we have a seat at the table. This partnership opens doors that were previously closed and allows us to grow our coverage while better supporting customers across Illinois.”
The relationship between MTC and INDATEL has been years in the making, built on shared values and a mutual focus on empowering rural providers. As an INDATEL member, MTC looks forward to expanding its coverage footprint and delivering solutions to support INDATEL’s customers throughout the Illinois market.
“There’s something special about the way independent phone companies in Illinois have come together, and McDonough Telephone Cooperative is a perfect example of that cooperative mindset,” said Justin Forte, CEO of INDATEL Services. “We’re thankful for their leadership, trust and partnership as we continue building a unified, independent network that keeps local providers strong and communities connected.”
With MTC joining the membership, INDATEL continues to build momentum as a national sales and procurement organization rooted in rural America connecting enterprise, wholesale, and government customers with high-quality, locally operated networks across the country.
About INDATEL Services
INDATEL Services is a leading nationwide network that provides high-capacity bandwidth solutions for carriers, enterprises, and government entities. With a focus on collaborative growth and network expansion, INDATEL connects rural and urban communities across the United States. In addition, INDATEL serves its customers through its national aggregation PoP’s reaching over 900 independent providers currently operating in 47 states.
About McDonough Telephone Cooperative (MTC)
McDonough Telephone Cooperative (MTC) is a member-owned communications provider dedicated to serving west-central Illinois with reliable, community-focused service. Since our founding in 1951, we’ve been committed to connecting our region with advanced technology while keeping our roots firmly planted in local values. From building and maintaining modern infrastructure to providing dependable customer support, MTC strives to strengthen our communities by delivering the tools people need to work, learn, and stay connected.
