Special to the Bulverde News 

According to a research and marketing survey, GVTC scored high marks with customers for offering advanced technology, the best customer service and best value.

Epiphany Research and Marketing conducted an independent telephone survey that measured the satisfaction levels for communications services from consumers living in and around GVTC's service area.

The survey involved 400 households within GVTC's service area and 100 households adjacent to GVTC's service area.

Most Advanced Technology & Services

Thirty percent of households in GVTC's service area now believe the company has the most advanced technology and services, elevating GVTC to nearly the same perception level with customers as AT&T (34 percent).

This is a considerable increase from 14 percent that named GVTC just two years ago. Only 11 percent named Time Warner. Forty-five percent strongly agree that GVTC has state-of-the-art technology comparable to communications companies in San Antonio, up from 36 percent in 2007.

When it comes to using the Internet, the survey found almost 50 percent of households believe GVTC's broadband speed is faster or at least the same speed as the competition.

Best Customer Service

The ER&M survey confirms GVTC continues to be the leader in providing premier customer service among area communications companies. Fifty-eight percent of households said GVTC has the best customer service, up from 45 percent in 2006. This compares to 16 percent for AT&T and 6 percent for Time Warner. Additionally, 61 percent strongly agree that GVTC provides exceptional customer service in a timely and professional manner, up from 51 percent in 2007.

Best Value

Consumers say GVTC provides unsurpassed value for their money. Almost 50 percent of the households in GVTC's service area said GVTC has the best value for the services offered; up significantly from 39 percent in 2006. Only 15 percent named AT&T and 9 perecent said Time Warner.

Good Corporate Citizen

Sixty-one percent strongly agree that GVTC is an active and involved corporate citizen that cares about its community.

Ritchie Sorrells, GVTC president & CEO, said the survey results confirm GVTC is no longer primarily a telephone provider but a successful communications company capable of delivering consumers premier services and support on every level.

“It's very satisfying to learn from customers that the hard work we've put into transforming GVTC is paying off,” said Sorrells. “Customers can expect GVTC will continue to challenge itself to increase its satisfaction levels in all categories in the future.”

Headquartered in Smithson Valley, GVTC was formed as a cooperative in 1951 to provide phone service to rural residents of the Texas Hill Country.

GVTC is now the largest telephone cooperative in Texas with more than 32,000 members in eleven counties across a 2,000 square-mile area.

GVTC is also a full-service communications company.