About GTC

The History of Glenwood Telephone Company

Founded in 1898 by W. R. Stanford, Glenwood Telephone Company (GTC) began as a modest telephone and telegraph office in the small town of Glenwood, Georgia. It quickly became an essential lifeline for communication in Wheeler and Laurens Counties, serving the needs of local residents and businesses. Over the years, GTC has evolved from those humble beginnings into a leading provider of telecommunications services in rural Georgia, while remaining family-owned and deeply rooted in the community.

In 1940, W. H. Harvey and Odessa Jones purchased the company, though their ownership was brief. Just three years later, in January 1943, Leon B. Adams and his wife Eloise Cox Adams acquired GTC. At the time of their purchase, GTC was a small operation, consisting of only thirty-three subscribers. Residential rates were $1.50 per month, and business rates were $2.50 per month, reflecting the modest nature of rural telecommunications during that era.

The Adams family immediately became the heart and soul of the business. The switchboard was located in the front room of their home, which doubled as the telephone company’s office and the social hub of the community. Eloise Adams, along with several local women, operated the switchboard 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, Leon Adams maintained the telephone lines, often working solo or with minimal help, using an old Dodge truck to service the area. Despite their hard work, the financial returns were modest, and Leon took on other jobs to support his family and keep the company running.

By the 1950s, GTC began to see significant growth. In 1956, a new business office was constructed (now the Central Office), and Stromberg-Carlson XY 120-line equipment was installed to improve service. This marked the beginning of a new era for the company as it transitioned from a small, struggling business into a more established telecommunications provider.

In 1982, after the passing of Leon Adams, his daughter Janice Adams O’Brien assumed leadership of GTC. Under her guidance, the company continued to modernize and expand its services. In 1989, GTC moved its business office back to the original site, a nod to its historical roots, while simultaneously looking to the future. That same year, GTC began replacing its old aerial wires with buried plant systems, a forward-thinking move that paved the way for future advancements in the company’s infrastructure.

In 1990, GTC upgraded its switching equipment by installing a Stromberg-Carlson DCO switch, alongside 13 miles of fiber optic cable—an impressive addition at the time. Janice O’Brien was a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry, becoming president of the Georgia Telecommunications Association (now the Georgia Telecommunications and Broadband Association) in 1994. She played a crucial role in shaping telecommunications policy, particularly with the passing of the 1995 Telecommunications and Competition Development Act in Georgia.

In the early 2000s, GTC entered the digital age with the help of Janice’s son, James T. O’Brien (Jim), who moved to Glenwood from Atlanta to assist in launching dial-up internet service for the community. By 2002, GTC had further upgraded its infrastructure by installing a Siemens EWSD ONE UP switch, capable of serving 1,216 lines, replacing older equipment to enhance its service offerings.

In 2004, GTC was awarded a significant grant through the USDA/RUS Community Connectivity Broadband Grant Program, which enabled the company to expand its broadband services to the City of Glenwood. This funding supported the development of 3 Mbps/1 Mbps broadband, jumpstarting GTC’s xDSL network, which continues to serve the community today with speeds up to 25/3 Mbps.

Continuing to expand, GTC established South Georgia Broadband, Inc., a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) in 2019, allowing the company to provide services beyond its local exchange area. Sadly, Janice O’Brien passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership. Her son, Jim O’Brien, took over ownership of the company, representing the third generation of family leadership.

In January 2023, Glenwood Telephone Company was awarded nearly $5 million in Capital Project Funds by Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp’s office. This funding will allow GTC to expand its fiber optic network, adding over 150 miles of fiber to connect 879 locations in Wheeler County. Today, GTC offers state-of-the-art telecommunications services, including broadband, supported by a privately-owned 99.9% buried copper and fiber infrastructure.

With over a century of history, Glenwood Telephone Company remains committed to providing cutting-edge technology while staying true to its core values of community service and family leadership. GTC has not only survived but thrived, continuing to connect its neighbors with the best in modern telecommunications while proudly carrying on its legacy as Georgia’s smallest, privately owned Incumbent Local Exchange Company (ILEC).