HISTORY
Part of our community since 1951.
Red River Timeline
1910
Farmer Mutual Systems (aka Party Lines)
Before our company was incorporated, a small farmer telephone system provided phone service to rural residents.
Incorporation
The cooperative was founded on July 28th, 1951, as the Barnesville Rural Telephone Association.
1951
1957
Name Changed to Red River Rural Telephone Association
After moving headquarters to Abercrombie, ND, the Cooperative’s name changed from The Barnesville Rural Telephone Association to Red River Rural Telephone Association.
Great Bend Exchange
Great Bend Exchange was purchased, and a copper cable was buried underground throughout the new exchange.
1965
1972
Underground Movement
Cables in the original exchanges are buried.
New Heights
A total of 1,801 access lines were served.
1985
1989
Touchtone Dialing
Digital switching allows for many advancements.
Always Connected
Cellular service arrives in the Red River Valley.
1991
1994
The Internet Arrives
The first members are connected to the internet.
Growth and Expansion
Hankinson & Lidgerwood exchanges are purchased from Lumen (formally US West).
1996
1997
Leave a Message
Voicemail is offered for the first time.
DSL is Launched
DSL is launched with speeds up to 128 kbps.
2001
2002
Welcome, New Members
Fairmount and Wyndmere exchanges purchased from Citizens Communications.
Fiber Construction Begins
Work begins to connect our cooperative members to fiber-optic internet.
2004
2006
Movin’ on Up
Moved into the new Abercrombie headquarters office building.
A Good Cause
The Common Cents Program is founded.
2008
2009
Ag Wireless Internet
Through the aquisition of the Ag Wireless – wireless internet network – Red River began for the first time providing internet services customers outside of our cooperative areas.
Digital TV
Digital TV service is launched.
2013
2013
New Name & Brand
Introduced Red River Communications as our public-facing name.
Gig is Here
Our first Gigabit FiberFAST connection is installed.
2015
2016
Gig Certified
NTCA recognizes our investment in fiber.
Fiber Complete
Ends a 12-year project to bring fiber to all cooperative members.
2016
2017
Awards Seasons
Received Smart Rural Community Award by NTCA for Richland County, ND.
Expansion Areas
Fiber service expansion begins to customers outside of our ILEC cooperative areas.
2020
2020
Enter Wahpeton/Breckenridge
Red River Communications acquires the customers and assets of 702 Communications in the Twin Towns of Wahpeton, ND & Breckenridge, MN.
Broadband Grant Awarded
MN Border-to-Border Grant awarded for Central Wilkin County.
2022
2023
Broadband Grants Awarded
Awarded a North Dakota ARPA Grant to build fiber in rural Wahpeton and Dwight. Two MN Border-to-Border Grants were awarded for projects in Rural Campbell and Rural North Wilkin County, Minnesota.
Broadband Grant Awarded
MN Border-to-Border Grant awarded for North Rural Hawley, MN and a USDA Reconnect Grant awarded for Rural Comstock / Rural Sabin, MN.
2024
2025
Wahpeton / Breckenridge Complete
Mainline construction was completed in the summer of 2025, as part of a 5-year project to bring fiber broadband internet to the Twin Towns of Wahpeton, ND, and Breckenridge, MN.
Red River Communications Today
As a member-owned Cooperative, Red River Communications continually upgrades technology to provide its members and customers with the latest communications services. Our deployment of fiber-optic technology to neighboring areas is not just about bringing high-speed broadband internet to those who need it most, but also about empowering our community with the tools for success.
In addition to network improvements and offering communication services to the southern Red River Valley, Red River is quick to support events, fundraisers, projects, and other needs within the community. We deeply appreciate the role our community plays in our success. Whether donating to a community group or providing labor for a community event, Red River believes if our community is thriving, so is the Cooperative.
Customer support
If you’re having trouble with your services, our customer experience team is always happy to assist you. We have also created some helpful online resources and step-by-step user guides, which you can access here at any time.
