In 1997, a small group of telephone companies (some of whom are now Alpine’s Board of Directors) believed that rural Iowans deserved to have access to advanced communications services and technologies and purchased the exchanges Alpine Communications serves today; Guttenberg, Elkader, Garnavillo, Marquette/McGregor, Garber, and Elgin. Then and now, Alpine Communications strongly believes in serving this area with advanced communications services that enable the area’s residents and businesses to participate in entertainment, knowledge, and finance of the 21st Century.
Today, Alpine Communications offers telephone service, high speed Internet, digital FusionTV, wireless phone service, personal emergency response systems, monitored security systems, computer networking, telephone systems, local and long distance, television and computer sales, and voice messaging. The company has a strong belief in giving back to the communities they serve, with many Alpine employees volunteering their time and talents to various organizations throughout area communities. Over the years, Alpine Communications has donated over $100,000 to the communities they serve through the Alpine Charity Grant program, scholarships, community sponsorships, and local involvement.
Each September, Alpine holds their Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner, on average serving 800-1,000 free meals to customers from all over their service area. They also host free technology workshops in Guttenberg, Elgin, and Elkader.
According to Alpine Communications General Manager Chris Hopp, customers value having a local office to call for customer support and they appreciate Alpine’s employees’ quick, professional, and courteous response to troubles and timely service installation appointments. They look to Alpine as an innovator for new products and services. Buying services from a local company with local employees is very important to many of the customers who responded to Alpine’s annual customer satisfaction survey.
Alpine Communications currently employs 17 people who reside in or around Clayton County. Alpine’s employees have over 180 years of combined of experience in the telecom industry and continue to grow their skills through ongoing technology and safety training. The company believes a locally managed communications provider can provide higher quality, responsive, and up-to-date services to rural areas better than a larger corporation can. In the past 19 years, Alpine Communications has invested over $13,000,000 in capital improvements, including Guttenberg by upgrading each customer’s connection to 100% fiber optics. Guttenberg was one of the first communities in Iowa to have a fiber-to-the-home network and it has been certified by the FTTH Council.
Alpine Communications aims to be the premier communications and broadband solutions provider in Guttenberg and is committed to responsive customer service and focused on delivering the most up-to-date technology services and contributing to the economic vitality of Guttenberg. That commitment and desire to exceed the needs of their customers in the future directs their business vision.