DECATUR -- In decades past, one of the most important services to any community was its transport network. But that changed with the invention of the Internet. Nowadays, communities all over the world depended on the ever-evolving information highway to shop online, pay bills or search for a plumber.
The Decatur phone service recently underwent changes in ownership from TDS to Ark-O. Ark-O made an agreement on Dec. 17, 2015, to transfer ownership of the Decatur system from TDS Telecom. The new service provider began its Decatur operations on Jan. 1.
The new owners were in Decatur July 1 to talk to area residents about the services they plan on offering in the near future. Jay Mitchell, owner of Ark-O, the new Decatur telephone and Internet provider, hosted a gathering in the community room at Decatur city hall in an effort to get to know his new customers.
Mitchell, along with his brother Brian, has been in the telecommunication business for more than 40 years. They currently operate three systems in Missouri: Seneca Telephone, Goodman Telephone and Ozark Telephone. The company owns and operates SGO-Leasing, an Internet service provider in Seneca, Mo.
Ark-O is in the process of upgrading the phone and broadband Internet service in the Decatur area. Its goal is to expand its service to reach customers in the outlying Decatur area. With these upgrades, Ark-O customers can expect to have faster, more reliable broadband Internet service.
Plans are underway to relocate the underground cables away from the flood plains in the Tilly's Hill area in eastern Decatur to higher ground and greatly reduce the loss of service due to flash floods.
Mitchell, with the help of Mayor Bob Tharp, drew 10 names from those present at the meeting. The winners receive free Internet service for one year.
For more information about the Ark-O telephone and Internet service, call 417-776-2247 or go online to sgobroadband.com.
General News on 07/20/2016