March 9, 2020
Darien Telephone Company President Mary Lou Forsyth talks about her company’s successes and how she is preparing for the next 100 years.
Tell us about Darien Telephone Co.
Darien Telephone Company has been owned and operated by the Jackson family for 109 years. With deep roots in our coastal community of McIntosh County, Georgia, we are proud to have dedicated employees and loyal customers. As technology improves at exponential rates, we are dedicated to bringing the very best in telecommunications to our community. We service an area of 574 square miles including only boat-accessible islands. This community has been good to us, and we try to give back to the community whenever possible.
What is your biggest or most recent company accomplishment?
We were recently awarded an USDA ReConnect Grant. With the help of these funds, we will have 100 percent of our service area capable of receiving between 100 Mbps and up to one GIG of Broadband.
When you think about your company’s future, what, if anything, keeps you up at night?
I do spend time thinking about how to keep our prices competitive, how to stay on top off the ever-changing technology scene, and how to provide the latest and greatest the industry has to offer to our customers. I want to keep our company viable for the next generation of my family and employees. At the end of the day I don’t worry; it is in God’s hands.
What unique challenges does your company face while serving rural communities across the state?
We can travel for miles without passing a home or business. We are dedicated to making sure we provide the services that are needed in today’s times. However, much of our customer base struggles with the basic necessities, and it can be challenging for them to afford the devices, along with the monthly service.
What websites do you visit each day?
I check the news and weather daily.