A chat with Sarah Bonnoitt: Director of Public Affairs for HTC

Sarah Bonnoitt, Director of Public Affairs for Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), discussed the company's history, mission, and impact on Myrtle Beach's economic growth. HTC, founded in 1952, has evolved to focus on internet services and now serves a tri-county region. The company is a cooperative, reinvesting profits into the community and offering capital credits to members. HTC's early investment in fiber optics, starting in 2007, has resulted in nearly 100% broadband access, aiding the region during the pandemic. The company is upgrading its network to support 10 Gbps speeds and expanding fiber deployment. HTC's efforts in community philanthropy and economic development, including the HTC Aspire Hub, were also highlighted.