Show summary Hide summary
Hilliary Communications has sharply expanded its footprint in Oklahoma after acquiring TDS Telecom’s local network operations, a deal that adds roughly 35,000 service locations and immediately reshapes broadband access across many small towns. The move matters now because it accelerates fiber upgrades and local customer support at a moment when high-speed internet is increasingly treated as essential community infrastructure.
The family-run carrier, based in Oklahoma, said the purchase will let it bring more modern connectivity and sustained capital investment to areas that have lagged behind urban centers. Company leaders framed the deal as more than a business transaction: they call it an opportunity to keep telecommunications services both technologically current and rooted in the communities they serve.
Local presence remains a central theme. Hilliary operates ten walk-in offices across Oklahoma and Texas, and executives emphasize those locations help preserve face-to-face customer service even as the network grows. That approach is designed to maintain familiarity with local needs—an advantage in places where residents value personal contact with providers.
VeloCity October 2026: major changes and what they mean for riders today
Brent Swadley sentencing: attorney general seeks 10-year prison term
About 165 people work in Hilliary’s telecom operations, with roughly 85 more employed across affiliated radio and newspaper businesses. Company officials note the combined group supports close to 250 jobs and that many employees live in the same towns they serve, reinforcing local ties.
What the expansion means for residents and businesses
Upgrading and extending broadband capacity is central to Hilliary’s plan. The company is prioritizing fiber deployment in many newly acquired service areas to support telework, online education, and local business operations. Executives say the upgrades are meant to future-proof communities, not just meet immediate speed demands.
For households and institutions, faster, more reliable connectivity can change daily routines—students gain better access to remote learning, small businesses can expand online services, and emergency responders can benefit from more robust networks.
Numbers at a glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated additional service locations | ~35,000 |
| Walk-in offices (OK & TX) | 10 |
| Telecom staff | ~165 |
| Media employees (radio & newspapers) | ~85 |
| Total local jobs supported | ~250 |
| Backpacks distributed in 2026 community drives | ~1,200 |
Company leaders stress that investment in infrastructure and community engagement go hand in hand. Recent activity illustrates that point: throughout 2026, Hilliary donated backpacks for students, organized family events, supported schools and volunteer fire departments, and sponsored local programs. Executives say those efforts are an extension of their customer service model rather than separate philanthropy.
There are practical stakes. Deploying fiber requires significant capital and time; the company still faces the operational challenge of integrating a large acquired network while avoiding service disruptions. Residents in newly transitioned areas can expect gradual upgrades but should also prepare for changes in billing, customer portals, or support contacts as systems are consolidated.
For policy makers and local leaders, the acquisition offers a chance to accelerate digital inclusion plans but also raises questions about coordination. Municipalities that partner with providers on right-of-way access, permitting or local funding may find the new ownership an opening to prioritize projects that strengthen broadband resilience.
Hilliary frames its strategy with a simple premise: build faster networks while keeping a human line to customers. As the company expands, its stated aim is to deliver advanced technology without sacrificing the personal service rooted in small communities.
- Short term: Integration of TDS-operated infrastructure and customer transitions.
- Medium term: Planned fiber upgrades to increase capacity in rural towns.
- Long term: Sustained local investment intended to support economic and educational opportunities.
Whether that balance holds will depend on execution: how quickly Hilliary completes fiber projects, how smoothly customer systems are merged, and whether local offices continue to provide accessible, in-person support. For residents in Oklahoma and nearby Texas communities, the acquisition could mean faster, more dependable internet—if the promises translate into timely network improvements and responsive service.
Company representatives say growth will not erase their roots. They frequently reference a company mantra that underscores the approach: Hilliary aims to treat each place it serves as more than a market—it’s a community to be sustained. For customers, the immediate question is practical: will my connection get better, and will I still be able to reach a real person when I need help? Hilliary’s next moves will answer that in concrete terms.
