FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative Celebrates 75 Years of Service Texarkana, AR — May 1, 2026
Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (SWAT) is proud to announce a major milestone in its
history: 75 years of providing communication services to communities across Southwest Arkansas and
Northeast Texas.
Incorporated on June 19, 1951, SWAT has spent the past seven and a half decades expanding,
innovating, and adapting to meet the evolving needs of its members and customers. From its
beginnings as a traditional telephone service provider, the Cooperative has grown into a leader in
telecommunications—becoming one of the region’s earliest adopters of fiber‑optic internet
technology.
Today, SWAT operates from its local headquarters in Texarkana and serves customers across five
counties, including Cass, Miller, Hempstead, Howard, and Columbia. Throughout this growth, the
Cooperative’s mission has remained unchanged: to take care of its greatest asset — its customers.
“Over the past 75 years, we’ve seen incredible changes in the world of communication,” said Philip
McDowell-Director of Business Development. “But our commitment to the communities we serve has
never wavered. This anniversary celebrates not only our history, but the trust our customers place
in us every day.”
SWAT invites the community to join in celebrating this significant milestone throughout the year.
We also look forward to seeing everyone at the Texarkana Airshow on June 27ᵗʰ so stop by our booth
and visit with us.
About Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
Founded in 1951, Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is a member‑owned
telecommunications provider delivering reliable, high‑quality telephone and fiber‑optic internet
communication services. With a mission based on service, innovation, and community, SWAT continues
to connect customers across Arkansas and Texas with the technology of today and tomorrow.
For more information about SWAT, please visit our website at www.swatco.com or call our office at
(870)653-8222.
Media Contact:
Philip McDowell
Director of Business Development
Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. 870-653-7151
philipm@swatco.com www.swatco.com
2601 East Street • Texarkana, Arkansas 71854-8073 • (870) 653-8222 • Fax (870) 653-3227