Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative Delivering Next-Generation Fiber Infrastructure to Chaves County

Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (PVT) is a local broadband and network solutions provider that has supported Southeastern New Mexico for more than 100 years. What started as a switchboard phone company has evolved into a regional leader, delivering fiber-optic broadband, voice services, network transport, and enterprise connectivity solutions to some of the state's most rural and hardest-to-serve areas.

“There’s a lot of passion on our side,” says Jim Meyers, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of PVT. “I love what I do and the people I work with. We get to do this every day, we get to provide essential services and improve people's lives.”

PVT stands out through its state-level partnerships and local collaborations. Learn more about this internet provider and see how it makes a difference in the Roswell community. 

PVT Provides Local Internet With Exceptional Reliability

PVT has around 100 employees, with nearly 80% hailing from Southeastern New Mexico. Many workers are legacy employees who applied to the company because a parent or spouse worked there and had positive experiences.

This local touch makes a big difference in the internet service provider industry. When customers contact PVT with questions about their phone or internet connection, they are talking to someone local. All of the routers and equipment used to connect residents to the web are also located in New Mexico.

“There’s nothing faster or better than fiber when it comes to providing broadband service,” says Meyers. “Because PVT operates and manages its own network infrastructure, including critical routing and transport systems, it maintains a high level of visibility and control, allowing the team to identify and resolve issues quickly, often before customers notice an impact.”

Meyers emphasizes that local equipment ensures PVT can be proactive, not reactive, when problems arise. Employees can identify problems and take steps to solve them before a large number of customers are affected.

PVT also serves as the managing partner of the New Mexico Fiber Network (NMFN), a statewide middle-mile fiber consortium that connects communities and service providers across New Mexico. This partnership strengthens network resilience, expands regional connectivity, and supports economic growth throughout the state.

“PVT isn’t just building fiber, it's strengthening the ties that hold our communities together,” says Mike Espiritu, President & CEO, Roswell‑Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC). “When a parent can schedule a telehealth visit, when a small business can reach new customers, when a student can learn without limits, that’s the impact of reliable local broadband. PVT shows up for our families, our neighborhoods, and our future, and we’re grateful to have them as a true community partner in Chaves County.”

Reliable Internet Makes Rural Life Possible in New Mexico

Internet access is essential for families across the United States, particularly for rural communities, of which New Mexico has several. PVT is proud to support people who work from home and need reliable internet to do their jobs. Its services make homeschooling possible for families and allow people to call into telemedicine appointments instead of traveling several hours to meet with specialists.

One of the coolest groups that uses PVT is New Mexico Skies, an Observatory in Otero County. Scientists from around the world leave their telescopes at the observatory and study the night sky through live streaming. This means reliable, fast internet is found in one of the most remote parts of New Mexico.

There are also significant economic benefits to having a strong local internet provider. Local businesses can run reports, check cameras, and respond to customers quickly with the web. Their day-to-day operations rely on fiber internet.  

“Technology is a game changer for raising the economic floor,” says Meyers. “Think about how much time and money are saved through Zoom calls and virtual conferences instead of traveling to meet in person.”

For businesses, reliable high-capacity connectivity is no longer optional; it is foundational. PVT’s fiber network enables companies to operate efficiently, connect to customers globally, and deploy modern tools like cloud computing, cybersecurity systems, and real-time data applications.

Entrepreneurship can thrive in New Mexico with the help of PVT, and businesses can grow their operations across the country, and the world, because they can respond to customers, provide services, and receive orders reliably. 

PVT Team Members are Found Throughout Its Communities

PVT sponsors events across the counties it serves. Meyers says that a week barely passes before PVT is at another event or sponsoring an activity in a different town or city. PVT has a branded trailer that it brings to events to offer free WiFi to attendees, along with other services.

Beyond simply attending events, PVT works with community groups to provide internet safety and cybersecurity courses. These are taught to students and adults alike. PVT tailors its messaging for different audiences, including teaching senior citizens about spoofing and deepfake scams.

“We have a duty to educate users on how to use the internet safely and how to stay safe as part of our commitment to being not just a service provider, but a long-term community partner,” says Meyers.

Finally, PVT has a foundation that offers scholarships to students across Southeastern New Mexico. Customers can round up their bill to the nearest dollar to contribute to these funds.

“PVT helped me get through college, and I had no idea at the time that my career was going to lead me here,” says Tabitha Davis, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at PVT. “I now have a daughter, and someday she might receive the same scholarship I did.”

The internet is essential for every resident of Chaves County, from the mom scheduling a telehealth visit for their sick toddler to the entrepreneur filling orders for international clients. Its reliable internet makes PVT a great partner, but its involvement throughout Roswell makes this company a neighbor and part of the community.

As Chaves County continues to grow, PVT is investing in the infrastructure that enables that growth, ensuring that residents, businesses, and future employers have access to fast, reliable, and scalable connectivity. PVT is helping build the digital foundation for the region’s future.

Meet Other Service Providers in Roswell-Chaves County

Companies growing in Southeastern New Mexico can work closely with the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation to meet with utility and service providers and get their businesses running faster. For example, you can read about Xcel Energy and how it supports 3.7 million electric and 2.1 million natural gas customers in the region.  

Start a conversation today about Chaves County and see if this part of the state is right for your business. Contact us with any questions or ideas you have. We’re ready to listen and find solutions for you.