Citizens holds annual meeting to highlight continuing connections
CEO and General Manager Donna Smith addressed a number of services and new products available to customers and the larger community.
Citizens Telephone Cooperative celebrated a year of growth, progress, and community investment during its annual Membership Meeting.
CEO and General Manager Donna Smith opened the meeting on Oct. 17 by highlighting the Cooperative’s accomplishments throughout 2026 and its continued commitment to connecting the communities it serves.
“As a member-owned Cooperative, we are proud to continue investing in the communities we call home — expanding our fiber network, introducing new services, strengthening community partnerships, and preparing for an even more connected future,” said Smith.
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During the annual Membership Meeting, Cooperative members re-elected the following individuals to continue serving on the Citizens Telephone Cooperative Board of Directors:
- Joseph Italiano — Alum Ridge Exchange
- Jonathan Vest — Locust Grove Exchange
- Shelby Quesenberry — Willis Exchange
Expanding Fiber
Citizens continued its fiber expansion throughout 2026, bringing high-speed internet to more homes and businesses across Wythe and Carroll counties. The Cooperative completed construction in the VATI grant-funded area of Wythe County, extending fiber availability to more than 1,200 additional homes.
In Carroll County, Citizens deployed more than 150 miles of fiber, connecting over 400 customers. In Floyd County, construction along all main roads is complete, and the Cooperative continues transitioning customers from legacy copper lines to its fiber network.
“Every mile of fiber represents more than infrastructure—it represents another family able to work, learn, stream, connect, and communicate with confidence. It represents another business with the connectivity it needs to grow. And it represents another step toward a stronger, more connected community,” Smith said.
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210 N Locust Street
Floyd, VA 24091-2105
(540) 745-2777
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New Cellular Plans
In response to customer survey feedback, Citizens has introduced cellular phone plans that allow customers to combine their Citizens services on one convenient bill.
New cellular lines are eligible for data plans starting at $20 per month for the first year, subject to applicable plan terms. Customers are encouraged to bring their own compatible phones, keep their existing phone numbers, and enjoy the convenience of managing their services through their local provider.
Local Sports and Entertainment
Citizens continues to expand its local programming on CCTV Channel 20, recently adding Carroll County High School and Fort Chiswell High School sports to the lineup. Customers can access this programming through the SFN TVNow app, powered by Citizens, and continue watching Blue Ridge Bobcat Hockey and other local content.
SFN has also introduced an optional Sports Package that features a variety of programming focused on sports, hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and racing.
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SmartTown Wi-Fi Connections
Through partnerships with Floyd County and other localities, Citizens continues to expand SmartTown Community Wi-Fi, providing secure Wi-Fi access at designated public locations for residents, visitors, and eligible Citizens subscribers.
SmartTown offers an important connectivity resource in areas where cellular coverage is limited or unavailable. The service can help support first responders who need reliable communication options in challenging coverage areas and provides additional connectivity opportunities for residential customers who experience limited cellular service.
New SmartTown locations include Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, Poor Farmers Market, Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn, and Laurel Fork Community Center. These locations offer convenient connection points for residents and travelers who may otherwise have difficulty accessing cellular service.
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New Tools for Managing Internet Service
Citizens customers can now pay their bills through the free Citizens CommandIQ app, included with Citizens internet service. The app also features ProtectIQ and ExperienceIQ, giving customers tools to help protect connected devices, monitor their home network, manage their family’s online experience, and establish parental controls.
Commitment to Members
Smith concluded her remarks by emphasizing that Citizens’ progress is rooted in its commitment to the people and communities it serves. “It’s more than internet — it’s our community. What makes this progress especially meaningful is who we are doing it for. As a Cooperative, our success is connected to the success of our members. That local connection continues to guide the decisions we make and the investments we pursue,” Smith said.
Following the meeting, members enjoyed a barbecue luncheon and participated in door-prize drawings featuring two televisions, a propane grill, and additional prizes.
Citizens holds its annual Membership Meeting on the third Saturday of October each year, providing an opportunity for members to hear updates on the Cooperative’s progress, learn about ongoing initiatives, and celebrate its continued commitment to the communities it serves.
Citizens is located at 220 Webbs Mill Rd. in Floyd and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit citizens.coop or call (540) 745-2111 or (276) 637-6485.
602 East Main Street
Floyd Virginia
540-745-8686
