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Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Telephone (SSRT) is a telecommunications cooperative serving rural communities in West virginia. Established to bridge the digital divide, SSRT has been a vital provider of internet, phone, and television services for decades. In 2025-26, SSRT continues its commitment to delivering reliable broadband to areas often overlooked by larger national carriers. The cooperative's focus remains on community development and ensuring its members have access to essential digital services, adapting its offerings to meet evolving technological demands.
Key statistics for SSRT include: Years in business: Over 70 years, Customers served: Approximately 15,000 households and businesses, Coverage area: Primarily Pendleton, Pocahontas, and Randolph counties in West Virginia.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Connect | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Community Speed | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $79.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1.5 TB | No |
| Rural Ultra | 200 Mbps | 30 Mbps | $99.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | Unlimited | No |
SSRT offers a tiered approach to its internet plans, catering to different user needs and budgets. The Basic Connect plan is suitable for light internet use, such as email and basic browsing. Community Speed provides a noticeable upgrade for streaming and multiple device usage. Rural Ultra is designed for more demanding applications like online gaming and extensive video conferencing, offering higher speeds and unlimited data.
SSRT's service area is concentrated in the mountainous regions of West Virginia, specifically within Pendleton, Pocahontas, and Randolph counties. While the cooperative strives to provide service to all its members, availability can vary significantly due to terrain and infrastructure limitations. Coverage is generally stronger in more populated towns within these counties, such as Franklin, Marlinton, and Elkins, with fixed wireless and DSL being the most common technologies. Rural and remote areas may experience more limited bandwidth options or rely on fixed wireless solutions.
States with best coverage: West Virginia. Cities with best coverage: Franklin, Marlinton, Elkins. Urban vs rural availability differences: Urban areas within SSRT's service territory tend to have more robust DSL or fiber options, while very rural locations may be limited to fixed wireless with varying signal strengths.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Connect | $59.99 | $59.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with phone/TV) |
| Community Speed | $79.99 | $79.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with phone/TV) |
| Rural Ultra | $99.99 | $99.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with phone/TV) |
SSRT's pricing structure is straightforward, with no promotional price reductions after the first year. The monthly prices reflect the cost of maintaining infrastructure in challenging rural environments. The primary additional fee is for modem rental, which can be avoided if customers provide their own compatible equipment. Bundling internet with phone and television services offers potential savings, enhancing the overall value proposition for members.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Community-focused cooperative | Limited availability in very remote areas |
| No long-term contracts required | Speeds may not be competitive with national fiber providers |
| Reliable service for essential needs | DSL technology can be susceptible to distance from central office |
| Bundling options available | Fixed wireless performance can be affected by weather and obstructions |
| Dedicated local customer support | Equipment rental fee applies |
SSRT prides itself on providing personalized, local customer support. As a cooperative, the focus is on member satisfaction and direct communication. Support is readily available through phone and in-person visits at their local offices. Installation satisfaction is generally high due to the technicians' familiarity with the local terrain and infrastructure.
| Feature | SSRT | National cable Provider (e.g., Xfinity) | National Fiber Provider (e.g., Verizon Fios) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeds | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 1.2 Gbps | Up to 2 Gbps |
| Pricing | $59.99 - $99.99 | $60 - $120+ (promotional) | $70 - $150+ (promotional) |
| Data Policies | 1 TB to Unlimited | 1.2 TB (hard cap or overage fees) | Unlimited |
| Customer Satisfaction | High (local focus) | Mixed (large-scale operations) | Generally High (fiber performance) |
| Availability | Rural West Virginia | Major metropolitan and suburban areas | Select metropolitan and suburban areas |
Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Telephone (SSRT) is an excellent choice for residents and businesses in its specific rural West Virginia service areas who prioritize local support and reliable essential internet services. While its top speeds of 200 Mbps may not compete with the gigabit offerings of national fiber providers, SSRT's plans provide sufficient bandwidth for everyday tasks like browsing, email, streaming, and moderate home office use. The absence of long-term contracts and the community-oriented approach make it an attractive option for those seeking a provider invested in their local area. For users with extremely high bandwidth demands, such as professional gamers or large enterprises requiring multi-gigabit speeds, SSRT's current infrastructure may not be the ideal fit. However, for the majority of rural households in its coverage zone, SSRT offers a dependable and valuable internet solution.