With the help of financing from NCSC, West Kentucky & Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative (WK&T) is expanding its presence in the Southeast through the acquisition of Alabama’s Hayneville Holding Company and its subsidiaries, strengthening its fiber network and long-term growth strategy.
For WK&T, headquartered in Mayfield, Kentucky, the acquisition includes Hayneville Telephone Company, Hayneville Fiber Transport and Watchdog Security, adding ILEC and CLEC operations and a growing fiber network across portions of Alabama.
It’s the mission of our cooperative to serve the underserved and unserved. Whenever there’s a network like that looking to sell, and it fits, we’re more than willing to look at it and try to help.
The transaction, which closed in March 2026, was financed through a loan from NCSC.
“NCSC’s understanding of the cooperative model was huge for us,” WK&T CFO Bhavini Sokhey said. “They were able to offer flexibility that other lenders couldn’t, especially when it came to preserving our existing low‑cost RUS financing.”
WK&T leaders view the acquisition as a natural extension of the cooperative’s existing operations.
“We’ve always viewed acquisitions and partnerships as an important part of WK&T’s long-term growth strategy,” Sokhey said. “It allows us to grow our footprint in the Southeast, strengthen our fiber network and continue doing what we do best—serving rural and underserved communities while growing in a smart, intentional way.”
WK&T currently provides services across Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Alabama. The addition of Hayneville strengthens its regional presence and supports continued expansion.
CEO Karen Jackson-Furman said the opportunity aligned closely with the cooperative’s mission.
“It’s the mission of our cooperative to serve the underserved and unserved,” she said. “Whenever there’s a network like that looking to sell, and it fits, we’re more than willing to look at it and try to help.”
Building on a Fiber-First Foundation
Hayneville is in the midst of work on several ReConnect grant-funded projects that were a key factor in the acquisition and are expected to deliver 100 percent fiber-to-the-home coverage across the service area once complete.
“WK&T has a strong track record of designing, funding and executing successful fiber builds,” Sokhey said. “Hayneville’s ReConnect projects align perfectly with our fiber-first strategy and allow us to build on momentum already underway.”
Jackson-Furman said the benefits of expanded fiber extend beyond connectivity.
“It’s life changing,” she said. “We’re already seeing growth and investment coming into the area, and connectivity plays a big part in that.”
Following the closing, WK&T prioritized a smooth transition for employees and customers.
“From the beginning, we were very intentional about choosing an acquisition that felt like a cultural fit,” Sokhey said. “Our main priorities are taking care of employees, maintaining service for customers and making the transition as smooth as possible.”
WK&T is identifying efficiencies and sharing best practices across both organizations to strengthen operations over time.
New Name Reflects Broader Reach
Alongside the acquisition, WK&T recently introduced a new d/b/a alongside its subsidiary, Ardmore Telephone Company. The new name, Cornerstone Connectivity, will be adopted this summer to reflect its expanded footprint.
“The Cornerstone Connectivity name reflects how WK&T has evolved,” Sokhey said. “It represents a cooperative built on strong foundations, serving customers across four states and connecting more people than ever before with reliable, high‑speed broadband.”
Jackson-Furman said the rebrand was already underway prior to the acquisition, driven by the cooperative’s growth beyond its traditional service areas and a desire for a name that better reflects its broader presence.
“It was going to happen either way,” she said. “We were already operating across multiple states, and the previous names were not reflective of who we are anymore.”
Cornerstone Connectivity helps remove regional limitations tied to legacy names, allowing the cooperative to present a more unified identity as it continues to grow.
Positioned for Future Growth
WK&T leadership say the acquisition positions the cooperative for steady, sustainable growth as it continues investing in fiber and expanding its reach.
“We see this as positioning WK&T for steady, sustainable growth while staying true to our mission,” Sokhey said. “It allows us to continue investing in the network and delivering long-term value to our members and communities.”
WK&T’s approach remains grounded in its cooperative model, balancing expansion with a continued focus on serving rural and underserved areas.