NSR Buildout

Connecting the North Santiam River Community to the Future

With nearly 70 years of service, SCTC has been a cornerstone of connectivity in our community. From humble beginnings as a rural telephone provider to becoming a leading-edge fiber internet provider—SCTC has always been dedicated to bringing the latest and greatest technology to local residents.

The new North Santiam River fiber expansion is SCTC’s latest milestone in delivering superior internet access to residents. Completed earlier this year, the monumental project will allow homes and businesses in the area to reap all the benefits high-speed internet can provide.

Read on to learn about SCTC’s history, the North Santiam River fiber expansion project, and the lasting positive impact it will have on the local community.

From a modest fiber line to an expansive network

SCTC, founded in 1955, has always been committed to bringing advanced telecommunications to the local community.

In 1986, SCTC made its first step into the future by deploying a 6-count fiber optic cable, primarily for long-distance connections between nearby towns like Scio, Aumsville, and Mill City.

At the time, there was no practical need for fiber in the local network—but that soon changed with the advent of the internet in the early ’90s.

As the world rapidly evolved, so did SCTC’s infrastructure. The company began to future-proof its network for fiber expansion in the local community to ensure residents had access to the latest internet technology.

Today, SCTC continues to lead with its fiber optic network, bringing lightning-fast internet to homes and businesses across our region.

“In 2025, SCTC will celebrate 70 years of serving this community—and serving this community is still why we exist. The fiber network we have built is ready for whatever comes next, and we will be here to deliver ‘what’s next’ to you,” says Erik Hoefer, CEO of SCTC.

Building out across the North Santiam River

Earlier this year, SCTC reached a major milestone with the completion of its largest live fiber cutover to date, installing an 864-count fiber cable across the North Santiam River from Stayton.

This critical infrastructure upgrade allows SCTC to retire the aging copper network and provide state-of-the-art fiber optic connections directly to each customer.

Not only does this enhance internet speeds and reliability, but it also brings SCTC’s service full circle. Back in 1986, when the company made that first venture into fiber, they dropped a modest fiber line to improve their inter-office connection.

Fast forward to today, and SCTC is delivering dedicated, high-speed fiber connections directly to thousands of homes and businesses. This project represents both a leap into the future and a continuation of a legacy that connects local residents to the world, better than ever before.

Residents can now experience the unmatched benefits of SCTC’s fiber internet; lightning-fast speeds, enhanced reliability, and seamless connectivity.

Fiber internet’s consistent performance and strong signal is essential for anyone in the area who wants to work from home, run a business, or enjoy streaming and gaming with no buffering or lag.

And because fiber is future-proof, residents can enjoy the best technology available today with infrastructure ready to handle the innovations of tomorrow.

Looking down the road to what’s next

SCTC remains committed to ensuring that all local residents, no matter where they live, have access to the latest fiber internet technology. The company’s fiber expansion projects are ongoing, with plans to reach even more homes and businesses across the region.

By continuing to invest in their network, SCTC is building a foundation for the future to ensure everyone can benefit from fast, reliable, and future-ready fiber connections.

“It has been a long process, especially for our members who live at the very edge of our network, but we are getting close to having fiber access to all of our members,” says CEO Erik Hoefer.

“There is not an ‘end’ to this process. We are continually looking down the road to make sure we are ready for what comes next.” To learn more about SCTC’s residential internet, business internet, and voice services in the Stayton, Oregon area, browse our website or get in touch today.