Beginning in 1957 and culminating in 1958 the companies were combined into what was to become Spring Grove Cooperative Telephone Company. The first stockholders meeting of the Spring Grove Cooperative Telephone Company was held on January 20, 1959 for the purpose of electing directors and adopting by-laws. The first board of directors meeting was held on January 23, 1959.

In the early 1950s many telephone companies began switching from crank phones and operators to automatic dial tone. On December 28, 1959 the board voted to proceed with plans to convert to dial service. This action was ratified at the annual stockholders meeting held on January 19, 1960.

The first full time manager was hired on February 26, 1960. On March 14, 1960 a loan application was made to Rural Electrification Administration for $424,000.00. With the acceptance of the loan the process was begun to sign up subscribers from the other rural switcher companies.

It was also necessary to relocate the office to have space for the new equipment. On December 20, 1960 the site known as the Thoreson property was purchased and a new building was built on the site. In 1961 a new dial step switch was purchased and installed by Automatic Electric.

After the 1960 construction, customers were treated to five party, two party, and private lines instead of sharing one line for the ten to fifteen people they were used to.

In the late 1980s new services began to be offered nationwide and it was necessary to upgrade to a new switch in order to keep offering the best services to subscribers. In 1991 a Nortel DMS-10 switch was installed, plus all new underground copper was installed to each subscriber. In 1991 Internet dial-up equipment was installed giving subscribers their first Internet experience, the high pitched squeal of modems dialing and speeds up to 56K.

As the new century dawned it became necessary to add onto the facilities to make room for increased equipment and staff. The lots west of the building (previously the Wendel Oliver Dealership and more recently the home of Red’s IGA) were purchased in August 2002 and construction of the current Spring Grove Communications building was completed in the fall of 2004. The new building included space for the Spring Grove Public Library, the Spring Grove Fitness Center, community meeting rooms and office rental space continuing the company’s commitment to the community.

Expanding Possibilities Through Innovation and Community Investment

In 2008, Spring Grove Communications began one of the most significant infrastructure projects in its history—deploying fiber optic technology throughout its service area. This forward-thinking investment positioned the cooperative to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet, advanced communications, and future digital services for residents and businesses throughout the region. The transition to fiber created a foundation that continues to serve the community today.

Bringing Entertainment Back to Downtown

Also in 2008, local residents approached Spring Grove Communications with a vision to bring a movie theater back to Spring Grove. Recognizing the importance of quality-of-life amenities in rural communities, the cooperative agreed to serve as the financial steward of the project. In 2009, the Spring Grove Cinema opened as a state-of-the-art theater in downtown Spring Grove. Featuring stadium seating, digital projection technology, and space for community events, the cinema quickly became a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Strengthening Regional Broadband Partnerships

Spring Grove Communications has long believed that collaboration is key to expanding access to modern technology in rural areas. In 2006, the cooperative partnered with Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company to purchase Harmony Telephone Company. That partnership continued to evolve and, in 2018, Spring Grove Communications joined with Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company and MiEnergy Cooperative to form MiBroadband. This innovative partnership expanded broadband deployment across southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa, helping bring reliable internet service to rural homes, farms, and businesses that might otherwise have been left behind.

2018 – Jill Huffman Named CEO
Spring Grove Communications welcomed a new chapter of leadership when Jill Huffman was appointed General Manager and CEO. With a strong background in telecommunications and cooperative operations, Huffman has led continued investments in broadband expansion, technology innovation, and regional collaboration.

Connecting Rural Communities

Since the formation of MiBroadband, the partnership has secured significant state and federal broadband funding and invested millions of dollars into expanding fiber infrastructure throughout the region. These efforts have connected thousands of rural locations and strengthened access to education, healthcare, business opportunities, and remote work. Spring Grove Communications continues to play an important role in advancing broadband access and ensuring rural communities remain connected and competitive.

2023 – Launch of GoTo>TV
To meet changing customer needs, Spring Grove Communications introduced GoTo>TV, an advanced television service delivered across its fiber network. The platform brought HD programming, DVR functionality, and enhanced viewing options to customers throughout the service area. 

A New Chapter for the Cinema

After more than 15 years of ownership and stewardship, Spring Grove Communications announced the sale of the Spring Grove Cinema in January 2025. The decision reflected the cooperative's commitment to ensuring the facility remained a vibrant community asset while allowing it to evolve with changing community needs. Local entrepreneur Lucas Hall purchased the theater and began developing plans to expand its role as a gathering space, incorporating educational, cultural, and community-focused activities while continuing to offer film entertainment.