Pioneer Telephone
Why it's so cutting-edge: Based in Kingfisher, Okla., Pioneer is the third-largest of the nation’s independent telephone cooperatives. It’s been very aggressive in offering video on demand and other digital TV and IPTV services throughout the state, but its biggest claim to cutting-edge fame is being the first telco in the U.S. to deploy Wi-Fi (from vendor Ruckus Wireless) as the in-home wiring infrastructure for IPTV. The move isn’t just innovative; it saves money for Pioneer in situations where it otherwise might need to rewire homes for IPTV.
But can it keep that edge? Though telcos increasingly may consider wireless alternative to traditional in-home wiring, Wi-Fi is not necessarily the most reliable and consistent technology out there. Still, no major complaints yet.
