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Franklin Telephone Company was founded in 1959 for the purpose of operating the telephone systems in and around parts of 19 counties in Mississippi. The history of the company is mostly about modernization. In the early 80's the company initiated a construction program to make one party service available system wide. For several years Franklin has been "digital." In the late 80's and early 90's, all the central offices were replaced with electronic, digital equipment. This resulted in quiet and quick connections for the customers, and allowed for many new features such as equal access, area calling plans, and custom calling features. The company provides digital connections between all of its systems and the nationwide network, using fiber optics and SS7 technology. Franklin Telephone Company provides services over approximately 150 miles of fiber optic cable within its ten exchange areas. Franklin Telephone Company provides Digital Switching through the use of three Northern Telecom DMS 10 switches and one Stromberg Carlson switch. Being "digital" to the nationwide network gives the subscriber quiet, quick circuits and many new features to the world outside of the local calling area. Franklin Telephone Company can offer its customers advanced services such as, Centrex, ISDN, and DSL where available. On December 16, 1997, the Mississippi Public Service Commission designated Franklin Telephone Company, Inc. an "Eligible Telecommunications Carrier" for its service area for Universal Service Fund purposes and programs. Franklin Telephone Company, Inc. also offers qualified customers Lifeline and Link-Up service. Franklin has installed emergency generating equipment at all central office locations in order to assure continued service until electric service is restored. The majority of Franklin Telephone's cables to the subscriber locations have been placed underground to reduce the threat of loss of service during ice and wind storms. Commercial offices are located in Meadville/Bude and New Augusta. Customer service representatives are at those locations to handle the day-to-day business between the company, the public, and Franklin's subscribers. Construction and maintenance crews are also based in all locations for prompt service response.