About us

It all started in a grocery store…

Arthur R. Maytum had a lot to be excited about in 1898. His grocery business was going well and as a result he was able to install Fredonia’s first telephone in his Water Street store. With this modern miracle close at hand, he could call the railroad depot for up-to-the-minute reports on his shipments. As a result, he could offer more efficient service as well as fresher produce to his customers. With this purchase he initiated something that would soon serve the community on an even broader scale—the Dunkirk & Fredonia Telephone Company. In addition, he appropriately became the area’s first telephone customer.

The telephone company incorporated in February of 1898 and started business that August, serving 64 customers. Arthur R. Maytum served as the fledgling company’s first Secretary and General Manager. Over the years, he would guide the company as it grew, prospered, and brought new communications services to the people of Dunkirk and Fredonia.

We are a community-driven technology provider that has been bringing our neighbors the means to connect with the world since 1898.

Careers

These words are the defining factors to how we operate at DFT. We’re always on the lookout for capable, community-minded individual to join our team.

Check out our careers page to apply!

DFT: Helping to grow strong communities

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