Etex Wireless will be transitioning to a new and advanced wireless system.  This means better reception and faster data speeds for our customers.  However, this transition will disable current data capabilities on most Etex phones.  Some examples of data usage are downloading ringtones, sending a picture message, checking the weather, and surfing the web.  Here is a list of some of the existing phones that might lose data service:

 

If your phone does lose data service, please bring it in during the week of April 12th – 17th and we will restore the data service at no charge.  If you are not available to come in during this week, or have a college student who lives out of town, please call our office at 903-797-4357 to make other arrangements.

Extended Office Hours:  April 12th-17th
Gilmer 7am-7pm
Ore City 7:30am-6pm (Closed Saturday)

Normal office hours resume on April 19th.
April 24th will be the final day for wireless phone data restoration at no charge.  After April 24th, a fee will apply.
At Etex, we value our customers and we want to keep your business while we upgrade our wireless system.  This means better wireless service for you.
Thank you for your patience.

For more information, visit etex.net or call 903-797-4357

Etex has activated it's two new cellular towers located north of Ore City and west of Gilmer. This means a wider coverage area and better reception for our wireless customers.

 

 

 

 

Casey Holder, Etex’s new Sales and Customer Service Supervisor spent the first few years of his life living in East Mt. Attending Gilmer schools up until the 5th grade, his family then moved to White Oak where he graduated high school. After High School, Casey studied at Kilgore Junior College before joining the work force. He has recently completed his associate’s degree with McLennan Community College in Waco, TX. He is currently attending classes through Tarleton State University where he is working towards a BA degree in business, and he will transfer to UT Tyler to complete his degree.

With many years of experience in sales and customer service, Casey brings many valuable qualities to the Etex team. He is responsible for managing customer service and working one-on-one with our sales team. When asked how he liked working for Etex, he had nothing but kind words for our growing company. “I am very excited about the opportunity to join the Etex Telephone team. I have never before seen a company that cares as much about its employees and customers as Etex. The level of effort, time, and dollars invested in each employee and customer is phenomenal.”

We welcome Casey to our team and our community with open arms!

The Texas Rural Telecommunications Industry is constantly challenged with issues that may adversely affect the operations of rural telephone companies and cooperatives. Therefore, Etex is taking proactive measures to ensure the vitality of the industry. With the support of contributions from our members, the TSTCI Political Action Committee (PAC) is able to provide assistance to candidates who understand the issues faced by our industry and who support the interests of Texas rural areas and the companies and cooperatives who serve them.

To do their part, the Etex Employees collaborated and donated $1,500 to the Texas Telephone Association Political Action Committee Fund and $1,500 to the Texas State Telephone Cooperative Inc. Political Action Committee.

Etex Recycling Program has also raised a total of $8132.28 this year so far, and is donating $1,000 each to the following organizations:

• Upshur County Child Welfare Board
• Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas
• Ore City Ministerial Alliance
• Upshur County Shares Food Bank
• Jefferson Ministerial Alliance

Grand Prize Winner: Evelyn Parker
42" Vizio 1080p HDTV

Other Winners Include:

1st Place : Cathy Spencer - Netbook
2nd Place : Donna Whiteside - Nintendo Wii
3rd Place : Janette Olson - Portable DVD Player
4th Place : James Loyd - TomTom Navigation
5th Place : Debra Dial - Nikon Cool Pix Camera
6th Place : Jim Faulkner - IPOD
7th Place : Shree Carpentar - Kuerig Coffee Maker
8th Place : Ramona Betterton - Wal-Mart Gift Card

Etex and Star Wars joined forces for Treats on the Square and won 2nd place! This year's theme and cast was dedicated to the memory of our co-worker and friend Danny Goodwin.

Cast

Robert Perez..............Darth Maul
Charlie Cano..............Darth Vader
Mason Everett............Storm Trooper
Juan Aguilar...............Emperor Palpatine
Chase Carroll.............Luke Skywalker
Henry Chappell II......Obi-Wan Kenobi
Angie Gage.................Queen Amidala
Michelle Hagler..........Princess Leia
Patti Harrington...........Marajade
Donna Montgomery...Female Jedi
Ashley Grody...............Yoda
Helpers.........................Carol Luce, Amanda Smith,
Don Meador, Barbara Spanko, Jared Harty

1. House bill 55 was signed by the Governor in June of 2009. The new law prohibits the use of a wireless communication device within a school crossing
zone. There is an exception for the use of a hands free device. There are also exceptions for emergency situations, for more details on the new law please
read House Bill 55.

2. The Texas Department of Public Safety has clarified the laws regarding cell phones and other wireless communication devices for drivers that are
under the age of 18. HB 2730 and HB 339, enacted recently by the 81st Texas Legislature, restrict all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless
communication device while operating a motor vehicle. This new restriction applies to licenses issued after September 1, 2009, to applicants who are
under 18.

For more information, go to http://www.drivinglaws.org/texas.php