The organization known today as the South Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperatives (SDATC) was incorporated in 1954. Originally named the SD Rural Telephone Association, and later known as the SD Telephone Cooperative Association, SDATC was established to allow rural telephone companies to address mutual issues in the growing industry. 

Today, SDATC provides its member companies with a variety of workforce training seminars to industry personnel. In addition, SDATC plays a leading advocacy role on behalf of its members before the South Dakota Legislature and the United States Congress. 

SDATC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of one representative from each telephone cooperative in the state.  Privately-owned, out-of-state, tribal, coop company subsidiaries and municipal telephone companies can also become SDATC members with limited membership privileges.  Suppliers of goods and services to the industry may become associate members of SDATC.