Joshua Barks

In 1994, our founders saw a need for a local Missouri internet provider. They ignored some initial skepticism from friends and family – the internet was, after all “just a fad” - and started Socket, providing basic dial-up internet service out of a small office in Columbia. Demand for internet access grew rapidly. By 1999, Socket had more than 30,000 customers and relocated to two office spaces on Cherry Street in downtown Columbia. (Those spaces are now Glenn's Cafe and studio apartments!) As dial-up internet peaked, Socket looked to ways to keep its business moving forward. The company began offering high-speed internet and later became a CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier). With the expansion of business telephone and other advanced services, rapid growth ensued, and Socket was named one of the nation’s fastest growing companies by Inc. Magazine. Socket continued to expand, moving in 2007 to an office on Clark Lane in Columbia. Residential telephone service and Naked DSL internet were introduced, resulting in more expansion. Socket began work in 2011 on a brand new fiber-optic network to reach homes and businesses in rural Callaway County and Fulton. Socket has been expanding this fiber network ever since, now reaching several Missouri cities. Thousands of customers enjoy reliable, high-speed internet as a result. Today, Socket employs approximately 160 people, with offices in Columbia and St. Peters. We’re proud to be Missouri's local telecommunications provider, and we plan on bringing state-of-the-art technology and friendly, local support to as many homes and businesses as possible. We look forward to serving you!