In 1970, the cooperative borrowed an additional $490,000 from REA to complete current projects, rearrange toll facilities, provide for new subscribers, and offer direct distance dialing (DDD) service. 1973 marked the beginning of two major projects for improvement of quality service to PTCI's subscribers: 1) The conversion of subscriber billing to a computer system, and 2) The upgrade of all exchanges to one-party service using all buried cable. In 1973, the cooperative purchased the Turpin area from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company with approximately 185 main stations. Also in 1973, the cooperative made a decision to sign a toll cost study agreement with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. This study helped the cooperative realize a more equitable toll settlement agreement which substantially increased revenue. This much-needed revenue provided for improved local and toll service to subscribers. Gary Kennedy, who had worked for the company since 1958, was chosen to succeed Robert Jeffries as manager in 1979. Gary started out as the bookkeeper and moved up through the ranks to assistant manager before being promoted to general manager. He was very involved in the state and national arena in telephone issues and served on the board of several organizations including OTA, NTCA, and OPASTCO.