Pineland Telephone Achieves Operation IFAST Certification, Demonstrating Commitment to Combating Human Trafficking

Pineland Telephone proudly announces it has achieved Operation IFAST Certification, a designation awarded to companies that demonstrate a deep commitment to combating domestic sex trafficking through employee training, community collaboration, and financial investment.

Operation IFAST stands for Internet Service Providers Fight Against Sex Trafficking and is a national initiative led by Guardian Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and disrupting the sex trafficking of women and children across the United States. Through IFAST Certification, companies commit to three core pillars: training employees to recognize and report trafficking indicators, connecting local law enforcement with Guardian Group’s advanced analytical resources, and investing annually to fund Guardian Group’s mission.

By completing the rigorous certification process, Pineland joins a growing network of companies nationwide that are taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen their communities.

“At Pineland, serving our communities means more than providing technology services. Through Operation IFAST Certification, we are equipping our employees, supporting law enforcement, and partnering with Guardian Group to help combat human trafficking. We are proud to take an active role in protecting the communities we serve.” – Dustin Durden, Chief Executive Officer, Pineland Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

Jeff Keith, CEO and Founder of Guardian Group, praised Pineland for its leadership and impact: “IFAST Certification represents more than awareness; it reflects action, accountability, and leadership. Companies like Pineland are proving that the private sector can play a powerful role in disrupting trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable. Their commitment directly fuels real-world impact, and we are honored to partner with them.” Through its IFAST commitment, Pineland has trained its workforce, established local law enforcement connections with Guardian Group’s free analytical resources for trafficking cases, and invested $1,591 annually to support Guardian Group’s national efforts. To learn more about Operation IFAST and IFAST Certification, visit www.guardiangroup.org/operation-ifast.

Pineland Telephone Cooperative and Pineland Communications proudly serve more than 2,000 square miles across all or parts of thirteen counties in South Georgia, delivering Phone, Internet, and Technology solutions to the communities we call home.

Nearing its 75th year, Pineland provides 100% Fiber-to-the-Home service to all customers, offering gigabit-enabled broadband designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Pineland’s mission is to deliver an outstanding customer experience through the efficient deployment of progressive technology solutions. This mission comes to life by living out the Core Values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and a Servant’s Heart — showing up with energy, keeping our promises, leading change with purpose, and caring deeply for every customer, coworker, and community we serve.

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Guardian Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing and disrupting the sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. Guardian Group’s Project 1591 program utilizes Open-Source Intelligence to identify potential victims of trafficking to law enforcement partners for action. Their Operation IFAST program equips frontline industries with the tools to recognize and report trafficking in an observation-only manner, strengthening public-private collaboration to protect vulnerable individuals and bring them to safety. Learn more at www.guardiangroup.org. Guardian Group Media Contact: Andrea Lowe [email protected].