DTEL Telecommunications is Gastonia’s first and largest telecom equipment dealer. DTEL was started by Bill Dover and A. J. Turnipseed, both Southern Bell retirees with 30 plus years experience, in 1984. They established many accounts through their contacts in the community, bought a van, and started running service calls, selling key telephone systems, cabling, and doing moves, adds, and changes. The business grew, and in 1985 moved from our Garrison Blvd location to our present location at 320 E. Third Ave in Gastonia. In 1990 DTEL became a Comdial Associate Dealer, a Preferred Dealer in 1993, and a Preferred Gold Dealer in 1997, a Vodavi Infinite dealer in 2002, and an Allwox dealer in 2005.
The company was sold in 1996 to Charlie Peninger, Jr. and Mr. Dover retired. Mr. Turnipseed continued to work part time until May 2005.
Charlie’s background includes 30 plus years of telecommunications experience beginning with the U.S. Navy, serving as an interior communications electrician aboard ship, 11 years with AT&T as a communications technician, and a stint as a technician in telecommunications at UNC-Charlotte. Charlie is a Gastonia native, and graduated with an A.A. from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. He joined DTEL in 1995.
Changes in Technology
Over the years our business changed with the technology of the times, and we began offering voice mail systems, fiber optic cabling, and cat 5, 5e, and 6 computer cabling, along with camera systems, while continuing our core business of key and PBX telephone systems, overhead paging systems, moves/adds/changes, and troubleshooting. IP telephony, along with converged telephony are the latest innovations in telephony, and as they continue to evolve, and we continue to be on the cutting edge, offering those types of products and services to our customers.
Our customer base has continued to grow, and we have had the privilege to have some long term relationships with many of our customers. We have been recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal’s list of top 25 Largest Business Telephone Equipment Dealers for several years now.
In addition, we at DTEL contribute time and money to worthy causes in our community, such as Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, the NC Special Olympics, Cornerstone Christian Center, American Legion Post #23, Boy Scouts of America, and DTEL is a long time member of the Gaston Chamber of Commerce and the Belmont Chamber of Commerce.
Our Staff
DTEL’s technical staff are telecom professionals that are certified on a variety of equipment, many of whom have past Bell System experience. They are talented in all facets of telephone work and are dedicated to providing you with personalized service. They are our most important asset, and we are proud of the hard work they do and the way they do it. Our techs are continually training on new equipment and technologies that will benefit your business. They attend vendor provided schools and seminars as well as on the job and in-house training. Our aim is to cross train our technicians and provide a path of advancement for installers and apprentices.
Contact Us
If you are a customer, we would like to thank you for your business. If you are considering becoming a customer, our promise to you is to provide you quality telecom equipment and outstanding, personalized service at a fair price.
For Consultations and Services
Please call 704.867.4507
Toll Free 800.695.6454
or see our Contact Page.
