Ala. Code § 37-6-49
Any cooperative organized under the provisions of this chapter prior to September 4, 1951, for the sole purpose of furnishing telephone service is hereby vested with all the powers and authority conferred on cooperatives by Sections 37-6-40 through 37-6-48. No cooperative shall have the right to furnish telephone service in any area or territory in which any cooperative organized prior to September 4, 1951, is authorized to furnish such service under the provisions of Sections 37-6-40 through 37-6-48. The organization of any cooperative created prior to September 4, 1951, for the sole purpose of furnishing telephone service is hereby ratified, validated and confirmed, and any irregularity in the organization of any such cooperative shall be deemed to be perfected.
Ala. Code § 37-6-49 (1975)