SDN Communications has 17 member companies covering more than 90 percent of South Dakota's geography and reaching into southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and North Dakota. Over the next few months, we'll introduce you to all of the companies. We started with Alliance Communications, Beresford Municipal Telephone Co., Interstate Telecommunications Cooperative, Northern Valley Communications / James Valley Telecommunications, Kennebec Telephone Co., TrioTel Communications and Santel Communications.
Next up is Midstate Communications.
Headquarters: Kimball, SD
Other Physical Locations: Chamberlain, SD
Name of CEO/CM and Years with Company: Chad Mutziger, CEO/GM 24 years with Midstate Communications
Other members of executive team: Lantz Brennan, Plant Manager; Kathy Taylor, Office Manager
Year Formed: 1952
Number of Employees: 22
Website: www.midstatesd.net
History: Since 1952, when Midstate Communications was incorporated as a telephone membership cooperative, they have proudly served the communication needs of central South Dakota with state-of-the-art telecommunications technology and services. Headquartered in Kimball, SD, Midstate currently services nearly 4,000 access lines and approximately 5,000 broadband subscribers in eleven (11) exchanges throughout central South Dakota.
During the nearly half-century of service provided by Midstate Communications, many things have changed: personnel, technology, and customers. Throughout all this change, Midstate Communications has consistently maintained a straightforward business philosophy: "Delivering the best technology, customer experience, and value to our members."
Services offered: Fiber internet service for residential and business customers, phone, business phone systems/ hosted PBX, managed IT services & streaming tv
Square miles in service area: 2210 sq miles. 1.66 customers per square mile.
Counties in coverage area: Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Jerauld & Lyman Counties
Population in coverage area: 13,000 (approximately)
Expansion areas/current construction: New housing areas in Smokey Grove Development, Chamberlain and Knotts Landing, Fort Thompson
Notable towns, cities in coverage area: Academy, Chamberlain, Delmont, Fort Thompson, Gann Valley, Geddes, Kimball, New Holland, Platte, Pukwana, Stickney, White Lake
Organizations/charities that Midstate Communications supports: Midstate Communications board members and staff are deeply committed to supporting their communities and giving back in meaningful ways. Whether it’s donating to local fire/EMS departments, 4-H, contributing to backpack programs that help kids thrive, or supporting schools as they embrace innovative programs like esports, we believe in making a difference. Over the years, they have proudly awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to area high school graduates in their service area, helping to invest in the leaders of tomorrow. Additionally, through their Community Assistance Program (CAP), they work to bring hope and joy by providing gifts and assistance to families facing challenging circumstances. At Midstate, giving back isn’t just something they do—it’s part of who they are.
Other interesting facts about company: In their 72-year history, only five individuals have served as General Manager/CEO, showcasing consistent and dedicated leadership. Joe Knippling was elected the first president of Midstate Telephone back in 1952, and since then, a member of the Knippling family has always served on our board of directors. Midstate was one of the first cooperatives in South Dakota to achieve 100% Fiber-to-the-Home, completing this milestone by the end of 2016.
