Blog & Tools

Sarah Tuntland and Susan Kyte, who co-manage SDN Communications' accounting department, have mastered the ability to communicate effectively. It's especially important that sharing information between co-leaders of the company's accounting and financial operations is easy and accurate. They have that covered, too.

Located about 15 miles from Mitchell, Mount Vernon is perhaps best known as the hometown of former NFL linebacker Chad Greenway. But the notoriety hasn’t been enough to keep the population from declining, and a lack of housing kept it from growing.

Through the years, the C.R.S.T. Telephone Authority has served as a model, inspiration and national advocate for other tribal telecoms. Its network has been 100 percent fiber since 2016 and is growing.

SDN Communications constantly evaluates its entire network and plans for the future. The pandemic hasn’t changed that – it was a proof of performance. The projects planned for 2021 will continue to position the company’s network to meet future needs and improve the network in four key areas.

At SDN Communications, Mark Shlanta’s leadership recognition is literally pinned to employees. A grassroots employee idea resulted in a caricature lapel pin of SDN’s CEO attached to a valentine to raise money for the Avera Race Against Cancer.

Whether working from home is consistent or as-needed, you might as well enjoy your time staying safe. So I looked around and checked out some of the latest accessories to spruce things up a bit.

Approximately 135,0000 South Dakotans do not have access to broadband to meet their needs. But a hallmark piece of legislation that aims to bring broadband service to all of South Dakota in a finite number of years is making progress through the 2021 legislative session.

Kara Semmler is now about two months into her role as the new general counsel and executive director for the South Dakota Telecommunications Association (SDTA). Get to know her, as well as her vision for the SDTA and its role in expanding broadband access across the state.

The stories from 2020 certainly reflected the environment of the world, with people adjusting their schedules to stay safe during a global pandemic. But there were also stories of growth and investment, as well as faces of the industry.

In lieu of holiday gifts this year, SDN is making a charitable contribution in appreciation of our customers to four deserving groups that are doing important work.

The 211 Helpline program that’s often considered the “front door” of the social services system is now available to all South Dakotans thanks to the 2020 Legislative Session. And it couldn't have come at a better time.

Some video conference participants are still learning and refining their skills, while some more experienced users might be picking up some bad habits. A refresher on video etiquette might be in order.

Korena Keys jokes that if online connectivity to her office went down, she and her staff would sit around and stare at each other because they wouldn’t have anything to do. A cyber assessment gave her some comfort in the chances of that happening.

Rich Coit has played an important role in helping rural telecoms across the state to develop broadband connectivity and other telecommunications services for nearly 28 years. He's now moving to the next phase of his life as he retires from the SDTA.

Getting a glowing report card on an employee engagement survey can help reinforce strong company culture. Doing so during a global pandemic while employees are working from home — even more impressive.

The time has come for me to free up more time for personal projects and move closer to retirement. So this is my 695th and final blog for SDN.

With Cyber Monday billed as the biggest online shopping day of the season, here are some cool gadgets to inspire your gift-giving. We asked SDN Communications employees for their suggestions, too. Take a look at some of their responses, along with a few other eclectic ideas to consider.

It’s hard to know what to gift someone retiring. By that point in their life, their desire for material things diminishes. So, what to give Rob? I decided on something a writer most values: words.

With the help of two years of state and federal grant programs, telecoms serving rural South Dakota are adding nearly $100 million in infrastructure and significantly improving broadband services in underserved areas.

Recently, while navigating the internet, an SDN customer received what appeared to be a security window pop-up that encouraged the customer to call an 800 number because his system might have been compromised.