Blog & Tools

Popular Resources

Industry: Telecommunications

Heather Kranz leads TrioTel’s 100% fiber network into the future

As a staff member at TrioTel Communications, Heather Kranz saw major transformations over the past 21 years, from digital television options to fiber. The challenges of adapting to ongoing change are what keep Kranz engaged in the industry, especially in her new role as CEO/General Manager of TrioTel Communications, Inc.
SDN names expanding data center site 'Mark Shlanta Technology Park'

How does a business show appreciation to its visionary? In the case of SDN Communications, its data center site northwest of Sioux Falls will be named the Mark Shlanta Technology Park in honor of its late, long-serving CEO. SDN Board of Managers President Denny Law, who also leads SDN Member Company Golden West Telecommunications of Wall made the announcement Wednesday evening at an industry dinner.
From digging ditches, to vice president of sales; Meet Ryan Dutton

Ryan Dutton, SDN Communications’ newly promoted Vice President of Sales learned the industry from the ground up, literally. Dutton spent his high school summers digging ditches for Bevcomm, a rural independent broadband provider based in Blue Earth, Minnesota.
Mark Shlanta to be inducted into South Dakota Hall of Fame

We’re proud to announce that Mark Shlanta, former SDN Communications Chief Executive Officer, will be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) this fall.
Meet Ryan Punt, our new CEO

Ryan Punt didn’t always dream of a career in telecommunications. The Stickney High School grad studied accounting his freshman year of college, at the urging of his parents. But it was the mid-1990s, and this thing called the internet was exploding around the world.
Fiber, fiber and more fiber in 2022

SDN Communications' teams have plenty of projects on their plate for 2022. The fiber footprint is growing more than ever before and the SDN Data Center is doubling in size - all in an effort to support and deliver UPTIME to customers and member companies.
Former SDN CEO, board president bonded over advancing broadband, living with cancer

Starting 23 years ago, two young men working to advance South Dakota broadband services met for breakfast before every SDN Communications board meeting. Newly hired SDN CEO Mark Shlanta and newly elected SDN Board President Bryan Roth found value in the face-to-face meetings to drive success for the young company.
Ten lessons I learned from my boss, Mark Shlanta

The recent passing of our visionary and former, long-serving CEO Mark Shlanta casts a dark shadow over our office. But as we try to find our bearings in his passing, Vernon Brown shares the more personal leadership gifts he provided.
SDN mourns loss of former CEO Mark Shlanta

SDN’s employees and Member Companies mourn the loss of its former, long-time visionary Chief Executive Officer Mark Shlanta. He died February 23, 2022, just more than a week after his 57th birthday and following a two-year battle with cancer.
Rural telecommunication companies future-proof SD

The independent broadband companies of South Dakota have made huge strides in delivering fiber internet services across the state. In fact, 93% of South Dakota homes, businesses and farms served by rural telecommunication companies are connected by high-speed fiber,
'Dean of the South Dakota lobbyists' defied stereotype to become industry’s greatest advocate

One of my best friends, Greg Dean, was a lobbyist – the “Dean of the South Dakota lobbyists” – who earned that designation by representing the reason we have lobbyists in government: Their power for good.
5 Reasons Why Fiber Internet Edges-out Satellite Service for South Dakota

With the state of South Dakota’s heavy investment in fiber connectivity for residential and business internet, critics argue satellite services could be the better option. A national internet connectivity expert based in Mitchell says that’s wrong for several reasons.
Local telecoms make progress connecting South Dakotans but work remains

Investments from federal and state governments as well as the private sector have made a significant impact on expanding broadband access in South Dakota. But there is still work to be done and more dollars needed.
Change in Leadership at SDN Communications

After more than 21 years as CEO of SDN Communications, Mark Shlanta is stepping down. On Monday, December 20, SDN Vice President of Sales, Ryan Punt, will become CEO and lead the company that has evolved to become an industry-leading provider of telecommunications services.
New fiber route to Denver strengthens SDN network

An upgraded SDN Communications fiber route to Denver will improve connectivity, performance and UPTIME for companies with offices, warehouses, or other connectivity needs west or south of South Dakota.
Black Hills ReConnect digs in this spring with FARR Technologies at the helm

Come spring 2022, SDN Communications plans to begin the first of two ReConnect fiber projects. Once complete, it will connect the Black Hills in a way it’s never been before.
SD telecom leaders retire with nearly 70 years of industry leadership

Three state telecommunications leaders stepped into retirement over the past year after having a front-row seat to the changes in the industry during the past two decades.
The future of the telecommunications industry from two perspectives

During the 2021 SDTA annual conference in Deadwood, industry experts Dan Caldwell and Carissa Swenson of Consortia Consulting debated the future of the rural broadband industry - where it’s going, how it will be funded and what it will look like.
Passion for technology drives Austin Hansen to new GM role at BMTC

Beresford native Austin Hansen began his telecommunications career while in high school. He worked at the Beresford Municipal Telephone Company (BMTC) as part of a School-to-Work program.
Governor praises SDTA companies for ‘changing the ballgame’

Gov. Kristi Noem wants telecommunications professionals in South Dakota to know they’ve changed the lives of people in the state.