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Type: Member & Industry News

New Venture Communications CEO has a love of leadership and a passion for rodeo

Fay Jandreau was drawn to the telecommunications industry because of the technology. But when he's not working for Venture Communications as the new CEO, you might find him at the rodeo.
SDN Communications, member companies receive part of $32.5M in broadband grants

SDN Communications and its member companies have received a portion of $32.5 million in broadband funding ConnectSD grants from the state of South Dakota.
Keeping healthcare accessible in rural South Dakota

Horizon Health Care operates 32 clinics in 22 communities across South Dakota, providing crucial healthcare to rural residents. SDN Communications and its members want to make sure Horizon can continue this important work.
Lifetime of experience and connections bring Vernon Brown back to his alma mater

Every company faces stiff workforce competition these days. SDN Communications is no different. Unfortunately for us, we’re losing a veteran employee who helped build our brand into what it is today. Vernon Brown will be joining South Dakota State University’s leadership team as the associate vice president of external affairs.
SDN mourns loss of board member Rod Bowar of Kennebec

SDN Communications and its Member Companies mourn the loss of long-time board member Rod Bowar, owner of Kennebec Telephone Company.
Internet is coming to Sioux Falls’ neighboring communities

Alliance was awarded a little more than $6 million to expand its broadband fiber network farther into the southern Canton area. The expansion will bring consistent, high-speed internet services to the Larsons for the first time since they bought their acreage 10 years ago.
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.
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.
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.
People are at the center of our 'Top 2021 Articles'

When it comes down to it, people want to read about other people and how technology affects those people. So, it should be no surprise to learn that SDN Communications' top blog article of 2021 was about two people in the company.
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.
A partnership connecting kids to education

When the pandemic forced schools to switch to virtual learning in 2020, Crow Creek Tribal School was no exception. But for many of the students there, virtual learning was impossible because they did not have access to the internet.
Broadband grant helps deliver life-changing connectivity to West Edgemont area

Converting rural western South Dakota customers over to fiber optics within 10 years is a giant undertaking. A federal grant is helping make that possible for some customers in 2021.
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.