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  1. The law that will forever change SD's economy
    It’s important we acknowledge neither the telephone nor electric service would have ever reached rural South Dakota without a government investment triggering a public partnership benefitting us yet today. The same can be said of high-speed broadband service.
  2. Governor Kristi Noem Announces 24 Broadband Grant Awards
    Governor Kristi Noem announced today that 24 grants have been awarded to fund broadband projects to better connect unserved and underserved areas across South Dakota.
  3. Build Dakota scholarship offers debt-free tech degrees in high-need careers
    2020 Mitchell Technical Institute graduate Connor Wendland’s face has appeared on several marketing pieces, including a billboard banner visible along Interstate 90. He wasn’t paid for his modeling gig but he did graduate debt-free thanks to the Build Dakota scholarship program.
  4. SDN helps fund Avera eCARE school nurses caring for growing diabetes cases
    Dana Culver makes medical recommendations for a living in her professional role as a Brookings pharmacist, but in her role as mother to two young boys diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she lost her confidence.
  5. Housing investments saving small towns, helping businesses grow
    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.
  6. Tribal telecom is unique in S.D. and distinguished nationally
    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.
  7. SDN employees pin leadership on CEO Shlanta, raise funds for cancer research
    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.
  8. New SDTA executive director ready to advocate for rural telecoms
    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.
  9. Hope, Connection and People: The Top SDN Articles of 2020
    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.
  10. 211 Helpline available statewide, launches new app
    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.
  11. Rich Coit says ‘so long’ after 27 years of leading SDTA
    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.
  12. Grants help S.D. make headway to extend lifeline, connect rural areas
    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.
  13. Rural S.D. telecoms are unique - especially one in Kennebec
    Business divisions that operate as part of Kennebec Telephone Co. Inc. can do everything from tuning up a car to digging a grave for a horse.
  14. Long-Standing Leadership Continues to Improve South Dakota Broadband During COVID-19
    In times of uncertainty, SDN Communications has relied on experienced leadership to keep the region connected. Its nine-member Board of Managers has played an integral part in improving communities in South Dakota amid a global pandemic.
  15. Grants will help improve connectivity in rural Davison County
    Ryan Thompson, the general manager and CEO of Santel, was pleasantly surprised – and greatly appreciative - when both of the cooperative’s applications were approved recently as part of Gov. Kristi Noem’s Connect South Dakota broadband program.
  16. Telecoms help bring homegrown talent back to South Dakota
    Our member companies are helping lure experienced professionals back to their home state, a hiring practice that is good for the regional economy as well as employers.
  17. SDN joins effort to spur more housing development in region
    SDN Communications and its 17 member companies across the state, which have been concerned about the issue for several years, have joined with three other regional business organizations to help address the housing crunch.
  18. Upgraded route equipment will help SDN and members grow
    SDN Communications is making substantial progress in upgrading its core transmission routes to serve customers’ future needs. It's going to enable SDN and its member companies to efficiently provide higher levels of broadband services.
  19. State grants help SDN affiliates improve connectivity across S.D.
    It’s extremely important that the state and telecommunications industry continue to close gaps in connectivity that have left some rural areas of South Dakota underserved. A second round of grants from the Connect South Dakota broadband program will help plug some of the holes.
  20. Governor Kristi Noem Announces Broadband Grant Awards
    Governor Kristi Noem announced today that 14 projects have been awarded grants to fund broadband projects to better connect unserved and underserved areas across South Dakota.