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  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. DDoS attacks, employee accomplices add twists to ransom threats on businesses
    Ransomware will continue to get worse before it ever gets better. That’s the overall takeaway after reviewing SDN Communications’ latest Cyber Threat Landscape Report.
  9. 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.
  10. SDN sponsors CityAge event exploring burgeoning economies of mid-size cities
    SDN Communications is excited to co-sponsor the next CityAge virtual event exploring the possibilities economic growth can bring to cities such as Sioux Falls.
  11. Affected by today’s Internet Blackout Day?
    Here’s how SDN’s Managed Services team is keeping customers connected. September 30th, is being referred to by some as an Internet Blackout day. This event is being caused by an expired software certificate.
  12. Cyberattacks may be trending down in 2021 but consequences remain huge
    When a hacking group named DarkSide launched a cyberattack against Colonial Pipeline in spring 2021, the gas company paid a $4.4 million ransom to bring its fuel distribution operations back online.
  13. Nemo, Rochford, Silver City fiber permit approved
    The fiber permits apply only to what SDN calls ReConnect 1 – bringing fiber out of Rapid City on Highway 44 to Highway 385 and north to Merritt before branching off to Nemo, Rochford, and Silver City.
  14. Experts to help businesses gauge cybersecurity preparedness at upcoming event
    Cyber threats are a constant concern for businesses of all sizes — and what was safe and secure six months ago might not be today. That’s insight from one of the speakers of the upcoming 2021 Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference.
  15. 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.
  16. Company values at the core of hiring and growing employees
    SDN’s core values drive more than the customer experience; they also impact hiring and culture within the organization. Like many companies across the country, SDN is seeking qualified people to join the team. However, just having the technical know-how isn’t enough.
  17. 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.
  18. Employee engagement stays strong at SDN even through pandemic
    SDN Communications employees completed their fourth employee engagement survey this past spring, with overall positive results and opportunities for improvement said Amy Preator, SDN’s HR Director.
  19. Lack of connectivity in Black Hills more than just an inconvenience
    As far as the Silver City fire chief is concerned, he says the lack of internet and cell service in the area is a safety issue. He says it's putting lives and property at risk.
  20. Weddings, conferences or everyday business, reliable internet is a must-have for events and venues
    Ask any recently married couple whether reliable Wi-Fi was a concern for their big day and chances are it’s not at the top of their list. But wedding planner Renee Bauman, owner of Hitch Studio in Brookings, says reliable internet at a venue is right up there with restrooms and meeting spaces when it comes to event essentials.