Posted on Tuesday, August 24, 2010
RAPID CITY, SD (August 23, 2010) - SDN Communications broke ground today at Rapid City Regional Hospital on a $25 million project that will bring increased broadband access to 305 hospitals, schools, government facilities and public safety offices in more than 75 South Dakota communities.
SDN was selected in December 2009 to receive a $20 million grant as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The company will contribute an additional $5 million to the project. The groundbreaking event made SDN the first company in the nation to begin construction on broadband stimulus initiatives.
SDN's application was one of the nation's first 18 funded, making it among the top 1 percent of the telecom companies receiving an award. Gov. Mike Rounds praised SDN for its application saying the result of the work will improve the lives of South Dakotans.
"High-speed broadband services provide increased economic development opportunities, educational advancements, improved access to medical services and much more," said Governor Mike Rounds. "I am proud to be here today to celebrate the opportunities this project brings for all citizens throughout South Dakota."
"This event really is a celebration for the state - an economic development success story. It marks a new era in efficiency in the delivery of technology services," said SDN Communications CEO Mark Shlanta.
The entire project will add 359 miles of new fiber-optic cable and will be completed by December 2012. Beyond Rapid City, SDN will begin fiber construction in Vermillion and Watertown, as well.
To follow progress on the project, go to: http://www.sdncommunications.com/stimulus
Twitter + Facebook