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  1. How South Dakota internet providers are stepping up to support esports
    High school esports programs are getting started across the state, and several of them are getting a boost from SDN Communications and its member companies.
  2. Five things about SDN: Legislators learn about telecommunications industry
    Long-distance telephone services were the entire revenue stream for SDN Communications when it was founded in 1989. Needless to say, things have changed since then. South Dakota legislators learned how it's changed and what's next during a luncheon hosted by SDN in December.
  3. Santel bringing high-speed internet to rural Yankton, Vermillion
    About 900 locations are set to receive fiber internet coverage in the rural Yankton and Vermillion areas thanks to Santel Communications and a grant from ConnectSD.
  4. Fiber internet allows remote worker to pursue dream of farming
    He’s a contract engineer who dreamed of a dual role helping run his family farm. Santel Communications' fiber internet helped it became possible.
  5. Sign language interpreter finds freedom to work in small town thanks to world-class internet
    “Chamberlain has fiber network. I couldn’t even get fiber in Austin, Texas, where we lived before.” The reliable internet of SDN Communications member company Midstate Communications allows Ezra Moore to work remotely as a sign language interpreter.
  6. SDN member companies make a difference through ICAN campaign
    ICAN offers SDN Communications member companies a chance to promote local charities and events through its "I CAN Make a Difference" campaign.
  7. How member company grants will expand fiber internet to rural areas
    Areas in southeast South Dakota, the Black Hills and rural Stanley County are some of the latest beneficiaries of funding that will be used to improve fiber connectivity to underserved areas in the state.
  8. SDN Communications Board of Managers elects executive team, new member
    The SDN Communications Board of Managers elected its leadership and added a new member at a pair of recent meetings.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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,
  20. '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.