A large portion of South Dakota is filled with farmers, ranchers
and the beauty of the black hills. From the outside looking in, this is a
prosperous and active picture. However,
the more rural the area, the more challenging it becomes for technology growth.
In these rural areas scattered across South Dakota, the broadband coverage is minimal
and at times spotty. Some of the areas have no coverage at all. This brings critical
setbacks to businesses trying to manage daily communication throughout the
state. While most of these communities “make do” with this service, Gov. Kristi
Noem is committed to expanding broadband access and bringing high-speed
internet to every corner of the state.“Frankly, if we don’t have high-speed Internet access everywhere in South Dakota, we can’t be successful.” – Gov. Kristi Noem
Along with the Governor, U.S. Sen. John Thune held a meeting on
“The Impact of Broadband Investments in Rural America,” reviewing opportunities
to make broadband available in rural areas.
These types of improvements are necessary to sustain economic
growth and improve the quality of life of rural residents.
BIT understands that the operation of expanding broadband access is no easy task. Digital
connectivity in rural areas is expensive and will require close partnerships
with many businesses throughout the state. Although it will be challenging it
will truly be an investment into our rural communities. This type of advancement in technology will better support the businesses trying to compete on a global
level within their industry.
What Happens Next?
Gov. Kristi Noem with her new Connect South Dakota grants has
awarded eight broadband projects that will receive financial support to assist
in expanding broadband throughout our state. Total grant funding of $5 million
will impact over 100 businesses and approximately 4,800 residents. This is one
step closer to ensure all South Dakotans have internet connectivity.
Awards were given to the following groups:
- The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority in Eagle Butte received $474,500 for a project serving Timber Lake.
- The Interstate Telecommunications Cooperative in Clear Lake received $253,300 for a project in rural Codington County.
- Mitchell Telecom received $441,500 for a project in rural Davison County.
- RC Technologies in New Effington received $361,500 for a project in Kranzburg and rural Codington.
- Vast Broadband in Sioux Falls received $128,800 for a project serving the Irene Wakonda and Alsen areas.
- Venture Communications received $2.8 million for a project in rural Hughes County.
“We’re taking action to close the digital divide. Because of Connect South Dakota, thousands more families will have access to high-speed internet by the end of 2019.”- Gov. Kristi Noem.
