Internet and telecommunications options in South Dakota: Major internet providers: Midco, CenturyLink, Vast Broadband. Rural areas may have limited high-speed options. Fiber-optic internet available in urban regions. Satellite internet providers: Viasat, HughesNet. 5G mobile service expanding in metropolitan areas. Broadband initiatives improving statewide connectivity. Affordable Connectivity Program offers cost assistance. Public Wi-Fi hotspots available in libraries, cafes. Comparison shopping recommended for best internet deals. Telecommunications tax on phone services applies.
Major internet providers: Midco, CenturyLink, Vast Broadband.
In South Dakota, major Internet providers include Midco, which offers up to 1 Gbps connections and is widely available with a strong customer service reputation. CenturyLink provides up to 1 Gbps via fiber and DSL with 68% state availability, making it a reliable choice for many residents. Additionally, Vast Broadband offers competitive plans starting at $39.99/month with speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps in numerous locations. For more detailed information regarding local internet providers, visit Allconnect.
Rural areas may have limited high-speed options.
Despite significant progress in expanding broadband access, with about 91% of South Dakota now having access to broadband service, rural areas, particularly those in the Black Hills, still face challenges due to the high costs associated with infrastructure development, making high-speed internet less readily available in these remote regions. To learn more about these efforts, visit the South Dakota Searchlight website for comprehensive updates on the state's high-speed internet initiative.
Fiber-optic internet available in urban regions.
In South Dakota, fiber-optic internet is widely available in urban regions, with cities like Sioux Falls, Brookings, and Aberdeen having high percentages of residents with access to fiber internet. For example, Sioux Falls boasts 84.9% access to fiber internet, while [Brookings and Aberdeen](https://www.highspeedinternet.com/sd) both enjoy 100% access, making these cities among the most connected in the state.
Satellite internet providers: Viasat, HughesNet.
In South Dakota, Viasat and HughesNet are the primary satellite internet providers. Viasat offers speeds up to 150Mbps with a higher data allowance of 850GB and no contract requirements, while HughesNet provides speeds up to 100Mbps with data allowances ranging from 100-200GB and a two-year contract. This makes HughesNet a more affordable option, but Viasat is better suited for heavy data users.
5G mobile service expanding in metropolitan areas.
Verizon is making significant strides in expanding its 5G Ultra Wideband service in South Dakota, specifically targeting the areas of Parkston, Aberdeen, Pine Ridge, and the Three Forks region of the Black Hills. By utilizing recently acquired C-band spectrum, the company is set to provide faster speeds and greater capacity, which supports enhanced connectivity and economic growth throughout the state. This expansion will enable users to accomplish tasks on mobile devices that were previously confined to home internet connections, such as streaming HD movies, playing console-quality games, and conducting clear video calls. To learn more about this development, visit the official Verizon Announcement for detailed insights.
Broadband initiatives improving statewide connectivity.
The ConnectSD initiative, launched by Governor Kristi Noem in 2019, has significantly improved statewide connectivity in South Dakota. With over $300 million invested, the initiative has connected over 31,000 locations, bringing broadband access to about 91% of the state. It is now aiming to complete the remaining areas, particularly the Black Hills, with additional federal funding. For more information about this ambitious project, visit the official website for the ConnectSD initiative.
Affordable Connectivity Program offers cost assistance.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provided eligible South Dakota residents with a discount of up to $30 per month for high-speed internet services, and up to $75 per month for those living on Tribal lands. The program also offered a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop, or tablet, but it has ended due to a lack of additional funding from Congress as of June 1, 2024. For more information, you can visit the Affordable Connectivity Program page.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots available in libraries, cafes.
In South Dakota, Golden West has installed free public Wi-Fi hotspots in various communities, including public places, outdoor locations, and specific sites like churches, community centers, and utility buildings. Additionally, cities like Sioux Falls offer free Wi-Fi at cafes, restaurants, public libraries, and community centers, making internet access widely available.
Comparison shopping recommended for best internet deals.
To find the best internet deals in South Dakota, comparison shopping is highly recommended. Websites like CNET and Allconnect provide detailed comparisons of providers such as Midco, Bluepeak, and CenturyLink, highlighting their prices, speeds, and availability, which can help you identify the most suitable and cost-effective option for your needs.
Telecommunications tax on phone services applies.
In South Dakota, telecommunications services face a 4% gross receipts tax on wireless services, alongside a $2.00 per service user line 911 Emergency Surcharge, though this surcharge does not apply to prepaid wireless services. Additionally, prepaid wireless services incur a 2% surcharge on gross receipts from retail sales. For more detailed information regarding these taxes, visit the South Dakota Department of Revenue website.