EXISTING CONDITIONS In 2021, South Dakota ranked in the top half of the U.S. in internet coverage, speed, and availability. It ranked 22nd for comprehensive internet parameters, encapsulating coverage, speed, and availability, and 35th for access to 100 megabytes per second (Mbps) broadband. A significant portion of the State's rural population still lacks adequate broadband access. An estimated 135,000 individuals, or one in every six South Dakotans, do not have adequate broadband access. This digital divide between urban and rural areas is a pressing concern.
South Dakota is supported by many telecommunications providers, including national and local participants such as Verizon, AT&T, SDN Communications, and T-Mobile, whose presence contributes to cellular connectivity across the State. South Dakota benefits from broadband providers such as Midco, T-Mobile Home Internet, Rise Broadband, Xtream Powered by Mediacom, CenturyLink, and Sparklight, whose services cover vast areas of the State. Their operations encompass a wide array of digital solutions tailored to the needs of the region's residents and businesses.
Nearly half of South Dakota's residents (48%) live in areas serviced by a single internet provider. This lack of choice can lead to high prices and low service quality. In 2021, the South Dakota Legislature and Governor Kristi Noem set aside $100 million in State funds in 2021 to address these issues and assist the private telecommunications industry with expanding fiber lines and antenna towers in rural areas.
DID YOU KNOW? One in every six South Dakotans do not have adequate broadband access.
ConnectSD Report Poor Internet Service Citizen Services bit.ly/ConnectSDCitizenServices
Infrastructure First Project
Broadband | 143
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