South Dakota

Connecting South Dakota

Funded projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) include over $77 million in awards to Tribal Nations through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), and a combined $3.1 million in planning grants from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity programs.

The BEAD and Digital Equity programs in South Dakota are well positioned to further expand on the significant efforts already deployed in the state. The momentum will continue to grow as deployment of additional projects funded through BIL begin in the coming years.

State Broadband Team Capacity

The South Dakota Broadband team grew as a result of the financial support from BEAD and Digital Equity Program planning funds, which addressed the critical need to increase broadband office capacity to administer the numerous programs currently underway. The team has grown to include a BEAD Coordinator and student intern. The Digital Opportunity program is coordinated through an interagency agreement with the state Department of Labor.

South Dakota Broadband Summit

South Dakota successfully organized the South Dakota Broadband Summit on May 3, 2023, where it engaged a wide variety of stakeholders, including members of the public on the current and future state of broadband in the state. The Summit discussed the state’s existing ConnectSD State Broadband Program, BEAD funding, and Digital Equity funding with community organization representatives and Internet Service Providers, among others. Sessions on workforce needs and community broadband planning and discussion were also an important part of the Summit. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Federal Program Officer (FPO) for the state, the regional director for BEAD, and Digital Equity program leadership presented at the well-attended event.