Knight Center of Digital Excellence Partners with Technology and Community Leaders to Provide High-Speed Internet Access to Rural South Dakota
Broadband highway developed by the Knight Center of Digital Excellence, TelServ Communications, and the North East Council of Governments will link 12 counties

AKRON, OH, September 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Akron-based Knight Center of Digital Excellence announced today their partnership with TelServ Communications and the North East Council of Governments (NECOG) to create the Northeast South Dakota Rural Broadband (NESDRB) Project, which aims to bring a wireless broadband super-highway linking 12 contiguous counties in rural Northeast South Dakota. In an effort to reach the most citizens possible, the Knight Center, TelServ and NECOG have submitted an application for funding for the NESDRB Project to the Broadband Information Program (BIP), part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"The Knight Center's mission is creating connected communities, and we believe that the partnership with technology provider TelServ and community leaders in NECOG will have a substantial impact on the state's ability to provide high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved citizens in South Dakota," said Scot Rourke, CEO of the Knight Center of Digital Excellence.

The NESDRB Project will bring wireless broadband connectivity to more than 60,000 people, and uniquely position Northeast South Dakota for the development and deployment of advanced public safety, e-government, telemedicine, agricultural, biotechnology and learning applications. The project is expected to generate an economic impact of more than $22 million a year, including preserving and creating more than 50 immediate, high-paying jobs directly involved with implementation and 470 indirect jobs.

"NECOG is excited to assist in this regional effort to provide wireless broadband coverage, a project that will truly position Northeast South Dakota for success in the global economy," said Rich Galbraith, Revolving Fund Loan Manager for NECOG.

Press Release Contact Information:

Marla Rawson
Knight Ctr of Digital Excellence
Marketing & PR Manager
1 South Main Street
Akron, OH
USA 44308
Voice: 216.923.2252
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