DRN Welcome Packet

RS O

I

CE

Y

EA

F SERV

WELCOME TO THE COOPERATIVE A products & services guide.

344.5000 • 877.559.4692 drn.coop • readitech.com

WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES

Dear Customer, On behalf of DRN ReadiTech, I would like to welcome you to our family of telecommunications companies. DRN ReadiTech is comprised of Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative, its subsidiary, Dickey Rural Services, Inc and ReadiTech.

Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative (DRTC) has been serving its members since 1950. It serves 32 exchanges in eight North Dakota counties and two South Dakota counties. Its Board of Directors governs DRTC. The Directors are elected to serve a three-year term and represent the different exchanges.

DRN ReadiTech’s Board of Directors, management, and staff feel it is very important to provide you with a great customer service experience. Part of this involves helping you better understand your new telecommunications company and its offerings, and this brochure is designed to do just that. In addition, you have several other resources available to help answer any questions you might have.

Our knowledgeable and professional staff, over 50 local North Dakota residents, is working hard to keep you connected to the every-changing technology of communications. They can provide a wealth of information to you; all you have to do is ask.

Our website at www.drn.coop is a convenient way to access information about DRN ReadiTech including the current features and pricing of our many telecommunications services. While there, you can also pay your bill, get technical support and more.

Our Network Connections newsletter is published six times per year and delivered to your mailbox. It shares important information including DRN company news, customer and community information, and service updates.

We pride ourselves on being “Your Technology Solutions Provider.” Because we are local, you benefit from accessible and responsive customer service. Do you have questions about which services will best meet your needs? Do you need help using these services? Simply contact us for fast and friendly assistance.

Once again, welcome to the DRN family!

Sincerely,

Kent Schimke CEO/General Manager

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

HISTORY

PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS TO CUSTOMERS AS A LINK TO THE WORLD. MISSION STATEMENT

The objective of the cooperative is to furnish high-quality communications to consumers at competitive prices which will ensure long-term viability.

It shall be the policy of Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative in conformance with its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to furnish telecommunications service to its members and non-members at the lowest possible cost, consistent with such sound financial and management practices which will insure adequate revenue to maintain and operate its properties and retire its indebtedness.

It shall be the responsibility of the general manager of Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative to manage, organize, and direct the affairs of the Cooperative consistent with the policies established by the Board of Directors.

Values

Show Respect | Be Accountable | Be Dedicated Provide Stellar Service | Work as a Team

Founded in November 1950, Dickey Rural Telephone was created to bring telephone service to rural southeastern North Dakota. Now, as Dickey Rural Networks, it offers state-of-the-art telecommunications, Internet, and television services through two companies–Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative (the parent company) and Dickey Rural Services. These two companies are marketed as Dickey Rural Networks (DRN).

DRN is working to add to the quality of life of our residential and business customers by offering advanced technologies and local customer service. Our goal is to keep customers connected to an ever-increasing global community. We are proud to be providing fiber-to-the-home in 100% of our service area. Besides providing local telephone service, other services offered through DRN include long-distance service through North Dakota Long Distance; custom calling features; voice-mail; small and large business telephone systems; special circuits; high-speed Internet service; personal Internet security services; wired and wireless network consulting; web design and hosting; business system software design and digital television service.

Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative serves 19 exchanges in seven North Dakota counties and two South Dakota counties. Its Board of Directors, elected to serve a three-year term and represent the different exchanges, governs DRTC. Dickey Rural Communications, Inc. consists of 9 exchanges purchased from US West in 1996, while Dickey Rural Services, Inc. is the company, which provides high-speed Internet services, as well as web-hosting, web design, and television service.

The most recent acquisition to the company, Dickey Rural Access, Inc., was created to bring DRN’s hometown service and technology to the businesses and residences of the Lisbon and Gwinner exchanges.

In 2010, DRN’s IT department recognized the need of our business customers for managed IT support. ReadiTech was created to do just that. Since then ReadiTech has grown to support current and future clients with being a regional IT and broadband company.

In the fall of 2011, the cooperative members voted to merge Dickey Rural Communications and Dickey Rural Access into the cooperative.

DRN is now marketed as DRN ReadiTech to expand our brand to support the residential and business needs of our territory and beyond.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

TELEPHONE SERVICES Local Telephone Services

DRN Customers are able to call toll free to anywhere within DRN’s service territory. Calls made from your land-line phone to all DRN exchanges will not incur any long distance charges.

Below is a map of the free calling territory, and to the right is a list of the toll-free exchanges.

Long Distance

Over 85 percent of DRN customers are enjoying the great rates of North Dakota Long Distance (NDLD), DRN’s own long distance service. Plus, you earn capital credits on every call you make.

Pic Freeze A Primary Inter-Exchange Carrier Freeze prevents a change in your long distance carrier selection without your authorization.

Call DRN at 344-5000 to activate.

762 796

EAST

669

778 685

WEST

683

973 883

493

432

698

753

647

427 678

375 742 396 288

684

349 374

724

783

ND SD

357

DRN TERRITORY MAP

EXCHANGE Ashley Ashley, SD Crete Dickey Edgeley Ellendale Ellendale Ellendale, SD Forbes Forbes, SD Forman Forman, SD Fort Ransom Fredonia Guelph Guelph, SD Gwinner Jud Kathryn Kulm LaMoure Lisbon Litchville Marion Merricourt Milnor Nelvik Nelvik, SD Oakes Venturia Venturia, SD Verona Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular Cellular

PREFIX 288 289 753 778 493 349 344 346 357 358 724 735 973 698 783 383 678 685 796 647 883 683 762 669 396 427 374 379 742 684 687 432 210 308 535 709 710 680 830

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES ANONYMOUS CALL REJECTION

Will route any incoming call that has its phone number blocked to a recording stating you will not receive calls from blocked numbers, and your phone will not ring.

To Activate; Dial: *77 To Deactivate; Dial: *87

AUTOMATIC CALL BACK

Your phone will continuously redial a busy number. The telephone system will repeat dialing the party you’re trying to reach every minute for 30 minutes.

To Activate; Dial: *66 Upon reaching a busy number, hang up. Immediately lift the receiver again and dial *66. If the line is still busy, listen for the announcement, then hang up.

When the line clears, your phone will ring.

CALLER ID

Let’s you see the calling party’s name and/or phone number before you answer the phone.

CALLER ID - ALL CALLS BLOCKING

Blocks your name and phone number when making a call. You are still listed in the Directory and Directory Assistance, unless you have a non-published number. You may subscribe to this service.

To unblock your number on a per-call basis dial: *82

CALLER ID - PER CALL BLOCKING

Free of charge on your telephone line. Blocks your name and phone number when making a call on a per-call basis.

CALL FORWARDING

Lets you redirect your calls to another phone number.

To Activate; Dial: *72. Then dial the 10 digit number (add a 1 if long distance) you wish your calls to be forwarded to. You will hear a stutter dial tone. Wait until you hear ringing as a call is placed to the forward number. If the line is answered, Call Forwarding is activated. If not, hang up and repeat steps. Once you have activated Call Forwarding, the phone will ring one short time each time a call is forwarded. You can still make outgoing calls from this phone. You cannot answer incoming calls when Call Forwarding is activated.

To Deactivate: Dial *73 and wait for the confirmation tone.

To Activate; Dial: *67 Dial *67 before dialing each call.

To Deactivate; Dial: *86

AUTOMATIC RECALL

Your phone will call back the last party who called you.

To Activate; Dial: *69 To Deactivate; Dial: *89

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES CALL FORWARDING REMOTE ACCESS

Lets you activate and deactivate your Call Forwarding feature from any touch tone phone.

To Activate; Dial the access number (344-0100).

Listen for voice prompt. Dial the originating 10 digit number (this is the phone number that has the Call Forwarding feature) followed by your 4 digit PIN then press # key. Listen for the voice prompt to activate or deactivate. Dial *72 to activate followed by #. Dial 1 and then the 10 digit number to which calls should be forwarded to. You will hear 2 beeps to confirm that the activation has occurred.

To Deactivate; Dial 344-0100, listen for voice prompts, then press *73 to deactivate when prompted followed by the # key.

You must have a touch tone phone to use this feature.

CALL TRACE

Allows you to trace the last incoming call you received. A successful trace receives a success message.

To Activate; Dial: *57 Hang up and immediately dial *57.

Please keep a note of times and dates of which you activate successful traces for future reference.

CALL TRANSFER

Allows you to transfer a person who called you or a person you called.

To Activate: Place one of the parties you wish to transfer on hold, and dial the third person’s telephone number. Once the call is established, you can hang up, and the second person is transferred to the third party. If you wait for the third person to answer, you can talk privately. If you take the second party off hold, you will have a three-way conference. If anyone hangs up they will be removed from the conference.

CALL WAITING

Allows you to answer a second call when you are already on the phone.

To Activate: Release the receiver, or press the flash button to answer the call. Your first call is put on “hold” and you are connected to the second caller. Each time you release the receiver or press flash, you can alternate between calls.

Each conversation is private.

To Deactivate; Dial: *70 Do not hang up.

Simply dial your call as you normally would. Your Call Waiting will be canceled for the remainder of that call only.

CUSTOM RINGING

Your line can have up to 6 phone numbers with different ring patterns.

COMPORTAL

Ability to access your voicemail from your computer, can set up SIM Ring and Find-Me-Follow-Me. Includes E-Forward.

E-FORWARD

Lets you conveniently receive your voice mail messages in your email inbox.

FIND ME FOLLOW ME

Enables incoming phone calls to be received at different locations, on different phones, in a pre-set order.

HOME INTERCOM

Allows you to call between buildings, such as house to barn, garage, or shop.

To Activate: Dial your own telephone number. You will receive a busy signal. Hang up the phone.

Your telephone will ring. When the phone stops ringing, indicating that another person has answered the call, pick up the receiver.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES SAFETY LINE

SELECTIVE CALL REJECTION

When you order Safety Line, tell the DRN representative what telephone number you wish to call without having to dial. You have 16 seconds after the receiver is lifted to dial a number, if no number is dialed, the number you indicated will be dialed.

To Activate; Dial *60 and follow the recorded instructions.

Allows you to call another telephone number simply by lifting the receiver.

SELECTIVE DISTINCTIVE RINGING

Your phone rings with a special pattern when you are called by selected phone numbers.

To Activate; Dial *61 or *81 and follow the recorded instructions.

You must have a touch tone phone with this feature.

SELECTIVE CALL ACCEPTANCE

Allows you to define a list of up to 15 calling numbers that will be accepted. All other incoming calls will be rejected and will receive an announcement that the called party is not presently accepting calls.

To Activate; Dial *64 and follow the recorded instructions. You must have a touch tone phone with this feature.

Allows you to define a list of up to 15 calling numbers that will be blocked. An incoming call from one of those 15 numbers is rerouted to a recorded message and your phone does not ring.

SIM RING

Allows you to have multiple destinations ring simultaneously when any calls are received on your phone number.

SPEED DIAL 8 OR 30

You have the choice of selecting either 8 speed dial numbers or 30 speed dial numbers.

To Activate 8; Dial: *74 To Activate 30; Dial: *75 Listen for a steady beeping sound.

Dial one of the speed dial codes (2-9 for Speed 8 and 20-49 for Speed 30). Then dial the phone number you wish to enter under that speed dial number.

THREE-WAY CALLING

Lets you talk to two people in different locations at the same time. Calls can be local, long distance, or both. To add a third person to your call first, depress the switch-hook or flash button for about one second, and then release. This will place the person you’re talking with on hold. Listen for a dial tone. Then, dial the third person you want to join the conversation. When the third person answers, you can talk privately with this person before making the call a three-way conversation. To make the call a three-way conversation, depress the switch-hook or flash button twice to resume your conversation with the person on hold. To disconnect the third person, press the switch-hook or flash button for about one second. You’ll now have only the original party on the line. Or, if either of the other two people hangs up, you can continue talking with the remaining party.

To disconnect completely, simply hang up.

ROBO CALL BLOCKING

Allows you to block automated dialers associated with robo calls on your phone number.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

CUSTOM CALLING FEATURES WAKEUP CALL SERVICE

Allows you to set phone as an alarm clock.

To Activate; Dial: *310; Dial *90, listen for second dial tone and enter the time you want your phone to ring in military time.

Wait for confirmation tone.

To Deactivate; Dial: *311 to disable all wake up calls scheduled.

To Deactivate; Dial *312 to disable 1 wake up call. Dial *91. Wait for confirmation tone.

PIC FREEZE What is a PIC Freeze?

A PIC “Primary Interexchange Carrier” Freeze prevents an unauthorized change in your long distance. The purpose of the PIC Freeze is to help customers from being “slammed”. Slamming is the unauthorized switching of your long distance carrier.  YES! I'd like a PIC Freeze.

VOICE MAIL

Complete a PIC Freeze form by contacting DRN. This service is provided FREE of charge.

To Access; Dial: *99 or xxx (your prefix)-6245 and then follow the voice prompts.

By completing the form, you are authorizing DRN to establish a PIC Freeze on your current long distance carrier (also includes those with no long distance). DRN will not change your selected long distance carrier without your written authorization. If you have any questions on your current carrier please call DRN’s office at 344-5000.

Answers your phone calls while you are away or on the line, allowing callers to leave a message.

411

 Please Freeze BOTH my InterLATA and IntraLATA long distance carriers.

Simply dial 411 and get any number anywhere in America or Canada for only $0.80 per call.

There’s no sign up fee, registration fee, monthly fee, or commitment.

Call DRN at 344-5000 with any questions.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

NORTH DAKOTA LONG DISTANCE If you are looking for great long distance rates and service, look no further than your own backyard. Take advantage of the great rates offered by North Dakota Long Distance (NDLD), DRN’s own long distance service.

Bundle your long distance with other services from DRN for even more savings.

ANYTIME RATES FOR HOME 10¢ NATIONWIDE PLUS PLAN FOR HOME State-to-State: 10¢/minute anytime In-State: 10¢/minute anytime $3.95 a month per line.

ANYTIME RATES FOR BUSINESS 10¢ NATIONWIDE PLUS PLAN FOR HOME State-to-State: 10¢/minute anytime In-State: 10¢/minute anytime $4.95 a month per line.

FLAT RATES FOR HOME State-to-State: 10¢/minute anytime In-State: 15¢/minute anytime No monthly call plan charge.

FLAT RATES FOR BUSINESS State-to-State: 8¢/minute anytime In-State: 14¢/minute anytime No monthly call plan charge.

FIRST RATE BUNDLED PLANS FOR HOME OR BUSINESS First Rate 150 Minute Plan 150 anytime minutes $18.75/month (12.5/minute) First Rate 300 Minute Plan 300 anytime minutes $30.00/month (10/minute) First Rate 600 Minute Plan 600 anytime minutes $50.00/month (8.3/minute) First Rate 1200 Minute Plan 1200 anytime minutes $99.00/month (8.25/minute) Plans include state-to-state and in-state minutes and may be shared with cross-billed lines. Overage rate per minute 20¢ Home, 19¢ Business.

INTERNATIONAL RATES FOR HOME OR BUSINESS Canada 12¢ German 12¢ Mexico 23¢ Australia 12¢ Ireland 15¢ Norway 15¢ Denmark 15¢ Italy 15¢ Spain 23¢ France 15¢ Japan 15¢ United Kingdom 12¢ Rates are per minute. Rates to mobile or special service phones will vary. Ask for other international rates or visit www.ndld.com.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES Home: Personal Toll-Free Number, 800# with PINS, Calling Card Business: Business Toll-Free Number, Calling Card, Verified Account Codes, Audio & Web Conferencing For pricing and more information visit www.ndld.com Contact DRN to sign up for NDLD by calling 344-5000.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drncoop • 344-5000

WIRE MAINTENANCE What is Wire Maintenance?

Wire Maintenance is a protection plan that covers your home’s inside telecommunications wiring. Once limited to telephone wiring, Wire Maintenance is now available for Internet and television services too. For $5.00 per month for your first service, and $1.00 more a month for each additional service, DRN ReadiTech will provide trouble isolation and repair for your existing inside telecommunications wiring and jacks - as often as needed - with no additional charge.

What are the benefits?

Similar to the maintenance plans you might select for your major appliances and electronics, Wire Maintenance allows you to pay a nominal monthly fee and avoid the costly trouble trip charges you would otherwise incur for repair services.

What does Wire Maintenance NOT cover?

Wire Maintenance does not cover negligence or vandalism, inside wiring that does not meet our installation practices or technical standards, new installations, RVs or campers, and customer equipment such as telephone, computers, and televisions.

What does Wire Maintenance cover?

Wire Maintenance covers the resolution of problems such as static on the phone line, cutoffs, and the inability to hear calls. It covers the charge for a trained DRN ReadiTech technician to visit your home, evaluate the issue, and repair the problem (provided the problem is caused by the inside wiring or jacks).

INTERNET & COMPUTER SERVICES High Speed Internet Plans

Race around the Web and enjoy super-fast speeds up to 1Gb download and 50 Mb upload.

Internet plans include: • Help desk support • Unlimited use - no data limit • 5 personal email accounts • email filter to screen out junk mail and viruses

Managed Online Backup

Never worry again about losing your important files you have stored digitally in the event of a disaster, such as flood, fire, or hardware failure. From important financial records, customer contacts, employee information, or music and video files, Online Backup will keep your computer files safe.

• •

Fully automated Managed and monitored by DRN ReadiTech’s highly trained technical staff to guarantee your files and data are safely stored in a remote location.

Keeper Password Manager

Have more passwords than you can remember?

Keeper from DRN ReadiTech can help you manage your password in a safe and secure way.

Digitally encrypt and store all of your important passwords and files. Residential and business pricing available.

Computer Anti-Virus

Don’t have the time or experience to manage Internet security on your own? Web Guardian provides protection including: • Anti-Virus, Anti Malware, Anti-Spyware “Cloud” protection • Installs, scans, and protects in seconds • Warns about infected websites before you visit them • Offline protection secure devices even when they are not connected to the Internet Web Guardian+ includes two anti-virus licenses, unlimited remote support and free premise visit.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop | 344-5000

RESIDENTIAL ONLY SERVICES

Ultimate Wi-Fi

Delivering amazing Wi-Fi coverage, with support for hard-wired connectivity Get The Wi-Fi Experience You Deserve Fast, reliable home Wi-Fi—it’s what we all want, especially with the popularity of bandwidth-hungry applications, like streaming HD video. But in today’s increasingly complicated smart homes, speed and coverage are just the beginning. If you want the best experience for all your online activities, you need more simplicity and more control at your fingertips.

Why shouldn’t your home Wi-Fi be all this and more?

BLAST u6.1: Taking Wi-Fi performance and control to another level The BLAST u6.1 is a next-generation smart home system.

Leveraging the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology, including the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard (also known as ‘Wi-Fi 6’), it combines blazing-fast speeds with whole-home coverage to give you an unrivaled online experience. Whether you’re streaming HD video on multiple devices simultaneously, uploading a big presentation for work, or gaming online with friends, the BLAST u6.1 has got you covered.

RESIDENTIAL ONLY SERVICES

Ultimate Wi-Fi Blazing Speeds And Whole-Home Coverage

With Gigabit Wi-Fi speeds, the BLAST u6.1 provides more than enough bandwidth for everyone in your household. And no matter how many devices are connected at the same time, everyone enjoys the same outstanding Wi-Fi performance. Based on Wi-Fi 6, the BLAST u6.1 provides longer range, higher efficiency, and is less affected by interference from other nearby Wi-Fi gateways.

The BLAST u6.1 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports so you can also connect a variety of wired multimedia devices for rapid data sharing across your network.

The Latest Technology. The Best Performance.

Not all Wi-Fi is created equal. The BLAST u6.1 provides the best Wi-Fi available and adds exciting new features to help you manage your smart home with ease.

Wi-Fi 6 The most advanced Wi-Fi standard yet, it’s faster and optimized for performance in today’s busy smart home environments.

Dual band support Dual band support means that the BLAST u6.1 lets you take advantage of all the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) using both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. With 4x4 at 5 GHz and 2x2 at 2.4 GHz, BLAST u6.1 is a powerful dual band Wi-Fi system.

The Wi-Fi App The ultimate Wi-Fi deserves the ultimate app. Take control of your home with the DRN ReadiTech Wi-Fi App. Utilize the App to view connected devices on your network, set basic parental controls, set up a guest network, or adjust your SSID and password.

Why the BLAST u6.1?

• seamless, hassle-free connectivity for all your connected devices • same great Wi-Fi quality everywhere you roam in your home • easy installation and looks great in any room in your home

Remote Management When You Need It If you need additional help with any technical issues, we’ve got you covered with sophisticated remote monitoring and diagnostics that help us identify and resolve any problems you may be experiencing quickly – and, in most cases, without having to send a technician to your home.

Our experienced customer support representatives can see which of your devices are connected, which ones are having issues and help you troubleshoot and solve the problem quickly. In fact, we can perform a wide range of diagnostics to make sure you’re getting the best possible service.

Uptime of your BLAST u6.1 – Is your system functioning correctly or powered on consistently?

Interference on Wi-Fi channels – Make sure other devices aren’t interfering with your Wi-Fi signal.

Internet errors – If your BLAST u6.1 signal or your Internet connection is not strong or is malfunctioning, we can monitor recent and current errors.

Connected devices – We can make sure your devices are connected to the Internet and receiving a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Password and setting changes – Use the DRN ReadiTech Wi-Fi app, or if you need assistance, we can help you by changing your Wi- Fi password or wireless settings from our office.

BUSINESS SERVICES Hosted IP Centrex Service

DRN’s Hosted IP Centrex Service delivers fullfeatured, next-generation telecommunications to your business without the capital expenditure associated with an on-premise telephone system.

Call to set up a free consultation.

DRN Conferencing

This service lets participants from many different locations join one phone call. Also available with recording.

Hunting (Rollover) Service

Never miss a call! If your business has multiple incoming lines, use the Hunt Group feature to automatically ring your incoming number sequentially (or in a circular manner) until an open line is found.

Add DRN Voice Mail for times when all your business lines are in use.

800 Number Service

Provide a toll-free number for your customers to contact you.

Long Distance

Take advantage of the great rates offered by North Dakota Long Distance (NDLD), DRN’s own long distance service. For details, call 344-5000.

Telephone Systems/Key System - Sales and Service

Call the business office to set up a free consultation.

Special High-Speed Circuits

If your business requires special high-speed circuits, point-to-point private lines, or data links, call DRN for specific pricing. DRN can provide DS1 and DS3 links within our service area. We connect to the rest of the world through North Dakota’s state-of-the-art Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) redundant fiber-optic SONET network. For VPN needs, DRN now has Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) pricing available.

Readi Tech A DRN COMPANY

Managed IT Services

Now, more than ever, IT plays a vital role in the success of any business. After all, if your network and computers are not working well, your business is not working well either.

Let ReadiTech focus on your network while doing what you do best - running your business. Our goal is to integrate with your business in order to help it achieve seamless and hassle-free network and computer operation. Our highly trained technicians can become the IT Department your business is not large enough to have in-house or compliment your current IT staff.

We will meet with you to evaluate your computers, network, software, systems, procedures and operations; then we will share our analysis and recommendations to provide customized solutions to meet your needs.

Our managed IT services include: • managed firewalls • managed data backup solution • server management • VPN connections • installation and maintenance of switching networks • hardware purchasing • software licensing

www.readitech.com

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

BUSINESS ADVERTISING Website Hosting

Promote your business to a broader market through a website hosted with DRN. If you already have a site, DRN may be able to save you money on Web Hosting.

Website Development - Presence Builder

Presence Builder is a tool for customers who want to be able to create and maintain a professional-looking website without specialized software or training. Using “point and click” technology, even novice computer users are able to have a website up and running in minutes. Presence Builder includes both FREE website hosting and FREE domain name registration.

TV Advertising

DRN’s Community Channel 100 airs local events, announcements, advertisements, and personal greetings 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. For just pennies a day, your business can reach about 5,000 local viewers.

Cable TV advertising lets you reach thousands of potential customers in DRN service territory. Get results with strategically placed TV commercials during popular shows on CNN, Fox News, TNT, Discovery and more.

HOME & BUSINESS SECURITY Protect your Home/Business

According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15 seconds. You can take control and help guard against criminal intrusion with a DRN Security System.

Variety of Security Systems

DRN Security Systems can be customized to meet the needs of your home or business location and help keep your staff and customers safe. We offer options including burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, temperature, flood protection, and video surveillance.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

BILLING & PAYMENTS Billing Procedures

Monthly charges for services from DRN (telephone, Internet, TV, and security) are billed one month in advance. Long distance calls are billed after you make them. Payments are due the 25th of each month.

Payment Options

DRN offers you several ways to pay your bill: • E-BILL Allows you to pay your DRN bill online whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. It saves you time and money since there are no more checks to write or stamps to buy.

Go to drn.smarthub.coop to pay your bill or to report a problem with your service. You can also download the SmartHub app for your Android or iOS device.

•

AUTO PAY Automatically deducts your monthly payment from your checking or savings account - no more late or missed payments.

•

BY PHONE Call 855-941-3553 to make payments by phone. Press 1 to make payment. Press 2 to check your account status. Be sure to have your account number ready, it can be found on the top of your DRN bill.

•

CHECK BY MAIL DRN, PO Box 69, Ellendale, ND 58436

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

Our offices are closed: • New Year’s Day • Good Friday • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Veteran’s Day • Thanksgiving Day • Christmas Day

Vacation Rate

If you are going away for an extended period of time, we can put your account on vacation rate while you are away and restore your services when you return. This will assure you of keeping the same telephone number and email address. There is a $25 one-time fee to place your account on vacation rate. You do not pay for your services while you are gone and there is no reconnect fee. Contact our Customer Care Specialists to find out more.

Joint Name Adding a joint name to your DRN account allows another person to add services, inquire about billing, charges, etc. Call DRN at 344-5000 to add a joint name to your DRN account.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BILL

As a telecom provider with strong connections to our community, we feel our customers should be educated on understanding their bill. Below is a guide describing the primary sections of your bill.

(701) XXX-XXXX

$XX.XX

$XX.XX

123123

$XX.XX

$XX.XX

Payments, Adjustments and Total Due This section shows the payments or adjustments that were applied to you account since the previous statement, your total current billing amount, and your total due.

XX/XX/XXX

BILL SAMPLE

XX-XX

$XX.XX

Summary of Charges This section contains the previous balance, payments received, current charges and total amount due.

XX-XX

Message Center This section shows important monthly messages, and specials for our customers.

*Prices shown are not actual prices. $XX.XX

Other Fees & Charges Includes Federal Access Charge, Impaired Hearing Fund, Federal Universal Service Charge and Telecommunications Relay Service 911 Charge Fund.

DRN is required to collect and forward these other charges to the specified agencies.

Impaired Hearing Fund This surcharge funds the relay center which transmits and translates calls for hearing and speech-impaired persons.

Federal Access Charge The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires local telephone companies recover some of the costs of the facilities they use to connect your home or business for telecom services through a flat, monthly charge assessed on the bills of all residential and business customers.

911 Charge Is levied by local governments to help pay for emergency services such as fire and rescue. In many areas, the service includes the ability to get a street address for callers through the phone lines.

Federal Universal Service Charge (FUSC) Is not part of your local rate; rather, the charge is set by the FCC. This charge helps with the cost of providing “affordable” services to low-income individuals and to residents in rural, high-cost areas.

XX/XX/XXX XX/XX/XXXX BILL SAMPLE

(701) XXX-XXXX

BILL SAMPLE STREET ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

BILL SAMPLE

123123

(701) XXX-XXXX ADDRESS SAMPLE

XX/XX - XX/XX

XX/XX - XX/XX

XX/XX - XX/XX

Pak Charges Customers with a Pick-a-Pak will see their total pak charges listed here.

Charges that are not listed under telephone, Internet or Cable TV will fall under the Pak summary at the end of the bill.

Local Service Charge (not shown) Is the monthly rate for basic local telephone service or dial tone.

Return Invoice This section shows the date that your account is due.

If your account is not paid by the due date, the interest rate of 1.5% will be charged.

NOTE: If you have automatic withdrawal set up, it will be noted here.

(701) XXX-XXXX XX/XX/XXXX

Telephone Charges This section includes Local Service Charge (not shown), for customers who do not subscribe to a Pak and, Federal and State Taxes. Other services include but not limited to are Custom Calling Features, and Voice Mail.

Miscellaneous Charges (not shown) Includes leased equipment, labor or other miscellaneous charges.

123123

$XX.XX

(701) XXX-XXXX

(701) XXX-XXXX ADDRESS SAMPLE

XX/XX - XX/XX

(701) XXX-XXXX (701) XXX-XXXX ADDRESS SAMPLE XX/XX - XX/XX

Internet Charges If you subscribe to DRN’s Internet Service, not in a Pak or purchased equipment you will see the total charge in this area.

Cable TV Charges If you subscribe to DRN’s Cable TV or a Pick-A-Pack with TV the total charges will appear below the Internet charges line.

WAYS TO PAY YOUR BILL DRN’S SMARTHUB

E-BILL

A convenient way to pay your bill and manage your account. A free SmartHub app is available for both Apple and Android phones and/or tablets. Visit drn.smarthub.coop to get started.

With e-bill, paying your bill each month is made faster and simpler. Receive your bill in your e-mail and pay whenever is convenient for you.

ONLINE BILL PAY

Call 855-941-3553 to pay by checking, savings or credit card account. You can also set up a recurring payment. You will need your account number. Payments can also be dropped off at any DRN location in Ellendale, Lisbon, or Oakes.

PAY BY PHONE OR IN PERSON

Visit drn.coop and click on Account at the top right side of the page. Click on Pay My Bill. You will need your account number and the last name on the account.

QUESTIONS?

Phone: 877.559.4692 • 701.344.5000

AUTO PAY

Auto pay automatically deducts your monthly payment from your checking, savings or credit card account. No more checks to write, postage to pay or missed payments. Complete the form on the back to sign up!

Website: www.drn.coop

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK INFORMATION (CPNI) Federal law allows us to use information from your current records to market and advise you of new products and services that may satisfy your communications needs, unless you notify us otherwise.

This data is called Customer Proprietary Information or CPNI, relating to the telecommunications services you receive from DRN. It can be used to advise you about innovative communications services or new communications technology and products offered by DRN. We DO NOT sell or in any way provide this information to any other company other than the 911 records we are required by law to provide if you are a telephone customer.

Will DRN protect my information?

Yes! You have the right, and we have the duty under federal law, to protect the confidentiality of this information. Therefore, regardless of whether your consent or not to allow us to continue providing you with educational mailings, your account information will be treated confidentially.

What action is necessary on my part to show consent?

No action on your part is necessary to show consent. We will simply continue to provide you with marketing and educational mailings.

What if I do not consent?

To restrict the use of you CPNI data, you must call the business office at 344-5000 during regular business hours, or email us at customerservice@drtel.com.

ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER RIGHTS & OPPORTUNITIES Non-Discrimination Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative is a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provides that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap shall be excluded from participation in admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization and subsidiaries nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Robert Johnson, general manager. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statues and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

LIFELINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Every person in America should have access to quality affordable telecommunications service. This principle of “Universal Service” has been the goal of the telecommunications industry for decades. DRN offers a home telephone or broadband assistance program adopted by the North Dakota Public Service Commission. This program, referred to as Lifeline, helps eligible people pay a portion of their telephone or broadband costs.

Lifeline applies to primary local telephone or Internet service in your home. It can save you at least $9.25 on your monthly phone bill.

An individual is eligible if he or she participates in one of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Income-Based Eligibility, or Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension Benefit. In addition, a consumer may be eligible if his or her household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Anyone wishing to participate in Lifeline is required to sign a certificate indicating, under oath, that they qualify to participate because they meet at least one of the program eligibility requirements.

The offices that administer a program under which you are eligible may automatically send you a Qualifying Certificate in the mail. If you receive this certificate please present it to DRN to help clarify which program you qualify for.

For more information, please contact a DRN Customer Care Representative at 344-5000. You can also write DRN at PO Box 69, Ellendale, ND 58436 or email customercare@drtel.com

Eligibility for Lifeline Assistance An individual is eligible if he or she participates in one of the following programs: • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) • Medicaid • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • Federal Public Housing Assistance • Income-Based Eligibility • Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension Benefit In addition, a consumer may be eligible if his or her household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Lifeline applies to local phone service OR broadband in your home. It lowers the monthly cost of service by at least $9.25.

Consumers must apply for Lifeline, for more info contact DRN.

344-5000

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

Are your valuable files safe and secure?

Don’t wait until it’s too late get ONLINE BACKUP today and prevent a disastrous file loss.

ANNUAL CUSTOMER DO-NOT-CALL NOTIFICATION To address consumer concerns about unwelcome telemarketing calls, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have established a national Do-Not-Call Registry. The registry applies to all telemarketers (with the exception of certain non-profit and political organizations) and covers both interstate and intrastate telemarketing calls. Commercial telemarketers are not allowed to call you if your number is listed on the registry.

You can register your phone number for free, and it will remain on the national Do-Not-Call Registry. You may remove your name from the list at any time. The Do-Not-Call Registry will not prevent all unwanted calls. It does not cover the following: • Calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship; • Call for which you have given prior written consent; • Calls which are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements; • Calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt non-profit organizations.

Consumers may register their residential telephone number, including wireless numbers, on the national Do-Not-Call Registry at no cost, by telephone or on the Internet. To register by telephone, consumers may call 1-888-382-1222. For TTY call 1-866-290-4236. You must call from the phone number you wish to register. you may also register online at www.donotcall.gov. Inclusion of your telephone number on the national Do-Not-Call Registry will be effective the next day. Telemarketers have up to 31 days to get your phone number and remove it from their call lists.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

DO-NOT-CALL SOLICITOR NOTIFICATION As a part of the Do-Not-Call initiative, the FCC requires us to notify customers who use our service for making telephone solicitations regarding the national Do-Not-call rules and regulations. We recognize that a few of our customers use our services for telemarketing; however, because we do not have records indicating which customers may do telemarketing, we are contacting all business customers.

If you are a company, individual, or other entity that makes telemarketing calls, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the operations of the national Do-NotCall Registry and the rules requiring checking of the national Do-Not-Call Registry as part of making telemarketing calls. Unless you fall under one of the exceptions established in the FCC/FTC rules, you may not make telemarketing calls to number included in the national Do-Not-Call Registry. Before you rely on one of the exceptions, you should consult the rules.

For information about the regulations, you may visit the national Do-Not-Call Registry at www.ftc.gov/donotcall. You can find the FCC and FTC rules at 47 C.F.R. § 64.1200 and 16 C.F.R. Part 310.

Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

CAPITAL CREDITS When you subscribe to services from DRN, you automatically become a member of our cooperative. Which means that in addition to being a customer, you’re also part owner - entitling you to benefits that are not available to customers of other communications providers. These benefits include: Share of Profits: Any net profit is allocated back to members in the form of Capital Credits. Generally, these checks are paid out yearly, usually during the month of December, when the Board of Directors authorizes for that credit year.

The word ‘Patronage’ on your statement represents the dollar amount you spent on local telephone service and/or Internet service with DRN for a particular year. The line ‘Credits’ represents the amount of profits DRN has allocated to your account based on what your patronage was.

If you are no longer a DRN member, your capital credits remain in your name until they are retired. It is important that you ensure DRN has your current address so that a check can be mailed to you. If a member is deceased, capital credits can be paid out in a lump sum payment at a discounted rate or can be transferred into the name of another individual.

Vote at Annual Meeting You can participate in the election of each representative on the Board of Directors, giving you a voice to ensure our cooperative provides the highest quality, best value, and latest technologies.

Allocation The Cooperative assigns earned patronage margins annually to its patrons based on the bylaws of the Cooperative and related board policies. Total patronage margins consist of Cooperative-only operating margins, with an adjustment for income tax differences. The allocations is made to individual patrons based on the amount of Cooperative services billed to each patron for that year. The assignment to patron accounts is made in the subsequent year. Permanent equity is not assigned to patrons and consists primarily of subsidiary margins and unclaimed capital credits. A portion of the total assigned patronage capital is distributed to patrons as a general retirement, at the discretion of the Board and generally occurs each year. The total amount retired is determined by the Board of Directors and the vintage year from which the retirements will be applied. All assigned margins prior to 2002 have been retired. Additionally, the Board of Directors approves early retirement requests from the estates of deceased patrons. Early retirements for estates are discounted at a rate approved by the Board.

It Pays To Be A Co-Op Member Your Technology Solutions Provider www.drn.coop • 344-5000

7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

DRN is a cooperative. But what does that mean? There are Seven Principles that make us different from other telecommunications providers.

1

VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP

2

DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

3

DRN is a voluntary organization open to all persons able to use our services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social racial, political or religious discrimination.

DRN is a democratic organization controlled by our members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. Members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be divisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4

AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE

5

EDUCATION, TRAINING & INFORMATION

6 7

DRN is an autonomous, self-help organization controlled by our members.

If we enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, we do so on terms that ensure democratic control by our members and maintain our cooperative autonomy.

DRN provides education and training for our members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so that they can contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative. We inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY While focusing on member needs, DRN works for the sustainable development of our communities through policies accepted by our members.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & SUPPORT Phone 344-5000 or toll free 877-559-4692 Fax 344-4300 E-mail customercare@drtel.com Online www.drn.coop www.readitech.com

WE ARE HERE TO HELP 24/7 @ 344-5000

Underground Cable Locates In ND: 800-795-0555, In SD: 800-781-7474 Office Locations and Hours DRN headquarters is located one mile north of Ellendale, ND at 9628 Highway 281.

DRN has satellite offices at the following locations: 16 4th Ave W, Lisbon 103 6th St. S., Oakes Regular office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Closed Noon - 1 pm Hours are subject to change. Call our office to confirm.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER!