Red River Communications CONNECT - Fall 2022

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS

CONNECT FEATURED STORY:

WI-Fi For the win FiberFAST tm Wi-FI & the Red River Connect APP PAGES 4 & 5

Company News

PAGE 3

CO-Op MOnth

PAGE 6

Grant winners

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS - VOLUME 7 - ISSUE 3 - FALL 2022

PAGES 8 & 9

RED RIVER

CONTENTS / NEWS

W W W.REDRIVERCOMM.COM

NOTE FROM CEO

COMPANY NEWS

WI-FI FOR THE WIN

CO-OP MONTH

COMMON CENTS/

CONSTRUCTION

What’s happening at Red River Communications

New hires, retirements and work anniversaries.

Download the new Red River Connect Wi-Fi App.

Celebrating cooperative month.

Common Cents & RDFC awards announced.

2022 project updates and deadlines.

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PAGES 4 - 5

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PAGES 8 - 9

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GRANTS

UPDATE

A LETTER FROM

THE GENERAL MANAGER Summer is flying by, which means it’s back to school. It’s that time of year when students head back to school and increase their time online to complete schoolwork.

While my wife and I are well out of the “back-to-school” phase of our lives, I am aware of the increased pressures families feel as they try to balance the benefits of technology with the challenges it can present.

The great news is that you don’t have to be in the dark about what is happening on your home network. Your cooperative offers powerful online parental control and virus protection tools to keep your whole household safe online.

When you subscribe to Red River Communications Ultimate FiberFAST™ WIFI, you have access to our Red River Connect Wi-Fi App, plus the added services of ExperienceIQ™ & ProtectIQ™.

The Red River Connect Wi-Fi app allows you to manage your home WiFi network from your smartphone. Set your Wi-Fi password, view connected devices, run

speed tests, set up parental controls, and more.

ExperienceIQ (enhanced parental controls) allows you to manage screen time, content, access, and set device priority.

ProtectIQ (network security) provides network-level security that works quietly in the background and proactively keeps malicious websites, viruses, and intrusions away from your home 24x7.

I implore all parents, grandparents and well, all of you; make sure you are doing something to secure your home network and protect your kids online. For more information about Wi-Fi and our services, check out pages 4 & 5 of this newsletter.

And as always, remember our team of technology experts is only a phone call away!

And finally, by now, capital credit checks have arrived. Thank you for being member of our cooperative.

- Tom Steinolfson, CEO/GM

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TOM STEINOLFSON

CEO/ GENERAL MANAGER

“I implore all parents, grandparents and well, all of you; make sure you are doing something to secure your home network and protect your kids online.”

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | FALL 2022

CONNECT

UPSTREAM @ RED RIVER

COMPANY NEWS Dennis Mitchell 25 years

Deb Syvertsen

SERVICE AWARDS

NEW FACES

Four employees have reached milestone years of service at Red River Communications.

Red River Communications is excited to announce four additions to the team.

Dennis Mitchell - 25 years on May 5th Deb Syvertsen - 25 years on Aug. 25th Matt Erickson - 10 years on March 23rd Shonie Christensen - 5 years on Oct. 2nd We thank them for their loyal and dedicated service to the Cooperative and its customers. Congratulations!

Ethan Kline joined our team in May as an OSP Network Technician. Over the summer, Ethan has completed much of his hands-on training and proved to be a valuable asset to Red River.

Lindsey Johnson & Valerie Sanders started as part of our Customer Experience Specialist team in June.

They both were excited about jumping in and learning more about the telecommunications industry.

Christian Johnson, hired in June, joins us as our GIS Mapping Specialist. Christian brings his mapping and GIS technology education to help us grow and expand our fiber network.

25 years

Matt Erickson

Shonie Christensen

10 years

5 years

We welcome Ethan, Lindsey, Val and Christian to the Red River Communications team and are excited for the years to come.

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Jack Plecity.

Jack will retire from Red River Communications on September 30th after working over 27 years as Office Manager and most recently as our Director of Finance.

Jack is excited to spend more time with his children and grandkids, and continue his work with the Abercrombie City Parks.

Ethan Kline

Lindsey Johnson

Outside Plant Network Tech

Customer Experience Specialist

Valerie sanders

Christian Johnson

Customer Experience Specialist

GIS Mapping Specialist

We are grateful to Jack for sharing his time and talents with the Cooperative over the years and wish him the best in his future adventures.

All are welcome to join us for an open house on September 29th, Jack Plecity 2-4 pm, at the Aber office.

Director of Finance

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RED RIVER

WI-FI FOR THE WIN

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What’s the difference between the Internet & Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi 6 GigaSpire Blast Router

Wi-Fi and the internet. You hear and see these terms used all the time interchangeably. “Hey, what’s your WiFi passcode?” means the same thing as “Can I get your internet passcode?” doesn’t it?

Wi-Fi and the internet are two separate entities that work together to give you the internet access you enjoy daily. So let’s take a look at each.

What is the Internet?

The internet is a massive global communications network. But, as its name suggests, it’s more than just one network—a series of thousands of inter-connected networks.

While no one person or organization owns the internet, each internet service provider, like Red River Communications, owns its network. We install specialized networking equipment that allows customers like you—in addition to businesses, universities, hospitals, and more—to connect to the internet.

When you connect to our network from your home or workplace, you can connect with other networks, companies, services and individuals who also connect to the internet. For example, you can stream movies on Netflix by connecting via the internet to computer servers that Netflix owns or read your email by connecting to one of Gmail’s servers.

What is Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is a wireless network that connects your online devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and more to the internet.

That means you are free to move your online devices around your home and still maintain an internet connection.

Is connecting to Wi-Fi the same as connecting to the internet?

The short answer is no, not technically. You are connecting to a router connected to a modem connected to the internet.

Sounds complicated? Don’t worry; we have worked hard to create a simple Wi-Fi solution for you!

Read more about our FiberFAST™ WIFI on page 5.

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CONNECT

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | FALL 2022

The Ultimate Wi-Fi Experience is here!

With our premium router powered by Wi-Fi 6 technology, get edge-to-edge Wi-Fi coverage and access to the Red River Connect Wi-Fi App which allows you to take command of your connected home. Get the MOST out of your FiberFAST™ Internet with Ultimate FiberFAST™ WIFI which includes our enhanced parental control and network security tools.

ULTIMATE FiberFAST™ WIFI • Wi-Fi 6 GigaSpire Blast Router

$14.95

BASIC FiberFAST™ WIFI

per mth

• Wi-Fi 6 GigaSpire Blast Router

$6.95

per mth

• Optimized equipment placement

• Optimized equipment placement

• Red River Connect Wi-Fi App: network control

• Red River Connect Wi-Fi App: network control

• Worry-free remote technical support

• Worry-free remote technical support

• ProtectIQ: Home Network Security protects against viruses, malware, and malicious websites, keeping your network and devices safe from cyber attacks.

• ExperienceIQ: Enhanced Parental Controls provides you with the tools needed to enforce the Internet rules you’ve established for your home. Set up profiles for your children or devices, filter content, websites, and applications, and set appropriate time limits. Also, you can prioritize your bandwidth by what matters to you.

FiberFAST™ WIFI can be added to any FiberFAST ™ internet package. Call 701-553-8309 or email support@redrivercomm.com to upgrade your Wi-Fi experience today!

Ultimate WI-FI Deserves the Ultimate App Red River Connect Wi-Fi App (Powered by CommandIQ)

DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP TODAY! Search “Red River Connect” in App Store or Google Play.

For full directions: redrivercomm.com/internet/wifi

All names, likenesses, and logos are copyright their respective owners.

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RED RIVER

CO-OP MONTH

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OCTOBER

CO-Op

MOnth:

embracing the Cooperative Spirit

TODAY, MORE THAN 1 BILLION PEOPLE ARE MEMBERS OF COOPERATIVES OR CO-OPS.

You will find co-ops involved in various businesses, from food to hardware stores and electrical companies to telecommunications.

Although businesses differ, the mutual goal for every co-op is the same: a commitment to the community and improving the lives of its members.

As a member-owned cooperative, Red River Communications takes this principle into every decision we make. From setting our internet speed packages to the locations of our summer customer appreciation picnics, we always look at each decision from the perspective of our members.

Thank you to all who attended our summer events.

We had a blast visiting with you all!

As we celebrate the cooperative spirit this month, please join us as we support other cooperative businesses within our service territory. Watch our website and social media for dates, times and locations for our Co-op Month Community Tour!

CO-Op Month Community Tour

ALL MONTH LONG IN OCTOBER

Dates, times and locations will be announced on Facebook, Instagram & redrivercomm.com

Stop & support local cooperatives | First 20 people at each stop wins a hat!

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It’s Fall, Play Ball.

CONNECT RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | FALL 2022 Does your TV service cover all your favorite LOCAL sports teams?

RED RIVER DIGITAL TV DOES!

Whether it’s high school football on 3 Border Sports Network & BEK Sports, MN Twins & Timberwolves on Bally Sports North, UND Hockey on Midco Sports, NDSU Football coverage on ABC ND, and the Minnesota Vikings on Fox & the NFL Network, we’ve got you covered.

Learn More: redrivercomm.com/Digital-TV All names, likenesses, and logos are copyright their respective owners.

Channel 600 Only $52.95 / per season

TWO FREE PREVIEW Weeks | NFL Week 3 - Oct 25 & NFL Week 9 - Nov 6 7

RED RIVER

GRANTS AND AWARDS

W W W.REDRIVERCOMM.COM

Community Grants

Harlan Deike, Board of Directors President, presents aN RDFC $1,000 grant to Sharon Bladow of the Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry.

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS IS A MEMBER OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION (RDFC).

As a result, communities in our service area were eligible to apply for up to $2,000 for community-based projects. RDFC is making these funds available so that more people become aware of their more extensive loan program that funds community-based projects and non-profit entities with low-interest loans.

Grants were made to the following organizations •

$1,000 to the Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry

•

$500 to Richland #44 Elementary for playground improvements

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$500 to Lidgerwood-Hankinson Rural Health Clinics for driveway expansion

Lidgerwood-Hankinson Rural Health Clinic

Richland #44 Elementary

$500 RDFC Grant for Driveway Expansion

$500 RDFC Grant 8

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | FALL 2022

CONNECT

Common Cents Program

Common Cents board member Andrea Haugen presents the McLeod Historical Preservation Society a $750 Common Cents Grant Red River’s Common Cents, the Cooperative’s non-profit entity, awarded $3,850 to four organizations in June 2022.

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Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry received a grant for $2,500 for repairs to its building.

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McLeod Historical Preservation Society was awarded a grant of $750 for metal display signs.

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Fairmount Park Board is using its $1,000 Common Cents grant for baseball field improvements.

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Hauge Memorial VFW Post 9067 (McLeod) was awarded a $500 Common Cents grant to replace its kitchen floor.

Common Cents is funded by our customers when they choose to round up their bills to the next dollar. If you wish to contribute to Common Cents, call our office at 701-553-8309 or email support@ redrivercomm.com.

Fairmount Park Board $1,000 Common Cents Grant

Hauge Memorial Post 9067 $500 Common Cents Grant

DO YOU KNOW OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT COULD BENEFIT FROM A COMMON CENTS GRANT?

Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry

Download an application form at redrivercomm.com/about/common-cents

$2,500 Common Cents Grant 9

RED RIVER

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

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FUTURE BUILD AREAS When will Red River Communications be in my area?

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: 2022 Prectsjo Upetad

Go to redrivercomm. com/wahpbreck or scan the QR code below to check out maps of our 2021, 2022, and 2023 build areas.

You can also give us a call. We are happy to look up your address for you!

Scan with camera

Dakota Avenue wahpeton, ND

Work continues in Wahpeton & Breckenridge!

Eligible residents and businesses within the 2022 build areas must act soon to take advantage of our three months free of internet promotion.

Our crews are wrapping up work on Dakota Avenue, Minnesota Avenue, and select residential neighborhoods throughout Wahpeton and Breckenridge.

To guarantee connection in 2022, visit our Wahpeton Office at 522 Dakota Avenue, or call 701-553-8309 today!

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Fall Construction projects Call Red River Communications to get on the construction list now if you need fiber installed before freeze up this year.

Requests received after September 30th may not be completed in 2022.

RED RIVER COMMUNICATIONS | FALL 2022

Capital Credits

RETURNING

MONEY BACK TO YOU!

Capital credit checks mailed If you are a cooperative member of the Red River Rural Telephone Association (Red River Communications), you may have received a 2022 capital credit check in August.

Questions? Call 701-553-8309 or go to redrivercomm.com/capitalcredits to learn more about how capital credits work.

Unclaimed Capital Credits

We’re trying to locate former Cooperative members with capital credits due to them. See a list of unclaimed capital credits at: redrivercomm.com/capitalcredits If you have information about anybody on this list, please call our office at 701-553-8309 or email support@redrivercomm.com

CONNECT

Fall 2022 Volume 7, Issue 3 The Red River Communications CONNECT newsletter is published quarterly for our members. It is distributed freeof-charge to our members in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Harlan Deike President District 4 - Great Bend Rhonda Erbes Vice-President District 3 - Colfax Gary Boutiette Secretary/Treasurer District 5 - Kent Tim Viland District 1 - Abercrombie Wayne Schindler District 2 - Barnesville Joe Pikarski District 6 - Mooreton Jerry Janssen District 7 - Rollag Ron German District 8 - Fairmount/Hankinson

Directory Updates

NAME PHONE NUMBER EXCHANGE

PAZ’S SERVICE 701-553-8536 ABERCROMBIE LARRY WAGNER 218-937-5594 BARNESVILLE MACHINERY MANAGEMENT SERVICE 701-242-7040 HANKINSON BARNEY HEITKAMP 218-937-5420 HAWLEY MARY JANE KRAUSE 701-538-4501 LIDGERWOOD SHARYN BOHN 701-553-8826 WAHPETON ALAN LIEN 701-439-2277 WYNDMERE TRAVIS BELKA 701-439-2171 WYNDMERE

Jan Schmit District 9 - Lidgerwood/ Wyndmere Red River Communications 510 Broadway | PO Box 136 Abercrombie, ND 58001 522 Dakota Ave Wahpeton, ND 58075 Questions? Service issues?

Call 866-553-8309

Follow us On Social Media

Produced by the team at Red River Communications

facebook.com/redrivercommunications

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

@redrivercommunications instagram.com/redrivercommunications 11

PO Box 136 | 510 Broadway Abercrombie, ND 58001

Mark your Calendar The leaves are falling and days are getting shorter, but that doesn’t stop us from having fun! Mark your calendar for the following dates and watch our website, Facebook, and Instagram for more fall festivities!

OCT. Nov. Dec.

ALL OCTOBER - CO-OP MONTH COMMUNITY TOUR WATCH SOCIAL MEDIA FOR DATES AND LOCATIONS NOV. 24 TH & 25 TH - OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING DEC. 1ST - WAHPETON HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE DEC. 20 TH - ABERCROMBIE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

LOCATIONS & OFFICE HOURS

510 Broadway, Abercrombie 522 Dakota Ave, Wahpeton Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Wahpeton closed Noon - 1pm)

Your FiberFASTTM Internet Provider

HELP DESK

BILL PAY

Need assistance?

We’re here 24/7 to help you!

866-553-8309

No added fees! Online or by phone.

855-386-9905 redrivercomm.com

redrivercomm.com