History
In the mid-1990’s, the Internet was beginning to flourish as people recognized the technology’s boundless potential. RC Technologies responded in 1996 by offering dial-up Internet access, though initially only in the telephone exchanges. In 1997, however, RC Technologies began offering the service to Milbank, SD, residents. Then, in 1999, after acquiring customers from a local ISP, dial-up service became available in Watertown, SD. DSL technology (or high-speed Internet service) was implemented in January 2002 and, by July 2005, every customer within RC’s six telephone exchanges was eligible to receive DSL service.
In 2003, RC Technologies created a new Cable TV division called RCTv to serve the New Effington, Veblen, Wilmot, and Summit exchanges. Then, in 2005, RCTv purchased wireless cable provider North East Rural Television Cooperative, adding about 700 new customers. In the acquisition, RC Technologies assumed control of BRS (Broadband Radio Service) spectrum and two wireless cable towers, one in Kranzburg, SD, and one in Sisseton, SD.
Beginning June 2008, RCTv cable customers were cut-over to new set top boxes to receive RC's new digital television service. This service is delivered on a wireless spectrum that has never been used to provide MPEG 4 digital television. Broadband Internet service is also being delivered over the same spectrum.
