Gov. Rhoden and GOED Secure Over $72 million for High-Speed Internet

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2025

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden and GOED Secure Over $72 million for High-Speed Internet

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced they secured over $72 million that will be awarded to subrecipients to expand high-speed internet access across the state. This was in Governor Rhoden's proposed budget, which he announced last week.

"South Dakota has worked hard to build a smart, fiscally responsible broadband plan," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "By taking a technology-neutral approach, we were able to stretch federal dollars further and bring service to thousands of homes across the state - all while protecting taxpayer dollars."

The Noem-Rhoden Administration prioritized expanding high-speed broadband access across South Dakota, investing over $300 million between state, federal, and private funds.

This new funding comes thanks to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) approval of South Dakota's final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval marks a major milestone in a four-year planning and implementation process aimed at connecting the state's remaining unserved and underserved locations.

"Reliable broadband access is essential for South Dakotans," said Commissioner Bill Even. "Our team worked diligently on this proposal, and I'm proud of their commitment to expanding access for households across the state."

For more information about South Dakota's BEAD program, visit the GOED website.

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