Rural Fiber Expansion Golden West has a history of deploying fiber-to-the-premises with USDA and ReConnect funding and ongoing rural broadband initiatives across South Dakota. This presents opportunities to cross-sell advanced connectivity services, managed network solutions, and wholesale fiber capacity to regional businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities in underserved communities.

Cooperative Model As a member-owned cooperative with a focus on fair pricing and member voice, there is potential to position value-added IT and security services that align with governance and community-focused buying. Emphasize cost-effective, scalable solutions that serve member-owners and local organizations alike.

Technology Stack Current stack includes enterprise-grade tools (Microsoft SQL Server, Active Directory, Entra ID, VMware) and automation/orchestration (Ansible, Puppet). Opportunities exist to offer managed IT, cybersecurity, backup and disaster recovery, and cloud adoption services tailored to mid-market and regional enterprises using these platforms.

Growth Momentum Recent investments in broadband platforms, expansion into Hartford, and participation in leadership conferences indicate growth and modernization efforts. This signals receptiveness to partnerships around IT modernization, smart rural initiatives, and regional digital transformation projects.

Community & Financing Strong community focus with scholarships and economic development awards, plus substantial grant-funded projects. Leverage this to propose public-private partnership opportunities, grant-compliant technology upgrades, and grant-ready solutions that align with local development goals.