High speed internet scheduled for Hill City area

Construction will begin this spring to bring high-speed internet service to rural areas south and east of Hill City. The Golden West project will offer an advanced fiber-optic connection to about 300 addresses.
Golden West officials say fiber-optic technology offers a reliable, secure, superfast internet connection. Data travels by sending pulses of light over long strands of glass called optical cables that are as thin as a strand of hair.
“A fiber-optic connection gives people quick, easy access to so many important things,” said general manager and CEO Denny Law. “It allows them to pursue education, work remotely, start businesses, access healthcare, and so much more—all from the comforts of home.”
The project area extends south of Hill City along Hwy. 385 and east along Hwy. 323, also known as the Old Hill City Road. Adjacent to Golden West’s Custer service area, the project covers about 15 square miles.
This months-long project will be completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026, weather permitting. Upon completion, residents and businesses who preordered service will be connected to internet speed options from 250 Mbps to 1 Gbps (Gig).
Golden West will host an informational open house for potential subscribers. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Hill City Center. Those in attendance can learn more about the project from Golden West representatives and talk with contractors who will assist with the project. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments and giveaways.
This Hill City project area had been identified by the State of South Dakota as unserved. As such, the state awarded Golden West a grant from the ConnectSD broadband program to offset a portion of the construction costs to make this project feasible.
Contractors will help complete the project on behalf of Golden West. North Central Service, from Minnesota will serve as the construction contractor, while Heberly & Associates out of Montana will continue its work on easements, permits and inspections. Golden West will serve as the wiring contractor and will handle all customer service throughout the project.
Visit goldenwest.com/fiber for more information. Click on the Hill City project and enter your address to verify it’s part of the project. Once confirmed, complete the form to register your address for service and share your contact information. This will help Golden West and its contractors reach you during the construction process.
Contact Golden West with any additional questions, concerns or comments now or in the future by calling 1-855-888-7777, option 3, and ask for engineering.