MLGC Fall 2022 Newsletter

PG 6: Klub Kutz

With high-speed internet from MLGC, a Cooperstown business proves that anything is paw-sible.

PG 8:

New Places, New Faces

Expanding our service areas means expanding our employee base. Meet some new faces in our company!

A message from our General Manager Tyler Kilde

This September marked my 20th year at MLGC. As milestones often do, this anniversary has caused me to reflect on all that has changed over the years.

Of course, there is MLGC’s geographic footprint; since I joined MLGC, we have added many miles to our service territory, expanding as far as Horace, South Fargo, Kindred, Davenport, Mapleton, and Hickson. The technology that we provide has also changed drastically, from dialup to fiber-optic internet that makes it possible for entrepreneurs like Tessa Klubben to bring their business ideas to life (page 6).

We are not just building a faster, more robust fiber network; we are empowering our customers with tools like the CommandIQ app (page 5) and surveillance (page 11) to help them make the most of their internet connection and to monitor and protect what they have worked so hard to build. And we have worked tirelessly to make the internet accessible for all by

participating in government initiatives like the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (page 10) and USDA Reconnect Program (page 3).

These accomplishments have only been possible because of our people. By bringing on new employees like Dawson Leer, Andy Pratt and James Dougherty (page 8-9), we have built an incredibly passionate, collaborative, and innovative team dedicated to the mission of MLGC.

While much has changed over the past two decades, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to you, our customers. MLGC made a promise to provide the best technologies and services available at competitive rates, and in my time here, we have followed through on that promise time and time again.

Thank you for continuing to trust MLGC as your local provider. I am proud of all that we have achieved over the past 20 years, and can’t wait to see what the next 20 hold.

Tyler Kilde President and General Manager

Introducing: Griggs!

MLGC was proud to provide Cass County with the funding to secure a new K9 officer, Griggs. In addition to narcotics detection, K9 Griggs is trained to track missing persons and wanted suspects. We are honored to support our local law enforcement and congratulate Griggs on his new assignment!

Rural Development Announces Nearly $50 Million

Internet in North Dakota

On September 22, 2022, the USDA awarded MLGC just under $17 million in loans to provide high-speed internet access for rural residents and businesses in southern Cass and northern Richland counties of North Dakota.

The funding is part of the USDA’s ReConnect program, structured to invest in rural infrastructure and provide more reliable, affordable, high-speed internet for all. MLGC can use the loans to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network. This network will connect approximately 700 farms and residents to the internet using the latest fiber technology, allowing speeds up to 10 Gigabits.

MLGC has spent months planning and preparing to expand our network to these underserved areas, with no more than the hope that the loan would be awarded to us. For MLGC, “Moving you @ the speed of light” is not just a slogan; it is a commitment, a promise to change our customers’ lives via our service. We continue to have a long waiting list of hopeful customers. This loan helps us realize our dreams and future customers’ dreams. Years of challenging work are in store for our MLGC team, but we look forward to a completed project where the residents of Southern Cass and Northern Richland counties have our fiber optic service.

If you or someone you know lives in one of the mentioned counties and wants service from MLGC, please contact us today. Our local service representatives can be reached at 1-877-893-6542, info@mlgc.com, or via our website, mlgc.com.

BRINGING YOU FIBER

The process of bringing fiber can be a lengthy one. There are obstacles like weather, supply and demand, legal requirements, and costs that stand in the way. MLGC works hard to overcome all these obstacles and bring fiber optics to residents in underserved areas.

We have included a diagram below to help give a general idea of how it works.

START HERE

END HERE—

WITH THE BEST WIFI FROM MLGC

MLGC

Splice and dedicate a single fiber to your home with a fiber drop

Connect your fiber to the ONT (Optical Network Terminal)

Extend the existing network throughout neighborhood or area

Transmit the ONT signal to your router

Firestick Tips with Rick

“Rick has spent a lot of time working with the different features of the Amazon Firestick, and he wanted to share some tips he has learned to make using a Firestick a better experience”

Updating your Firestick

Always make sure your firestick is up to date. In the main menu go to the gear icon all the way on the right. Scroll down to “My Fire TV”. Click on “about”. Then scroll to check for updates. If an update is needed, click install the update.

Connecting to a Soundbar

Connecting to a sound bar or other speakers. On the home screen, go to the gear on the right. Go down to ‘equipment control’. Then, ‘manage equipment’. Then add equipment. Then you should be able to add soundbar and follow the on screen instructions.

Parental Controls

Router gives Wi-fi Signal connecting you to MLGCs robust fiber network

On the amazon home screen, go to the gear on the far right and scroll down to preferences. Click on parental controls. Then turn your parental controls on and create a PIN for your firestick remote.

Moving an app to your home screen

On the amazon home screen, go to the box with 3 squares and a plus sign. This will show all the apps you have on the firestick. Find your MLGC TV or desired app, click the menu button on your firestick remote. On the submenu, click ‘move to front’ and this will move your MLGC TV app to your Amazon home screen.

Setting up multiple profiles

On the amazon home screen, on the far left there is a profile icon. Scroll down and hit add a profile, then you can add your own profile to customize your own amazon home screen with the apps you want on it.

Closed Captions

On the amazon home screen, go to the gear on the far right. Scroll down to accessibility and click on it. Click on closed caption, and then click on closed caption again to turn them on.

MLGCs 100% Fiber Optic Network

plans expansion to neighborhoods or underserved areas

Customize your network with MLGC’s Managed Wi-Fi service!

With our new generation units powered by Wi-Fi 6 technology, get high-performance extended coverage for the ultimate Wi-Fi experience.

What is Managed Wi-Fi?

Residents reap the benefits of having their own personal, secure network with various access points throughout the property, instead of just their unit.

Managed Wi-Fi is wireless internet service that is managed by your Internet provider.

Managed Wi-Fi provides one secure, property-wide internet network.

And now you can easily manage your Wi-Fi connection and all the devices in your home! MLGC’s CommandIQ app gives you access to a snapshot view of your home or small business network.

Through the app, you can view all the connected devices on your network, set up parental controls or a guest network, change your SSID and password, and more. CommandIQ puts you in charge!

Compliment your Managed Wi-Fi service and CommandIQ by subscribing to additional features

like ProtectIQ and ExperienceIQ. ProtectIQ proactively monitors your home’s incoming traffic and automatically blocks anything suspicious, blocks user attempts to harmful websites, and actively monitors threats from hackers therefore keeping your network and devices safe. ExperienceIQ protects children from harmful or inappropriate content, limits screen time on devices or applications, and displays online usage to better understand HOW the internet is being used in your home.

Business Spotlight

Klub Kutz

With high-speed internet from MLGC, a Cooperstown business proves that anything is paw-sible.

Tessa Klubben has always been a “dog person.” Some of her fondest childhood memories involve spending time outside with her family’s dogs, playing fetch or going for long walks around her hometown of Cooperstown, North Dakota.

Now an adult, Tessa has two beloved dogs of her own: a Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix named Trixi and a German Shepherd named Elsa. She wouldn’t trade her puppies for the world, but even this doting dog mom admits there is one thing about Trixi and Elsa she doesn’t love.

“There is hair everywhere,” Tessa said. “And being in a small town, I have to travel at least half an hour to get to a groomer.”

So, she took matters into her own hands–and shears.

In February 2022, Tessa purchased Finley Paw Spa and began training with the shop’s previous owner. She gave the business a new home in Cooperstown, as well as a new name: Klub Kutz.

While continuing to work full-time, Tessa set to work renovating Klub Kutz’s new location. In addition to a grooming table, a wash tub, and a nice set of brushes, Tessa knew would need a high-speed, reliable internet connection to make her new business a success. So, she called MLGC.

“They came out right away and got me connected to the internet so I could start my business,” Tessa said.

Tessa opened the doors to Klub Kutz on June 11, 2022, to much excitement from local dogs and their owners.

“I’m already booking at least a month out. Everybody is pretty happy to have a groomer in town,” Tessa said. “They come to me and say, ‘Thank goodness you opened so I don’t have to travel so far anymore.’”

As a business owner, sole employee, and busy mom to three, Tessa doesn’t have time for slow, lagging internet. She relies on it for everything from booking appointments to entertaining her kids when they come to work with her. Fortunately, she knows that if she runs into any issues with her service, she can call MLGC and have someone on-site at a moment’s notice to get her up and running.

Welcome to Cooperstown, Klub Kutz! MLGC is proud to help entrepreneurs like Tessa Klubben bring their business ideas to life. Learn more and book your dog’s next appointment at facebook.com/KlubKutz.

—Tessa Klubben

Owner of Klub Kutz

“

Employee Updates

Q&A with team member, Dawson!

What is your job title @ MLGC?

Sales Representative

What is your college/work experience?

I have a Business Marketing Degree from Concordia College-Moorhead.

How long have you been @ MLGC?

I started in the first week of October 2022.

What do you do at MLGC?

I contact potential customers in areas we serve to see if they are interested in our fiber optic services.

What has been your favorite part of working @ MLGC?

The people here are just fun to be around.

So far, what has been your favorite project?

I am just getting into it, so learning MLGC’s process in bringing Fiber to underserved areas has been my favorite part.

What drew you to MLGC?

The drive for innovation and past success that MLGC has had. Also, the passion in connecting those who have been underserved in the past.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Hobbies and interests outside of work?

Outside of work, most of my time is spent watching sports, playing golf, or spending time with my favorite people.

What’s your favorite food?

There is absolutely nothing that can beat a brat off the grill in the summer with a good supporting cast of my grandmas baked beans and corn on the cob.

What’s your favorite season?

Fall for sure, but more specifically when Postseason baseball and NFL football are being played at the same time.

Welcome to the team! Employee Promotions

Andy Pratt Combination Technician, Cooperstown

Andy Pratt joined MLGC as a Combination Technician in May. His previous experience in the telecommunications industry has prepared Andy to complete major projects, like the conversion to MLGC TV, efficiently and effectively.

Megan Schlecht Promoted to Administrative Assistant

In addition to her existing roll as Customer Service Representative. Congrats Megan!

Dion Brown

Promoted to Assistant Manager

Dion was previously a Combination Technician. Congrats Dion!

James Dougherty Combination Technician, Kindred

Another Combination Technician, James Dougherty, joined the MLGC team in September. When he’s not hard at work providing internet, TV, and phone services to our customers, you can find James playing with his kids, throwing a ball for his dogs, or lifting weights at the gym.

MLGC in the Community

Enderlin Parade Leonard Parade

Kindred Parade

I had no idea that Internet could be this good, and I have your lowest plan!

MLGC has been awesome to work with and I’m excited to be a new customer. Four guys were there this morning and they were all great and did such an awesome job. Recently

Andrew

Bradley

Christopher

James

Loren

Rudolph

Shelie