RTC Networks Winter 2023 Newsletter

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RTC NETWORKS SPOTLIGHT

ELITE CABINETS & BUILDING SUPPLIES Page 11

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON RECONSIDERING THE BENEFITS OF LOCAL SHOPPING IN TODAY’S DIGITAL AGE

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STAY CONNECTED & PROTECTED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Winter 2023

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR

RTC NETWORKS

COMMUNICATOR 24 Main Street North, PO Box 68, Parshall, ND 58770 www.myRTCNetworks.com, info@myRTCNetworks.com Customer Service: 0811 (within RTC exchanges) or 701.862.3115 Repair Service: 0611 (within RTC exchanges) or 800.822.3311 24/7 Help Desk: 0211 (within RTC exchanges) or 800.497.2151 Headquarters: 24 Main St N Parshall, ND 58770 New Town Office: 202 College Drive New Town, ND 58763 Stanley Office: 215 Main St S Stanley, ND 58784 Watford City Office: 701 14th St SW Watford City, ND 58854 Business Office: 0811 (Toll-free within RTC Exchanges) 701.862.3115 Fax: 701.862.3008 Email: info@myRTCNetworks.com Publication Contact: Shannon Stafslien, Marketing Manager CEO/General Manager: Shane D. Hart Directors & Officers: Wayne Skarda, President Terry Wilber, Vice President Jennifer Sorenson, Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Steinmetz, Director Jared Eagle, Director Jeanette Hoff, Director John McElwain, Director Lance Kalmbach, Director Alicia Brenna, Attorney RTC Networks is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Copyright© 2023 by RTC Networks (Reservation Telephone Cooperative) and Tellwell.

GENERAL MANAGER As we approach the holiday season and reflect on the year gone by, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the future.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for entrusting us with the privilege of serving you throughout 2023. Your support and loyalty have been the cornerstone of our success, and we look forward to continuing this journey into 2024.

In 2023 we made significant progress in expanding our network and connecting communities. As was mentioned in our announcement a year ago, we are using federal grant dollars to provide fiber internet to households and businesses who had limited access to connectivity.

As we approach the end of the 2023 construction season, we are shifting our focus from laying down the physical infrastructure to building the back end of the network, and we will soon be bringing equipment online that has been installed in homes and businesses.

This achievement marks not just a technological milestone for those who were underserved, but also a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a connected future for all.

At RTC Networks, we recognize that a strong and secure network is

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paramount to your peace of mind. As part of our commitment to safeguarding your online experience, we are proud to provide home network protection for all of your devices. Our GigaSpire routers, accompanied by the myRTCnet app, serve as your virtual guardian, offering a range of features that put you in control. From monitoring and blocking threats to managing connected devices, setting parental controls, prioritizing devices, and creating guest networks, the myRTCnet app is your one-stop solution. For a firsthand look at the threats being blocked on your network, I encourage you to download the app and experience the power of control at your fingertips.

As we approach the holiday season, let us not forget the importance of supporting local businesses. I encourage you to shop local and contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. You can learn more about the benefits of shopping local on page 11 of this newsletter.

In closing, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season.

May the coming year bring prosperity, happiness, and continued connectivity.

Thank you for being a part of the RTC Networks community,

Shane Hart Shane Hart, CEO/GM

RTC NETWORKS

SPOTLIGHT

ELITE CABINETS & BUILDING SUPPLIES

With support from RTC Networks, Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies has expanded into a second location in Watford City The rapidly growing community of Watford City, North Dakota recently added yet another name to their business directory. On August 7th, the town welcomed Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies at a grand opening celebration.

It’s the second location of a business that was started eight years ago by the husband and wife team of Josh and Becky Andersen. With a commitment to quality products and personalized service, their original location in Killdeer

garnered a loyal customer base. From power tools to paint, lumber to lawn and garden supplies, Elite became a onestop shop for residents of the rural community.

“We had a vision of creating a place where you could come in and get everything you needed for a project in one place, like a miniature home center in a small town,” said Josh, who brings 25 years of contracting experience to the business.

As Elite enjoyed its success in Killdeer, Josh saw an untapped opportunity an hour away in Watford City. A lumber yard had existed in Watford City since the 1970s, changing hands multiple times before closing three years ago–leaving residents without a local option for building supplies.

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“We saw the need and demand up there. Watford is growing constantly, and they didn’t have anyone up there to fill that need,” Josh said. “The closest place to get any materials was an hour away.”

At least 10 parties inquired about the location of the vacant Watford City Lumber Yard, and when the real estate auction closed, the Andersens had the winning bid.

Then, the work began.

“It was a big adventure because we pretty much had to start everything from scratch,” Josh said.

Fortunately, Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies had a local partner to support them with the many technology needs that come with opening a business. With the myRTCvoicePro Business Phone System, the Andersens and their team in Watford City can be in constant communication with each other–whether they are in the lumber yard, on the sales floor, or at the office.

IN OUR LINE OF WORK, YOU ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF SOMEBODY.

“In our line of work, you are always trying to get ahold of somebody,” Josh said.

A seamless and reliable internet connection is the backbone of any business. At Elite, everything from the point-of-sale system, to advertising, to e-commerce relies on a robust internet infrastructure. That’s why RTC Networks hooked them up with some of the fastest fiber internet on the market.

“Everyone is short on time as it is,” Andersen said. “If the internet is slow and something doesn’t go through, that’s very frustrating for us and the customer.”

In an era where time is of the essence, having a responsive and dependable service provider has been a game-changer for Elite Cabinets and Building Supply.

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“They’re easy to get ahold of. They understand the importance of one simple phone call or a text, so they are very persistent about getting things done right away,” Josh said. “RTC Networks is the best company that we’ve ever had to deal with.”

As Elite Cabinets and Building Supply celebrates the opening of their second location, Andersen reflects on the journey with gratitude.

“I have never been in a community that’s so appreciative of everything,” Josh said. “We’ve had a lot of good help, and that makes all the difference.”

Welcome to Watford City, Elite Cabinets and Building Supply!

To discover how RTC Networks can support your local business, visit myrtcnetworks.com or call 701-862-3115 today.

WE’VE HAD A LOT OF GOOD HELP, AND THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

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DOWNLOAD TODAY!

EXPERIENCE THE

FUTURE OF INTERNET Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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Manage your Wi-Fi network from the palm of your hand with myRTCnet.

The myRTCnet app is FREE for all RTC Networks internet customers and gives you an instant snapshot of your home or small business network. ProtectIQ provides network security and protects the devices on your network, and ExperienceIQ gives you total control (including parental controls) for the total Wi-Fi experience!

Think you’re safe?

Cyber threats hit the average household over 100 times per month.

With ProtectIQ from RTC Networks, we stop the threats at the GigaSpire BLAST router.

ProtectIQ is whole-home network security built into your Wi-Fi service. Our security protects all your devices, even the most vulnerable like smartTV’s, cameras, thermostats and baby monitors.

We constantly keep your network security updated so you stay ahead of the latest threats and stop viruses from entering your home network.

Put your home network on the offensive.

Visit myrtcnetworks.com/wifi to learn more about ProtectIQ!

ProtectIQ Network Security exclusively from RTC NETWORKS

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STAY CONNECTED AND PROTECTED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but hosting friends and family in your home also requires plenty of preparation.

There are cookies to be baked, stockings to be hung, and gifts to be wrapped. But have you thought about how your internet connection can impact your holiday plans?

HOLIDAY-PROOF YOUR WI-FI: TIPS TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED If you’re hosting family for the holidays– or if members of your household have exciting new devices waiting for them under the tree–you need internet that can keep up with all of the new traffic.

Here are a few simple tips to make sure your home is ready for the holidays.

TIP #1

Location, Location, Location Your router should be placed in a central location so that devices in every corner of your home can reach it. Make sure it’s out in the open; objects like appliances, walls, and cabinets can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, causing slow speeds. But don’t try to move it on your own–call RTC Networks and one of our techs will come out to help you make the move.

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TIP #2

Restart your router Just like humans, routers need a little break from time to time in order to keep working at top speeds. Restarting is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps you can take to fix an internet connection that isn’t working properly.

TIP #3

Upgrade your speed For the most seamless internet experience, upgrade to 1 Gig service from RTC Networks today.

With 1 Gig, you and your guests can enjoy faster speeds, higher quality, and lower latency. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

AVOIDING HOLIDAY HACKERS

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays are also one of the most popular times for cybercriminals. Don’t get scammed by an internet Scrooge. Follow the following tips to avoid an internet scam this holiday season.

TIP #1

TIP #3

Many spam emails will look very similar to a real company’s branding and seem legitimate. But take a closer look at the sender’s email address: maybe there is a zero where there should be the letter O, or an extra S at the end of the brand’s name.

A legitimate email from a business shouldn’t come from a free email service address such as Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail. There also won’t be a long, random string of letters and numbers in the email address.

If an offer or giveaway sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But if you’re just not sure, double check any links before you click. First, view the link. On a Mac, you can hover over a link to see what the link address is. You can also right click on the link and select “Copy Link Address.” Paste this address into a word or text document to see if it looks fake. Rule of thumb: if you don’t recognize the link, don’t click.

TIP #2

TIP #4

Watch out for sneaky senders

Ask yourself, “Would My Bank Really Ask That?”

Many spammers will disguise themselves as a bank or other institution, in the hopes that you will give up sensitive financial information. But remember: your bank will never email you to request things like your password or account number. If a request seems fishy, it probably is. And if you’re just not sure, call your bank and ask if they really need that information.

Think before you click

Protect your network ProtectIQ is a network-level security application that works quietly in the background and proactively keeps malicious websites, viruses, and intrusion away from your home 24/7. RTC Networks’ internet service includes ProtectIQ, at no additional cost, through the BLAST GigaSpire router. Not sure if you have our RTC BLAST GigaSpire? Contact us at 701.862.3115 to upgrade your router to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology.

For a firsthand look at the threats being blocked on your network, download the myRTCnet app and experience the power of control at your fingertips.

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NEW RTC NETWORKS PHONE LISTINGS Arnegard - 586 Taylor Construction Inc..........................(701)586-3197 Turnquist, Wayne .................................(701)586-3426 Beach - 872 Hutchison, B...........................................(701)872-2124 Michels, Clara.......................................(406)796-8138 Cartwright - 744 Poulsen, Britt & Sherida........................ (701)744-9052 Douglas - 529 Hindman, Robert................................... (701)529-4878 Emmet - 337 Lemer, B.................................................. (701)337-5171 Garrison - 463 Fischer, E................................................ (701)463-2771 Hathaway, G V......................................(701)463-2905 Mandaree - 759 Baker, Biron........................................... (701)759-3454 Little Honey’s Daycare..........................(701)759-3920 Young Bird, Adrianna ........................... (701)759-3765

RTC NETWORKS

HAPPENINGS RTC Networks has unclaimed retired capital credits.

NEW POSITION

Visit myRTCNetworks.com/ unclaimed-capital-credits to see the list.

Thanks for participating in our feedback survey! Winners have been selected and notified.

Rodney Bennett Techology Specialist

Medora - 623 McKee, R...............................................(701)623-3022 New Town - 627 Dairy Queen.......................................... (701)627-2270 Iron Horse Inc.......................................(701)627-2256 Irwin, A..................................................(701)627-2524 TAT Little Shell Mercantile ...................(701)627-3088 TAT Little Shell Mercantile - Fax...........(701)627-2962 Parshall - 862 Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Program ...................................(701)862-4354 Community Opioid Intervention Pilot Program - Fax...........................(701)862-4355 Parshall Maintenance Building.............(701)862-2442

IT’S SCHOLARSHIP SEASON! Watch our Facebook page and website for information and deadlines.

Roseglen - 743 America’s First.......................................(701)743-6180 Fox, Uli...................................................(701)743-6180 Stanley - 628 Johnson, Dan & Becky......................... (701)628-3005 Kannianen, Daniel ................................. (701)628-3181 Lucy, Rita ............................................. (701)628-2202 Watterud, A...........................................(701)628-4488

2024 Calendars are available at our offices!

Pick up yours today.

Watford City - 444 HM’s Steakhouse...................................(701)444-2001 Language Explorers Academy-Preschool........................... (701)444-3361 Long X Visitor Center.............................(701)444-4077 McKenzie County Healthcare............... (701)444-2235 Tiger Well Service LLP.......................... (701)444-2697 Watford City - 842 Aligned Family Chiropractic.................(701)842-4300 Aligned Family Chiropractic - Fax........ (701)842-4446 Elite Cabinets & Building Supply.......... (701)842-3575 Nagel, W & R......................................... (701)842-3446 Tiger Well Service - Fax........................(701)842-6369 Wibaux, MT - (406) 795 Teeters, Bill........................................... (406)795-2371 Weyer, T & J.........................................(406)795-8286

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December 25 Christmas Day

RTC Networks Closed

January 1 New Years Day

RTC Networks Closed

Shop Local

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Reconsidering the Benefits of Local Shopping in Today’s Digital Age

The phrase “what goes around comes around” goes beyond personal karma; it reaches into the heart of your local economy.

Opting to keep your purchases close to home fosters a cycle of prosperity that ripples through local businesses, nonprofits, and, ultimately, back to you. Here are some reasons to think twice before hitting that online checkout button this holiday season:

Embrace Local Purchases

Local Support, Local Jobs

While the allure of online shopping is undeniable, the charm of discovering products and services in your neighborhood holds its own appeal.

Your support for nearby businesses isn’t just a transaction; it’s an investment in your community. By choosing local, you contribute to the creation and sustenance of jobs for your neighbors, friends, and relatives.

Small businesses constitute over half of all U.S. jobs, but they can only do it if they can keep their doors open.

Your decision to spend locally plays a crucial role in making that happen.

Choosing local means you can bring home your purchases on the same day, sidestep shipping costs, and engage with business owners and employees who offer personalized service and advice.

Job Growth Fuels Local Economies

Small Business, Big Heart

A flourishing job market results in more residents staying put, ensuring community vitality and diversity.

These employed individuals contribute to the local economy, expanding the tax base and fostering the creation of a robust community with improved schools, roads, and parks.

Successful local businesses aren’t just economic engines; they are pillars of support for nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations receive double the support from small businesses compared to larger counterparts. By patronizing local enterprises, you are indirectly aiding essential services for groups such as children, veterans, and the elderly.

Beyond these advantages, choosing local reduces environmental impact, ensures a diverse array of shops and products, and contributes to the overall health and diversity of the community. If you haven’t already embraced the buy local habit, consider making your next purchase from a vendor just around the corner.

The benefits extend far beyond the transaction–they weave the fabric of a thriving, interconnected community.

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24 Main Street North, PO Box 68, Parshall, ND 58770 myRTCNetworks.com info@myRTCNetworks.com facebook.com/RTC.coop Customer Service: 701.862.3115 Repair Service: 800.822.3311 24/7 Help Desk: 800.497.2151

AFFORDABLE SERVICE. NO MATTER THE SITUATION.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline are assistance programs that can help eligible people afford broadband internet and telephone service, providing a discount up to $30 per month toward service and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands.

LEARN MORE AT myrtcnetworks.com/lifeline

READERS

Darcy Behles

Connie Livingston

Congratulations to these Summer 2023 Communicator Readers’ Contest winners. They will receive a $20 credit on their RTC Networks bill.

Mary Davidson

Timothy Pedersen

Contest

Garrison Exchange Arnegard Exchange

Kenmare Exchange

Watford City Exchange

Michelle Hardy Beach Exchange

CUT ALONG THE BLACK EDGE

NAME

For your chance to be entered in the drawing to win a $20 credit on your bill, correctly answer the questions at the right and include with your RTC Networks bill. You can also submit your answers on our website at myRTCNetworks.com/ readerscontest or email your answers to RTCteam@restel.com.

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PHONE

1. What two communities are Elite Cabinets & Building Supplies a part of now?

2. What are 2 tips to avoid hackers this holiday season?

3. What is whole-home network security built into your Wi-Fi service?