SRT.COM

Internet

North Dakota Funding Opportunity for Rural Health Providers: Connecting Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger ND

North Dakota Funding Opportunity for Rural Health Providers: Connecting Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger ND

News_RuralHealthTransformation640x320

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new funding opportunity to help rural health care providers strengthen and modernize electronic medical record systems.

The Electronic Medical Record Enhancement funding opportunity is designed to support enhancements to existing electronic medical record systems that improve service delivery and health outcomes for rural North Dakotans. Examples may include technology enhancements, expanded functionality and artificial intelligence-supported tools that help providers better manage patient care and improve operational efficiency.

The funding opportunity aligns with Initiative 4: Connect Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota, part of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This initiative focuses on modernizing health care delivery, improving access to information, and helping providers leverage technology to better serve their communities. 

Approximately $500,000 per awardee in first-year funding is available, with the possible opportunity to request additional funding. The funding is designed to support practical, locally driven solutions that help rural and tribal communities.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Critical access hospitals
  • Rural hospital systems
  • Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • Non-federally operated Indian Health Service facilities and tribally run 638 health facilities

Applications are due by July 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT. A technical assistance call will be held July 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CT. More information, application materials, and technical assistance resources are available at hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation/funding.

SRT is your locally owned telecommunications cooperative with deep roots in north-central North Dakota. For 75 years, we have worked alongside community-based organizations as an economic catalyst, providing advanced infrastructure to improve opportunity and quality of life. As rural healthcare continues to evolve through telehealth, mobile clinics, remote monitoring, and data-driven care, dependable technology infrastructure will be critical.

We are available to support technology-based projects that align with RHTP funding opportunities, to ensure your rural healthcare organization is technically prepared for what comes next. Thank you for dedication to the health of your communities’ residents.

Choose SRT Fiber Internet this Earth Day

Choose SRT Fiber Internet this Earth Day

News_EARTHDAY640x320

Fiber: The Friendliest Internet for Your Community and Planet

SRT Fiber is the most advanced technology you can choose for your Internet connection, able to handle your online activity like no other technology before. But did you know it’s also the most sustainable choice you can make for your home or business?

True to our 75-year History of Innovation, SRT replaced old copper cable with high-performing fiber optics throughout our service area. More than a service provider, SRT cares about your community. Our fiber internet not only works better than any other option; it’s actually better for your home, your town, and our earth!

Big on Speed, Small on Carbon Footprint

Fiber internet, known for its high speeds and capacity, is also a champion of environmental friendliness. The core of this technology uses light to transmit data, which is more energy-efficient than the electrical data transmission used in traditional copper wires of broadband. This efficiency stems from the reduced energy loss in fiber-optic cables, ensuring that data travels longer distances with minimal degradation.

Less Hungry for Energy

A key factor distinguishing fiber internet in its environmental impact is its significantly lower energy consumption. Studies indicate that fiber-optic networks consume up to 70% less energy than conventional copper networks. This substantial reduction is attributed to the efficiency of data transmission and the minimal heat generation by fiber cables, which in turn lowers the need for cooling systems, a major consumer of energy in data centers and network infrastructures.

Longer Lasting, More Durable

Fiber optic internet uses glass fibers capable of transmitting data at speeds up to roughly two-thirds the speed of light. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber optics maintain signal strength over long distances, ensuring consistent performance. Fiber’s more durable physical composition means it consumes fewer resources and generates less waste. Fiber is also less susceptible to weather and electromagnetic interference, making it more reliable and less prone to frequent repairs or replacements. Other key features of fiber optic internet include symmetrical download and upload speeds, high bandwidth to meet high demand, and future-proof infrastructure that can take on additional data demands and technological advances.

Key to Smart Rural Communities

As a Smart Rural Community (SRC) provider designated by NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, SRT delivers cutting-edge, high-speed fiber so our members can live rich lives in their own communities. Our SRT Fiber internet supports smart initiatives that help communities, large and small, leverage technology for efficient use of their local energy and resources. We are committed to promoting innovative economic development and other important services, and fiber is central to that commitment.

SRT Fiber delivers green, smart service that creates a productive and sustainable environment, whether you’re in your living room, office, school, or the great outdoors! Happy Earth Day.

Kevin Cales Joins SRT as Director of Sales

Kevin Cales Joins SRT as Director of Sales

News_welcomeKevin_640x320

MINOT, N.D. – SRT Communications welcomed Kevin Cales on April 10 as the cooperative’s Director of Sales. Cales brings more than 10 years of experience driving growth, efficiency, and organizational performance across cooperative, retail, and energy operations.

Previously, Cales served as Vice President of Retail Operations for several years, promoted from Director of Ag Home Retail, with United Quality Cooperative in New Town, ND. He led multiple retail centers, sales in lumber, fuel, and ag, and millions of dollars of inventory across the business.

“Kevin has achieved an impressive track record in sales and operations,” said Cassidy Hjelmstad, SRT CEO and General Manager. “More importantly, he understands the cooperative model and will reinforce our commitment to member value by strengthening local relationships and optimizing the product mix we offer. We look forward to Kevin’s insights and leadership as we continue to innovate for our members.”

As Director of Sales, Cales will drive revenue growth, lead sales strategy, and build a high-performance culture while advancing the cooperative’s mission-driven, member-first focus. “I am excited to join SRT at this pivotal moment,” he said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in the retail industry to accelerate our strategic growth and deliver innovative solutions that drive value for our patrons.”

Cales and his wife live in Minot and have three daughters. In his free time he enjoys biking, fishing, hunting, and hiking.

He succeeds Dan Roberts, who retired after more than 33 years with SRT.

SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative and a multi-gig internet provider. Established in 1951, SRT employs roughly 180 people and serves more than 25,000 customers across north-central North Dakota. SRT built a fiber optic broadband network throughout its service area. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security and surveillance systems for home and business. Learn more at www.srt.com.

SRT Voted Best Internet Provider 21st Straight Year in Minot Daily News Readers’ Choice Awards

SRT Voted Best Internet Provider 21st Straight Year in Minot Daily News Readers’ Choice Awards

News_MDNbestofbest640x320

SRT is proud to serve the Minot community and, once again, humbled that our valued customers and Minot Daily News readers have voted us Best Internet Provider.  

Your confidence and trust inspire us every day to find new and better ways to serve you.  

The Minot Daily News “Best of the Best” contest gives readers the opportunity to nominate various types of businesses within the region. After the nomination period, there is a voting round. Readers may vote online once per day for their favorite business within the specific categories. Once voting has closed and votes have been counted, one winner and two finalists are announced for each category. 

Thank you to Minot Daily News and your readers!

Scam Alert: Always Think Before You Click

Scam Alert: Always Think Before You Click

News_ScamAlert640x320 1

Phishing scams, or emails pretending to be reputable companies like SRT, are making the rounds again. Some of these scams claim there is an upgrade for SRT or SRT webmail, which is not true. As a general reminder, the best rule of thumb is to never click on suspicious emails, watch for misspellings since that is usually a key indicator of spam, and always call SRT directly when questioning if an email is legitimate.

Before you click, check for these 4 Red Flags:

1. The Sender: Does the email address look suspicious or unusual? Check for strange domains (e.g., urgent@SRTalertaccount.net).

2. High Pressure: Does it say, “Urgent Action Required” or “Account Suspended”? Phishing scams use urgent and often threatening language to make customers panic and click.

3. Generic Greetings: Beware of greetings like, “Dear Valued Customer,” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

4. The “Hover” Test: Hover your mouse over any link, but don’t actually click on it. If the URL looks like a jumbled mess or doesn’t match the company’s legitimate website, delete the email.

When in doubt, contact SRT directly at 701.858.1200 instead of clicking any links. Follow our Facebook page for more cybersecurity tips shared each month.