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Midco
Midco
from Wikipedia

Midco (known as Midcontinent Communications until 2016) is a regional cable provider, providing a triple play service of cable television, Internet and telephone service for both North Dakota and South Dakota, along with much of Minnesota, and several communities in Kansas and Wisconsin.[2] The company's business-class service also provides direct fiber-optic communications services via leased data circuits for larger companies.

Key Information

Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and operated as a joint venture between Midcontinent Media and Comcast, Midco provides service to 200 communities both urban and rural, serving an area that covers over 1.2 million people.[3]

History

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Midcontinent Media was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1931 as the Welworth Theater Company, an operator of movie theaters. The company remained in that business until the 1990s, when it sold its theaters to various chains, including Carmike. In 1952, it bought the Midcontinent Broadcasting Company, owner of KELO-AM-FM in Sioux Falls; the company name changed to Midcontinent Media. The company also bought the construction permit for South Dakota's first television station, KELO-TV, which took to the air in 1953. Midcontinent purchased several other radio and television stations, but began exiting broadcasting in the 1990s (with KELO-TV and its satellites sold off to Young Broadcasting, currently owned by Nexstar), selling off the last of their radio holdings in 2004.

Midco diversified and extended its reach into other areas of the Upper Midwest, providing telephone and cable TV in rural parts of its service area, starting in the 1960s. In 1999, Midcontinent Media and AT&T Broadband (formerly known as TCI) merged their cable operations in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska into Midcontinent Communications, a joint venture between both companies. The partnership continued after Comcast's purchase of AT&T Broadband.

In the fall of 2008, Charter Communications announced their filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the sale of some assets in non-critical areas. On October 14, 2008, an article appeared in the Fairmont, Minnesota Sentinel,[4] reporting that Charter was selling parts of their system to Midcontinent Communications, including its Bemidji and International Falls headends. Starting February 1, 2009 Midcontinent Communications took over some Charter's cable systems in Minnesota including Balaton, Bemidji, Canby, Ely, Fairmont, International Falls, Littlefork, Sherburn, and surrounding communities. Other areas in Minnesota were sold off to Comcast.[5]

In June 2011, Midcontinent Communications acquired 33,000 Minnesota and Wisconsin subscribers from US Cable.

Midco previously provided paging service, starting in 1985, but sold its paging services to another South Dakota company, Vantek Communications, in 2004. The former paging service was renamed Midco Connections.

On January 12, 2016, the company officially adopted the shortened Midco name across all of their operations, rendering it in all-caps as "MIDCO", with the new tagline of "Let's Go".[6][7]

In October 2016, Midco acquired the assets of the cable system serving Lawrence, Kansas from Wide Open West.[8]

In November 2025, Midco acquired the assets of the cable systems serving east central and northern Minnesota from SCI Broadband(Savage Communications, Inc).[9]

Midco Sports

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Midco offers a regional sports network called Midco Sports (formerly MC23 and Midco Sports Network (MidcoSN)) which carries coverage of NCAA Division I athletics in the Summit League, Missouri Valley Football Conference, and Central Collegiate Hockey Association with a specific focus on member schools South Dakota, South Dakota State University, North Dakota, and Augustana University. Additionally, Midco Sports is the primary broadcast partner for the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference providing coverage of conference tournament basketball events.

Midco Sports's signature coverage comes each February and March with full coverage of the NSIC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments from the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. The network broadcasts each game from the quarterfinals on to the championships in its entirety. In addition, Midco televises the Summit League Men's and Women's tournament quarterfinals and semifinals from the Denny Sanford Premier Center. The network does not carry the championship games for those tournaments, as those rights are held by CBS Sports.

Midco Sports and its overflow channel, Midco Sports 2, are available on to all MIDCO cable customers along with other cable systems in the region through distribution deals.[10]

Midco Sports employs over 30 full-time on-air talent and behind-the-scenes staffers.

On Friday, April 21, 2023, a Minnesota Twins game aired on the network due to a conflict on Bally Sports North.[11]

References

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from Grokipedia
Midco is a regional provider headquartered in , offering high-speed fiber-based internet, cable television, home phone, and related services such as advertising and data centers to more than 400 communities across five Midwestern states: , , , , and . The company serves over 1 million homes and businesses as of 2025, emphasizing reliable connectivity and community support through initiatives like the Midco Foundation. With more than 1,900 employees as of 2024, Midco operates as a key player in bridging the in rural and urban areas alike. Founded in 1931 as the Welworth Theater Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Midco initially focused on movie theaters before expanding into broadcasting. Key milestones include acquiring a radio station in 1952 and launching KELO-TV, South Dakota's first television station, in 1953, which evolved into a leading CBS affiliate. By 1991, the company shifted toward internet services, building a high-capacity network, and in 2010, it introduced the Midco Sports Network for local and regional coverage. Originally known as Midcontinent Communications, it rebranded to Midco in 2016 to reflect its modern telecommunications focus. Today, Midco continues to invest heavily in , with its Fiber Forward initiative committing $500 million to expand its network by 22,000 miles over a decade, targeting unserved and underserved areas to deliver gigabit and beyond speeds. As of 2025, this includes completions like the network and partnerships for multigigabit upgrades, supporting and enhancing access in the Midwest.

Overview

Company Profile

Midco, originally founded in 1931 as the Welworth Theater Company in , , began as an operator of movie theaters before evolving into a provider under the name Midcontinent Communications. The company rebranded to Midco in 2016 to reflect its modern focus on connectivity services. Headquartered in , Midco operates as a regional telecommunications company serving the Midwest. Midco functions as a 50-50 between Midcontinent Media and , with Midco serving as the managing partner. As of 2024, the company employs approximately 1,900 people across its service region. It serves over 1 million homes and businesses in more than 400 communities throughout , , , , and . Midco's core mission centers on delivering innovative connectivity solutions to both rural and urban areas of the Midwest, with a strong commitment to community investment and fostering inclusive environments in the regions it serves.

Services Offered

Midco provides a range of residential services centered on broadband internet, television, and home phone, with options tailored for both individual households and businesses. These services emphasize reliability, with the company reporting over 99.9% network uptime based on 2023-2024 data. Midco's broadband internet offerings include fiber-based plans delivering symmetrical download and upload speeds up to 5 Gbps, suitable for households with multiple devices and high-bandwidth needs such as 4K streaming and large file transfers. Lower-tier options start at 100 Mbps, with no data caps or contracts required, and include access to Midco , a smart whole-home system that optimizes connectivity and allows user control via an app for and settings. This fiber infrastructure supports these high-speed capabilities across available areas. The company's television service, branded as MidcoTV, features customizable packages with up to 182 channels in the top tier, including local broadcasts, premium networks like and Max (available as an add-on for $14/month in select markets), and integration with streaming apps for on-demand content. Key features include for mobile access to live and recorded programming, Catch Up TV for recent episodes, and MidcoStream, which provides over 200 free ad-supported channels, enhancing flexibility for cord-cutters while maintaining traditional cable reliability. Home phone services utilize VoIP technology, offering unlimited local and domestic in standard packages, along with features such as voicemail-to-email, , , and spam blocking. Basic plans provide essential calling with optional add-ons, ensuring clear voice quality and integration with Midco's network for bundled convenience. In addition to core residential offerings, Midco provides solutions including managed IT services, private networking, and cybersecurity tools like Connect Now for protection, alongside scalable versions of , TV, and phone tailored for commercial use. Bundled packages combining these services typically start at around $50 per month for entry-level residential options, with pricing varying by location, speed, and length—such as 3-year price locks for stability—while rates offer discounts for longer terms up to 60 months.

History

Founding and Early Years

Midcontinent Media, the entity that would evolve into Midco, was founded in 1931 in , , as the Welworth Theater Company by entrepreneurs including Larry Bentson, Eddie Ruben, and Joe Floyd, who operated a chain of movie theaters aimed at delivering high-quality entertainment to local audiences. The company quickly grew by acquiring and managing multiple theaters across the Midwest, emphasizing customer service and innovative presentation of films during the era. Throughout the 1940s, Welworth maintained its focus on theatrical operations, navigating post-war recovery and the rise of drive-in theaters to expand its footprint in regional markets. By the early , the founders sought diversification amid changing entertainment landscapes, marking a pivotal shift toward . In 1952, the company acquired KELO-AM, a radio station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which led to its rebranding as Midcontinent Media to encompass its emerging media portfolio. This move initiated expansion into radio, with additional stations added in the Midwest to broadcast local news, music, and programming. The 1950s and 1960s saw further growth in broadcast television, beginning with a landmark achievement in when Midcontinent launched in Sioux Falls, South Dakota's inaugural , which aired local content even before widespread TV adoption in homes. Building on this success, the company extended its reach by establishing semi-satellite stations, such as KPLO-TV in in 1957, enhancing coverage across rural and central . These developments solidified Midcontinent's role in serving Midwest communities, particularly in and , through reliable over-the-air broadcasting. Originally operated as a closely held, family-run enterprise by the founding partners and their descendants, Midcontinent underwent ownership transitions in the early , including a 2010 management buyout, adopting a structure that facilitated expansion while retaining local control. This period laid the groundwork for broader telecommunications involvement in subsequent decades.

Expansion into Telecommunications

Midco's expansion into began with in 1969, when the company launched services in , making it one of the first state capitals in the United States to receive . This initiative addressed limited broadcast signal availability in rural areas, delivering clearer reception and additional channels to subscribers. By the and , Midco extended statewide across , establishing itself as a pioneer in regional connectivity and laying the foundation for broader offerings. In 1982, Midco entered the telephone sector by becoming the first company in to provide quality, low-cost long-distance services, targeting underserved rural markets with affordable calling options. This move diversified beyond video delivery into voice communications, initially through resold interexchange services. As broadband infrastructure matured, Midco evolved its phone offerings to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in the 2000s, integrating digital voice with high-speed for enhanced reliability and features like . Today, VoIP forms the core of Midco's telephone portfolio, supporting both residential and business needs. The company's journey started in the late , with high-speed home launched in 1998 via cable lines, followed by services in 2001. These early rollouts focused on rural Midwest communities, where traditional was sparse, providing speeds that revolutionized access to online resources. Investments in a high-capacity network backbone from onward enabled this growth, emphasizing fiber-optic and hybrid technologies to bridge the . During the and , Midco committed significant resources to digital infrastructure, upgrading cable systems to support triple-play services and acquiring smaller providers to expand reach—for instance, purchasing 33,000 subscribers from US Cable in and in 2011. These efforts solidified Midco's role as a full-service telecom operator. In , the company rebranded from Midcontinent Communications to Midco, streamlining its identity to better reflect its modern emphasis on integrated , TV, and phone solutions.

Acquisitions and Recent Developments

Midco has pursued growth through strategic acquisitions of smaller service providers, particularly in the Midwest during the . In 2011, the company acquired 113 rural cable systems from US Cable, adding approximately 33,000 subscribers in and . This move expanded Midco's footprint in underserved rural areas. In 2018, Midco further strengthened its position by purchasing InvisiMax, a provider serving over 4,000 customers in northwest , including the Fargo and Grand Forks regions. These acquisitions focused on integrating complementary technologies to enhance coverage without significant regulatory hurdles, as they involved small-scale operators and received necessary state approvals. In 2025, Midco continued its expansion strategy with the acquisition of Savage Communications Inc. (SCI) Broadband assets. Announced on June 3, 2025, the deal targets SCI's rural operations, founded in 1984, to add subscribers and expand address passings in the region. The transaction closed on October 1, 2025, following standard regulatory reviews, including approvals from relevant state commissions, with no reported challenges. This acquisition aligns with Midco's goal of bolstering rural connectivity, integrating SCI's infrastructure to support deployments. On November 10, 2025, Midco completed its network construction in , expanding access for local homes and businesses as part of the Fiber Forward initiative. Complementing its acquisition efforts, Midco advanced network modernization through a key partnership in September 2025. On , Midco selected Harmonic's cOS virtualized platform to upgrade its and fiber networks, enabling multigigabit speeds across and full fiber-to-the-premises architectures. This collaboration supports Midco's $500 million Fiber Forward initiative, launched in 2021, which prioritizes rural expansion with 10 Gbps capabilities in communities like Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, and Grand Forks. Deployments are slated to begin in Q4 2025, enhancing reliability for existing and newly acquired customer bases. These developments have solidified Midco's market position as a leading regional provider, serving over 480,000 customers across 400 communities in , , , , and by late 2025. The SCI acquisition and Fiber Forward investments have notably increased address passings, contributing to fiber availability for more than 100,000 premises achieved in 2024 and ongoing expansions adding tens of thousands annually.

Operations

Coverage Areas

Midco provides telecommunications services across five primary states in the Midwest: , , , , and . Its footprint emphasizes a mix of urban centers and rural areas, serving over 400 communities from major cities like , to smaller rural towns such as Dodge, . This diverse coverage reaches approximately 2.36 million people, supporting both residential and business needs in these regions. The company's expansion efforts have recently included acquisitions to broaden its reach into underserved areas. In June 2025, Midco announced the acquisition of Savage Communications Inc. (SCI) Broadband, adding service areas in east-central , including Pine County, with customer transition scheduled to begin on November 19, 2025. This move aligns with Midco's strategy to enhance connectivity in rural and semi-rural communities through targeted growth. Midco maintains an online availability checker tool that allows potential customers to verify service options by entering their address, facilitating access in eligible areas. Additionally, the company focuses on underserved and rural regions through participation in federal programs, such as the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which supports deployment in high-cost, low-density locations. These initiatives help bridge the in communities where access has historically been limited.

Technology and Infrastructure

Midco's network infrastructure employs a (HFC) architecture, utilizing fiber-optic cabling for the backbone to enable high-capacity data transmission over long distances, while delivers services to the last mile for customer premises. This design supports efficient scalability and leverages existing infrastructure for delivery. To achieve multi-gigabit speeds, Midco has implemented 3.1 with extensions for enhanced performance, alongside preparations for 4.0 through upgrades to Distributed Access Architecture (DAA). In select areas, the company deploys -to-the-home (FTTH) connections as part of its modernization efforts, providing symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps where available. A key component of these upgrades is the September 2025 partnership with , which introduces a virtualized (vCMTS) via the cOS platform, functioning as a virtual Converged Cable Access Platform (vCCAP) to enable flexible, software-defined service scaling across and networks. Reliability is prioritized through redundant systems and a 24/7 (NOC) that monitors performance, ensuring greater than 99.9% average uptime for services and 99.999% for core enterprise networks. Cybersecurity protocols include robust protections and expert services to safeguard against threats, supporting secure multi-gigabit connectivity. These measures underpin Midco's ongoing $500 million Fiber Forward initiative, launched in 2021 to expand its network by 22,000 miles over a decade, with the network spanning approximately 17,000 miles as of September 2025 and further expansions announced in October 2025 for areas like Fargo to be completed by 2026. It has also incorporated fixed wireless trials using technologies like Tarana's platform to extend coverage in rural areas.

Midco Sports

Network Overview

Midco Sports, formerly known as the Midco Sports Network, launched in 2010 as a dedicated regional sports channel focused on local and regional athletics. The network began broadcasting to highlight teams in the Midwest, marking Midco's entry into sports programming as part of its broader offerings. In 2021, it underwent a to Midco Sports, coinciding with an expansion that introduced multiple channels, including Midco Sports (channel 26) and Midco Sports Two (HD on channel 624), to accommodate increased live event coverage. Fully owned and operated by Midco, the telecommunications provider headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the network functions as an affiliate within Midco's ecosystem. Its primary purpose is to deliver live broadcasts of local college and high school sports across , , and , emphasizing community-based events such as football, , hockey, and games. This focus supports Midco's commitment to regional content, producing original programming that celebrates Midwest athletics and fosters fan engagement. Distribution of Midco Sports occurs primarily through Midco's cable TV service, where it is included in standard lineups for subscribers in its coverage areas. Additionally, content is accessible via streaming on the Midco Sports Plus app, available on platforms like , Android, , and smart TVs, allowing non-cable users to watch live events and on-demand replays with subscription options starting at basic access for select leagues. The network supports high-definition (HD) broadcasting, with dedicated HD channels ensuring clear viewing for live sports productions.

Programming and Content

Midco Sports provides extensive coverage of athletics, focusing on teams from the , including the (USD), (NDSU), (SDSU), and the (UND). This includes live broadcasts of home football games, as well as men's and women's basketball contests, such as USD's matchup against NDSU in Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) play and basketball games featuring and SDSU. The network also airs high school athletics across , , and , with a particular emphasis on state tournaments. Coverage encompasses events like the North Dakota Division AA boys state championship, Class B boys finals, and high school tournaments, delivering live action from regional competitions. Through strategic partnerships, Midco Sports serves as the primary broadcaster for conferences such as the and the MVFC. The Network (SLN), powered by Midco Sports Plus, streams comprehensive coverage of league events. In May 2025, the and MVFC announced a and operational to enhance efficiency and growth. These agreements ensure exclusive regional exposure for member institutions. Original programming enhances the network's offerings with pre-game analysis, post-game highlights, and in-depth athlete interviews. Series like "The 701" feature quarterback battles and season previews, and "Through These Doors" provides behind-the-scenes looks at teams like UND hockey. These segments offer expert insights and exclusive content alongside live events. Annually, Midco Sports broadcasts over 900 live events, including exclusive rights to regional championships in the , MVFC, (NSIC), and state high school tournaments. This slate covers more than 600 games alone, alongside playoff rounds and finals, making it a key platform for sports.

Community Involvement

Midco Foundation

The Midco Foundation was established in 1987 as the charitable arm of Midco, a telecommunications company serving the Midwest. It operates as a grant-giving entity focused on enhancing community life, work, and play through support for nonprofit organizations in Midco's service areas, including , , , , and . The foundation's mission centers on investing in , , and community vitality by providing financial assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and public agencies for special projects, facility improvements, equipment, and programs that address socially desirable goals. Grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are awarded biannually in spring and fall cycles, with applications reviewed for impact on local communities rather than ongoing operational needs. In recent years, each cycle has distributed over $100,000, supporting initiatives such as for and wellbeing, educational programs including for youth STEM engagement, promotion, services, parks development, and family support services. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed more than $6 million to such causes across over 50 communities. Key grant-making activities emphasize youth and educational access, with examples including funding for school robotics programs like Becker Robotics ($1,500) and elementary school initiatives such as Annandale Elementary Kindergarten ($1,500), alongside broader efforts to combat hunger through food banks and enhance emergency services. These efforts prioritize projects that foster long-term community development, such as equipment for schools and facilities for health-related nonprofits. The foundation is governed by a board that meets twice yearly to review and approve grants, composed primarily of Midco team members who assess applications based on their potential impact.

Philanthropic Initiatives

Midco engages in corporate through direct sponsorships and financial support to nonprofits in its service areas across , , , , and , focusing on enhancement beyond its dedicated foundation efforts. The company provides sponsorships for local events, programs, and organizations, including and cultural activities, festivals, and initiatives promoting economic development in rural areas. For instance, Midco has sponsored celebrations such as Light Up Victoria and the Holy Spirit Grand Gala & Benefit Auction in , contributing to local cultural and economic vitality. These efforts extend to over 175 organizations and events annually, emphasizing partnerships that strengthen rural communities. A key component of Midco's corporate giving involves employee-driven initiatives, including a matching gift program where the company matches employee donations to nonprofits up to $500 per full-time employee each year. With approximately 1,900 team members, this program enables substantial annual contributions exceeding $500,000 when fully utilized, directed toward local nonprofits in Midco's service areas. Additionally, Midco supports employee volunteerism through its ACTS program, which encourages participation in projects such as highway cleanups and local service events, contributing thousands of volunteer hours each year. In 2025, Midco completed its acquisition of Savage Communications Inc. (SCI) Broadband on October 1, expanding service to underserved rural areas in and committing additional resources to equity initiatives to bridge the in these communities. Midco also maintains partnerships with organizations like , providing corporate sponsorships to eight local chapters, and local chambers of commerce, such as the West Fargo Chamber and Hartford Area Chamber, to foster and community development.

References

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