07.30.12

Hoeven Helps Launch Opening of New Dakota Carrier Network Facility

BISMARCK – Senator John Hoeven and community leaders today joined Dakota Carrier Network employees and board members in Bismarck to celebrate the official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Dakota Carrier Network’s (DCN) new Network Operations Center, which will serve as a central hub for the company’s network connectivity, support and monitoring operations.

“Dakota Carrier Network has continually demonstrated a longstanding commitment to using cutting-edge technology and great customer service to extend the reach of telecommunications for the citizens of our state,” said Hoeven. “The opening of the new Network Operations Center reflects the kind of excellence that has earned DCN recognition as one of the best data networks in the United States. This new Bismarck facility will enable them to continue serving our state’s businesses, government offices, schools, healthcare facilities and the many other individuals and businesses who rely on DCN’s quality service and wide availability.”

As governor, Hoeven worked with DCN to implement STAGEnet, the North Dakota Statewide Technology Access for Government and Education network, as a partnership between government and education. Today the Dakota Carrier Network, which is owned by a group of North Dakota-based independent telecommunications companies, serves more than 164,000 customers in 250 communities across the state. Through the STAGEnet initiative, DCN supports a statewide virtual private network that brings high-speed technologies to all of North Dakota’s schools and government offices, including state agencies, local government, colleges and universities.

The new 42,000-square-foot Network Operations Center is a carrier-grade hardened facility designed to provide reliable service and meet the needs of DCN’s expanding network while also enhancing the network’s reliability.