Midco literally keeps Sioux Falls connected.
From its founding in 1931, the telecommunications leader has redefined connectivity, maintaining market leadership by providing exceptional customer experiences using the region’s most reliable fiber network spanning 17,000 miles. Midco services more than 1 million homes and businesses in more than 400 communities with 1,900 team members across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas.
“Our mission is to be the best communications company in the country for our neighbors, team members, partners and communities,” said Ben Dold, president and chief operating officer.
For the Sioux Falls area, “a telecommunications leader like Midco is critical,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“Increasingly, connectivity and capacity for data drive economic development. We’re fortunate that not only does Midco provide best-in-class products and services but also continually sets an example of how to give back to our community.”
Here’s a closer look at the business, courtesy of Ben Dold.
Business name: Midco
Year founded: 1931
Year operations began in Sioux Falls: 1931, the year our founders opened the Welworth Theaters Company
Total employees in the Sioux Falls area: 750
CEO/lead executive in Sioux Falls: Ben Dold, president and chief operating officer
How would you describe your organization to someone not familiar with it?
We offer best-in-class internet, TV and phone services backed by our award-winning fiber network, and our new mobile product will fully launch next year.
What are the top three reasons you continue to locate in the Sioux Falls area?
- People: We love serving our customers in Sioux Falls and believe in hiring our Midco team members from the communities we serve. Our hardworking, dedicated and professional Sioux Falls team members work in a variety of roles from field technician positions and customer care to analysts and engineers.
- Business climate: Midco has successfully evolved its product offerings across entertainment, radio, television, fiber internet and beyond because of the business-friendly environment in Sioux Falls. A city that encourages innovation, creativity and development is the perfect fit for Midco.
- Legacy: Nearly 100 years ago, Midco’s founders launched a company that dedicated itself to improving the lives of its customers. We believe in honoring that legacy by being a “Force for Good” in everything that we do in Sioux Falls. Our community impact includes more than $6 million in grants from the Midco Foundation, thousands of hours in team-member volunteering through Midco ACTS, community sponsorships, free public service announcements for nonprofits and more.
What are you most proud of within your business in the past year?
We’re incredibly proud of the continued investment in our fiber network, including significant upgrades right here in Sioux Falls. A robust and reliable internet connection is crucial for customers in today’s digital economy, and Midco’s investments aim to provide this for Sioux Falls homes and businesses. But don’t take our word for it — according to Ookla speed tests for Q1 and Q2 2025, Midco has the most responsive internet speeds and fastest upload speeds in Sioux Falls, and we’re confident the Q3-Q4 test results will show the same. We’re also thrilled that Midco Mobile, a cellular service that seamlessly combines reliability, affordability and our friendly customer service, will be available to our Sioux Falls customers soon!
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your business?
We heard from our customers that they want to receive more services from our trusted brand. To answer this call in an era of telecommunications convergence, Midco is launching Midco Mobile, a cellular product that will join our already trusted fiber internet, phone and TV product lineup. Midco Mobile will fully launch in 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited.
How would you describe the culture of your business in three words?
Energetic, friendly, helpful.
Why does your business choose to invest in Forward Sioux Falls?
Just as we have done throughout our history, Midco invests in people. Our participation in Forward Sioux Falls is an investment in the future jobs, infrastructure and technology that will help families in our growing city thrive.
What specific advantages or values have you found to partnering with Forward Sioux Falls and its programs?
The Forward Sioux Falls IX leadership noted that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” When the Sioux Falls economy thrives, Midco shares in that prosperity. The growth championed by Forward Sioux Falls expands our customer base, adds to our talent acquisition pool and improves the quality of life for our team members.
What are your expectations for your business in the year ahead?
Midco is excited to expand and grow its services in the Sioux Falls area by prioritizing:
- Fiber Forward: A $500 million investment in network expansion and upgrades resulting in multi-gigabit internet speeds for Sioux Falls customers.
- Midco Mobile: A straightforward, reliable and affordable mobile product for our internet customers.
- Customer service: Excellence in every customer encounter, from our incredible field team’s construction and installation services to our 24/7 Customer Care support. This priority is backed by our 12-point Midco Customer Commitment that outlines our high standards for network reliability, price transparency and customer service.
Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and is widely respected as the premier economic driver for the Sioux Falls region. To learn more and connect, click here.