While many of you know all about Video on Demand (VOD), there are some who are just getting acquainted with the service. In last month’s Cooperatively Speaking column, we talked about what VOD is and how it works. VOD service is available to all members who subscribe to ITC’s Best Seat Digital TV. Hopefully, you have had a chance to check out VOD on your TV at home.

One thing new about VOD is that we have recently started broadcasting Church services. We currently have 12 Churches broadcasting their services. A major benefit of these programs being available on VOD is that you can watch your Church service when you want and as often as you want, free of charge. No more having to be home on a certain day at a set time.

While you are catching up on your Church services, be sure to check out some of the programs the schools are putting on VOD. The school broadcasts just started so hopefully there will continue to be more content available this year and next!

If you are not sure how to watch a program on VOD, there are how-to instructions on the ITC website at www.itc-web.com. Go to the bottom of the front page of the website and look for the purple button, like the one pictured here. Next, select your remote and then the instructions will follow. The other option is to look for the Video on Demand button on your remote and play around with it to get more familiar.

The Church services can be viewed just like you would a movie, you can pause, rewind, and fast forward them. When you click on Movies, look for Church services folder. There will be a folder for each town that broadcasts services. Once you locate your Church service, you can watch one or a month’s worth of services all in one afternoon!

You will find many free programs like the Church services on your VOD service. You will also find programs to rent. You can watch TV series, movies, documentaries, and more. It is certainly worth checking it out. No more worries about running out to return videos. You can enjoy VOD programming right in your living room.

Church Services On VOD

Bell Ringer Volume 50, No 1 Clear Lake, South Dakota 57226 May 2016

SDTA Offers Two $1,500 ScholarshipsThe South Dakota Telecommunications Association (SDTA) has announced that it will award two $1,500 SDTA Memorial Scholarships for the 2016 fall semester.

The SDTA Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to students who have completed at least two semesters of a multi-year program at any of South Dakota’s accredited technical schools or two semesters at any other accredited post-secondary higher education institution in South Dakota. Applicants that attend a post-secondary higher education institution must be majoring in a program with technical skills or a field of study that is particularly useful for work in the telecommunications or broadband industry. The applicant must be a member/customer or have parents that are member/customers of an SDTA member company.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 31, 2016. Applications are available from any South Dakota post-secondary institution student financial aid office, the SDTA office (605-224-7629 or info@sdtaonline.com) or any SDTA member company. The scholarship can also be completed online at http://sdtaonline.com/resources/sdta-scholarship/.

Video on Demand(VOD)

Simple, Honest, Clear

By Jerry Heiberger, General Manager

Federal Universal Service Update

312 Fourth St W PO Box 920

Clear Lake, SD 57226-0920http://itc-web.com

1-800-417-8667

* Published monthly for $.25 * Periodicals postage paid at Clear Lake, SD

Bell Ringer

Postmaster: Send address changes to:

Interstate Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc.

P.O. Box 920Clear Lake, SD 57226-0920

(USPS # 155-720)

Kathy Weitala, Editor

“Universal Service” is a long-standing United States (U.S.) policy supporting the goal that all Americans have access to reasonably comparable and affordable communications services. The Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) has existed for decades. It has played a crucial role in making affordable telephone services available everywhere, even in remote, high-cost rural service areas throughout the U.S. Generally, the USF has accomplished this through a number of different support mechanisms (the High Cost Program, Lifeline Program, School and Libraries Program, and Rural Healthcare Program). All of these programs have been and continue to be vital in ensuring that all of us as individuals and our local communities have access to essential communications services.

The Universal Service Fund is supported through contributions from end-user customers and service providers, like ITC. This support is based on assessments managed by the federal “Universal Service Administrative Company” on all providers of telecommunications services that are specifically tied to interstate and international end-user revenues. Examples of entities that contribute to the USF are telecommunications carriers, including wireline and wireless companies, and cable companies that provide telephone voice services, and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers.

While the current USF system has worked well, in this age of broadband, changes were needed and have in the past month been made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC appropriately recognizes that high-speed Internet or broadband service is essential for consumers in the 21st century. With that in mind, the FCC has now issued a reform order which substantially modifies the High Cost Program within the USF as it applies to rural telecommunications companies like ITC. The High Cost Program fund for rural carrier service areas will now be more centrally focused on supporting broadband services, rather than plain old telephone service. The program should work to directly support investment in and the operation of high speed broadband facilities. We are hopeful that final implementation of the reforms, which have been under consideration by the FCC for a number of years, will bring greater regulatory certainty. These reforms will work to minimize the financial risks that are faced by cooperatives like ITC in making long-term network investments.

The FCC plan will first help by giving us two different options under which we can receive high cost support. One option is to stay with funding mechanisms similar to those used currently which determine support amounts annually based on actual costs. The second option is instead, to elect to receive a set amount of support per year under a ten year cost model (the “Alternative Connect America Cost Model - A-CAM”). ITC will carefully analyze both options and select the one that will best position our Cooperative to accomplish the goal of providing 100% of our service area with fiber technology and services for the future.

These USF monies will help ITC to secure a new Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loan for Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) construction throughout the next five years (2017-2021). The last of our current RUS loan dollars will be used for two major fiber projects this season. Contractor Anderson Underground, Inc., will be installing FTTH in Goodwin town and rural areas, and in rural Willow Lake. The contractor, MasTec North America, will be installing FTTH to the towns of Astoria, Brandt, and Toronto. They will also be installing FTTH to the towns of Chester, Nunda, Sinai, and Wentworth. It’s going to be a busy season.

This new reform order has for some time been very necessary and should enable continued strong broadband investment by the rural carrier industry in South Dakota and Minnesota. We appreciate the help and support of our State and National organizations for their effective advocacy at the FCC while all these reforms were being developed and debated. I would like to personally thank the staff at the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), the South Dakota Telecommunications Association (SDTA) and the Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA). The staff at these organizations has worked hard to protect our collective interests. They say change is inevitable. In this case, it is a good thing that decisions have finally been made opening the door to a more certain future.

Have a great spring and summer and please watch out for construction workers!

If you are interested in an ITC Director position, it’s not too late. ITC will be holding director elections in several of our districts.

A Notice of Election will be sent to members in the districts listed below on May 16, 2016. After the 16th, anyone seeking a nomination petition can pick one up at the office in Clear Lake. Petitions must be filed on or before June 9. Ballots and bios will be mailed on June 20 and are due back by July 8.

An election meeting will be held in Clear Lake on July 8 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for members to cast their ballots in person. If you have questions, call Todd Morris at 1.800.417.8667.District 4: Brookings, Elkton District 7: Clark District 8: Bradley, Florence, Waubay, WebsterDistrict 9: Revillo, South Shore, Stockholm-Strandburg, Milbank

DirectorElections

Update

ITC is pleased to introduce you to Holly Stormo. Holly grew up in Watertown, South Dakota. She moved to Clear Lake when she accepted her job as Marketing Communications Specialist ten years ago. Holly graduated from Minnesota State Moorhead with a Business Administration degree.

Some of Holly’s day-to-day duties include managing the Community Access Channels (COAC), maintaining the website, and organizing and attending public relations events. She is also the voice of Cooperatively Speaking, both in her Bell Ringer column (see right) and on the radio. Along with PR, one of Holly’s favorite

duties is teaching ITC University classes. She helps ITC members learn more about security and programs such as Facebook and Pinterest. Holly is working on a genealogy class for next fall.

On a more humorous note, Holly recalls having to wash the Marketing car by hand on one of her first days of work. She said, “I wondered if it was because I was the new girl?”

When asked what she likes best about the Coop, Holly said the friendly and caring people. Her favorite ITC service is Whole Home DVR. She says, “With kids, you never get to watch your TV shows in real time!”

Holly stays busy in the Clear Lake community. She is a member of the Clear Lake Community Club and is on the Board of Education at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She also belongs to Kiwanis.

Holly and her husband Matt have two children. Spending time with family is a priority for both of them. In her spare time, Holly enjoys camping and shopping.

One thing you might not know about Holly is she does the voice for many of our ITC radio ads! Tune in to any of your local stations and you might just hear her!

Simple, Honest, ClearBy Holly Stormo,

Marketing Communications Specialist Federal Universal Service Update

CooperativelySpeaking

By Holly Stormo

Marketing

Communications

Specialist

InstagramLaunched in 2010, Instagram is a community of 300 million plus people who share the world’s moments. Essentially, Instagram is a fun app and website which people use to share photos and short videos with friends. There are over 60 million pictures shared every day!

With Instagram, you can follow your friends as well as brands, celebrities, businesses, etc. There is a news feed to see what all of your followers are up to. Just like Facebook, you can “like” and comment on the photos posted.

When post ing photos, Instagram has different filters and tools you can use to edit your pictures. You can turn them a different color or crop them. Use your creativity.

Instagram is a great way to share your life with your friends by visual storytelling. Check it out by going to Instagram in the app store. It is a free a p p , s o download it today!

The Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP) is for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-impaired with difficulty communicating over the phone. To be eligible for the equipment from this program, you must be a South Dakota resident, have difficulty communicating on the phone due to hearing/speech impairments, and have existing phone service in your home.

Special equipment, making it possible to talk on the phone, is available at no cost through the TEDP. They stock phones that offer speakerphone with volume adjustments, volume amplifier, large visual display, oversized and lighted dial buttons,

hearing aid compatible phones, visual ringer alert or adjustable loud ringer, sound frequency clarifying adjustment, and tone adjustment.

To apply, visit relaysd.com/tedp, email at TEDP@c-s-d.org, or call the Sioux Falls office at 1.866.246.5759 V/TTY. Additional Minnesota information will be coming your way at a later date.

Program-SD

South Dakota Relay ServiceIf you require assistance using the telephone system due to a hearing or speech impairment, or need to communicate with someone who has such an impairment, contact the Communication Service for the Deaf. They are equipped with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDDs) and provide the service. For more information on Voice Carry-over and Hearing Carry-over services call 1.800.642.6410. To contact and use the USA Relay for call processing, call 711 or 1.800.877.1113.

South Dakota (or Minnesota residents) can get more information by going to page seven of your 2016 ITC Phone Book. Watch for Minnesota information at a later date.

Programs For Deaf, Hearing Or Speech Impaired

The ITC offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day. Have a safe holiday!

Bills are mailed on the first of each month, and payment is due on the 19th of that month, unless otherwise indicated on the “Due Date” portion of your statement. Prompt payment is required. NO PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE GRANTED.

586, 629, 693, 794,795, 826, 832, 873,874, 876.June 9 ---------------------- Disconnect dayfor the following prefixes: 345, 432, 438, 532, 623, 625, 628, 676, 756, 758, 783, 784, 785, 793, 947.

When sending payment to ITC , customers should return the TOP portion of the bill that says, “PLEASE TEAR ALONG PERFORATION AND REMIT WITH PAYMENT.”

Remit Top Portion Of Bill With Payment

Important Dates

Apr 29--------------------Bills mailed from ITCMay 19 -------------------------Payment dueMay 19 ----------------- Final notices mailedJune 7 -----------------------Disconnect dayfor the following prefixes: 272, 275, 277, 368, 479, 483, 489, 542, 548,

Periodical Postage Paid At Clear Lake, South Dakota 57226

I’ll admit that some of the outdoor winter activities and hobbies I’ve picked up over the years have brought me some great memories. I will likely continue enjoying these activities for years to come. However, I’d venture to guess that like myself, most of you would much prefer outdoor activities when the weather is nice. Now that our snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing seasons are well behind us for another year, it’s time to focus on our favorite fair weather outdoor activities.

Of course along with the nicer weather, spring and summer tend to usher in the occasional lightning storm. By nature, lightning bolts find the path of least resistance from the cloud to the ground. Our houses are filled with many potential routes for these strikes to find their destination. That often means that our household electronics are in the way. Devices such as computers, TV’s, and printers are made with delicate components. These components are susceptible to damage, sometimes by even a slight voltage surge. Depending on your policy, your homeowner’s insurance may or may not cover the loss from these types of damages. So what can we do to defend our sensitive components from these surges?

Pull The Plug Unplugging computers and other devices naturally provides the ultimate protection. It may be the case that you’re not home when a storm rolls in. If you hear of even the slightest chance for a thunderstorm in your area, remember to unplug your devices before you leave the house.

Surge ProtectorSurge protectors are highly recommended (if not a must have) as an added layer of protection for electronic equipment. These come in a broad range of styles and variations to suit each individual need. When shopping for a quality surge protector, one thing to verify is that it comes with a warranty that will cover lightning strikes as some do not. A common mistake people often make is to substitute a regular power strip for a surge protector. They think the power strip will provide adequate protection. While the two are somewhat similar in appearance, the problem is that power strips typically offer little, if any surge protection.

Back Up Personal Data Among the list of prone electrical components of course, are our computers. Routinely backing up your data is always a recommended suggestion. In the event of a voltage surge or hardware failure, even for unrelated reasons, the last thing you want to worry about is how to recover your important or memorable documents. If you’re not already, now would be the perfect time to start backing up this data regularly.

Pay close attention to the threat of lightning during the season, and keep yourselves, your family, and your equipment safe!

Internet 911

By Lonny Dockendorf, Internet Systems Technician

Kindergarten Cop 2: © 2015 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Star Wars The Force Awakens: © 2016 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. The 5th Wave: © 2016 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and LSC Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. The Choice: © 2016 Lions Gate Films Inc. All Rights Reserved. Zoolander 2: © 2015 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights Reserved.