CEO’S MESSAGE
Earlier this year I was drawn for a bull elk tag in Wyoming, just a year after getting a oncein-a-lifetime moose tag in North Dakota. I’ve hunted my whole life but have to admit that these tags made me giddy. I know not everyone gets opportunities like these, and I wanted to make the most of them.
A successful hunt takes patience, good scouting, an understanding of the animal’s behavior, and the help of others. There were many, many people – family, friends, friends of friends – who played a role in these hunting experiences and very few of them were out in the field with me.
I see similarities between these hunts and the broadband “game.”
• Patience in the hunt begins as you wait to be drawn for a tag and extends all the way through the hunt. In broadband, patience often means waiting for new technology to develop or for the ground to thaw so new fiber optics can be laid.
• Scouting helps set you up for a successful hunt but doesn’t guarantee it. The same goes for research and preparation in our industry. Doing the groundwork ensures that when opportunity knocks, you’re ready to act.
THE IMPACT OF AI DATA CENTERS
AI or “hyperscale” data centers are making headlines in North Dakota and for good reason. These massive facilities don’t just power artificial intelligence, they reshape connectivity and create ripple effects for businesses and communities statewide.
In our last issue of Connections, we discussed the different types of data centers, including their needs for space, power, and cooling. But what are their connectivity needs and how could that impact businesses in North Dakota?
Let’s start with some background on connectivity in our state. As you’ve probably heard DCN say, historically, DCN and our Owner companies have collectively invested $100 million a year to extend the fiber optic infrastructure into every corner of North Dakota. That investment is critical because it’s already in place so we can leverage it to meet the next wave of bandwidth needs.
Remember when 1 gig was big news? Then it was 10 gig. It didn’t take long for that to grow exponentially and now we’re taking about hundreds – plural – of gigs. In fact, DCN is turning up our first 400 gig connection between North Dakota and Minneapolis where hyperscalers need to connect. DCN has the ability to sell and install multiple 400 gig wavelengths to Minneapolis as well as other major data center markets like Omaha, Denver, Cheyenne, and Seattle.
For AI data centers, there are two big issues: latency and capacity. Latency must be low – under six milliseconds – and capacity must be high, 100+ terabits per second.
Being able to fill these enormous demands has a positive trickledown effect for everyone. Whether it’s at your business or at home, your connected experience is going to improve because the performance of your broadband will be better.
What does this mean for you?
You may be thinking, “Oh really? Well there’s no data center near me so why should I care?” Or maybe you are near a data center and are wondering how this will impact your business. Both are reasonable questions.
From a connectivity perspective, these data centers and the broadband infrastructure needed to support them is a major
CEO’S MESSAGE, con’t from page 1
• Understanding behavior helps you anticipate how an animal might react to a noise or change in the weather. Similarly, understanding market behavior helps us anticipate customer needs and weigh the risks and rewards of innovation.
In a way, North Dakota has been drawn in the AI data center lottery, but that doesn’t guarantee success. There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done if the hunt is going to be successful.
At DCN, we’re helping North Dakotans understand what the data center industry could mean to our state’s future. I believe that we are on the cusp of something that is going to make North Dakota an even better place to live, work, and do business and it’s exciting to be part of it.
Part of our groundwork is having a strong team. Many of you know Jesse Heck, who has served in multiple roles at DCN over the past 25 years. His leadership, commitment, and expertise have earned him the title of Chief Operating Officer. We’re also proud to have received recognition as individuals and an organization on statewide and national levels. And with several talented new team members on board, we continue to strengthen our values of reliability, responsiveness, and relationships. We have much to be grateful for.
If you’re wondering, yes, both hunts were successful. Yes, I had to buy another deep freeze. And yes, my family and friends have received (and will continue to receive) meat as gifts. While I don’t come bearing elk or moose for you, I do wish you all the best this holiday season and a wonderful 2026!
DATA CENTERS HAVE BIG POTENTIAL
benefit for ALL businesses in North Dakota because your internet is going to perform better on the backs of these data centers. You’ll be able to process transactions faster. If you’re researching a project, your internet searches will come back quicker. If you’re uploading and downloading files, the processing time will shrink.
Remember when Netflix came out and it seemed like you waited forever for it to load your favorite movie? Once Netflix began storing data in North Dakota, that wait disappeared. The data was physically closer to you so it didn’t take as long to be sent to you. By processing in an AI data center in North Dakota, the data “lives” closer to you and doesn’t have as far to travel. It’s like living down the block from the pizza delivery place – you place your order (submit a query or process a transaction) and it’s delivered to you faster because it doesn’t have far to go.
On a personal level, we stand to benefit as well, and not just because ChatGPT will generate responses quicker. AI has become so integrated into our work and lives that we don’t even notice it. It’s easy to forget that things like autocorrect in MS Office, online shopping suggestions, and voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri are all powered by AI.
While the investment is hundreds of millions of dollars, DCN and its Owner companies are committed to building the connectivity that powers innovation while keeping services affordable and accessible.
These are pivotal times, and North Dakota is positioned to be a leader in the era of AI. As AI data centers take root, so will opportunities for businesses, communities, and individuals across the state. Whether you’re running a business or streaming at home, DCN is working to ensure North Dakota is ready for tomorrow’s digital demands, keeping us connected, competitive, and ready for what’s next.
DCN RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONNECTIVITY
HECK NAMED COO
Jesse Heck has been named the Chief Operating Officer at DCN.
Dakota Carrier Network has been recognized as the Connectbase Most Valuable Provider (Regional), for its leadership and innovation in using the platform to enhance network operations, collaboration, and service delivery. Cora Schlinger, DCN network design specialist whose work laid a solid foundation for implementation of the system, accepted the award at the Connectbase Customer Summit in Chicago.
DCN utilizes Connectbase’s Connected Infrastructure Management (CIM) system to document network assets that power its carrier Ethernet, cloud, data center, dedicated internet, private line, and wavelength solutions. The detailed circuit records generated within CIM are shared with DCN’s customers and Owner companies and serve as essential resources for the Network Operations Center during service activations and troubleshooting. In addition, DCN leverages CIM for trouble ticketing, outage management, and maintenance notifications.
“This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to operational excellence and customer service,” said Seth Arndorfer, CEO of DCN. “By integrating Connectbase technology, DCN continues to deliver reliable, highperformance connectivity that supports North Dakota’s businesses and critical infrastructure.”
WALKER RECEIVES AWARDS
Troy Walker, DCN director of sales and marketing, was honored with two awards at the 2025 CyberCon event in Bismarck.
The Technology Council of North Dakota (TechND) recognized Walker for dedication and leadership with the non-profit group. He has been part of TechND for more than two decades and was the 2023-24 president.
Walker was also inducted into the CyberCon Hall of Fame as a founding member. Along with nine others, he was recognized for his support over the years that has helped shape the conference into a premier cybersecurity and critical infrastructure event. Walker served as chairman in 2023 and is the strategic planning committee lead.
Heck has been at DCN for 25 years. He joined the team in 2000 as a network technician. He also served as a network provisioner prior to moving into a leadership role in 2011 when he was named Director of Operations.
As COO, Heck plans, directs, and oversees activities related to outside plant, network operations, engineering, facilities, software development, and information technology. A member of the executive team, he collaborates in the planning and formulation of organization policies and workplans and is responsible for developing a capital expenditure budget. Heck oversees and coordinates business development activities, reports network performance statistics to the CEO and Board of Governors, and leads quarterly meetings for the technical staff of Owner companies.
“Jesse has been integral to the growth of DCN,” says Seth Arndorfer, CEO of DCN. “His career has evolved through the technical side of the company, and he knows DCN’s network and technology inside and out. He’s successful as a leader because he has walked in those shoes and understands the challenges his team faces. This promotion is a natural next step for him and DCN is fortunate to have Jesse on our team.”
“Troy is an outstanding leader, not only at DCN, but also in the greater community,” says DCN CEO Seth Arndorfer. “He is always very thoughtful and strategic with his insights, and when he commits to an organization, he gives nothing less than 100 percent.”
Heck earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Mary. Corner to corner connectivity
TEAMS GROW IN BISMARCK, FARGO
Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) has hired two new team members and one has changed status.
Cole Hardy is the new systems administrator based at DCN’s Bismarck facility. In this role, he supports the technical needs of the DCN team. This includes installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware, software, networks, printers, and scanners; diagnosing and solving technical issues; and scheduling and performing IT maintenance and upgrades. Hardy earned an A.S. in computer science and cybersecurity from Bismarck State College and a B.S. in computer science from the University of North Dakota. He previously worked in IT technician positions at manufacturing and technology companies.
Landyn Meidinger, who started the summer as an intern, has shifted employment status to a fulltime employee in the role of application analyst. The application analyst installs, implements, administers, and supports software and creates statistical reports. He earned an A.A.S. in cybersecurity and networking from Bismarck State College and is in DCN’s Bismarck Network Operations Center.
Eric Palm has been hired as a sales support representative in the Fargo office. In this role he provides support for the sales team in Fargo and Bismarck, preparing paperwork for new and existing customers’ broadband needs, monitoring pending service orders, maintaining records, and processing billing summaries. Palm has previous experience as an inside sales specialist for a building products company as well as a marketing assistant at a technology company. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from North Dakota State University.
