On Tuesday, May 25, FCC Chairman Powell, FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, South Dakota Governor Michael Rounds, and several representatives of wireless Internet service providers (WISP) discussed how small, entrepreneurial WISPs are serving rural communities and using wireless broadband services to bring opportunities for greater economic development. There were also discussions of how the challenges in serving rural communities can be overcome.

The presentation was also attended by representatives of the Public Utilities Commission, local government, Chamber of Commerce, the tech sector and other Internet service providers, including cable and DSL services providers, and FCC staff.

The event was held at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Some photos are posted below:

FCC Chairman Michael Powel and South Dakota Governor Michael Rounds.

FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein; Bob Sahr, Chairman, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission; South Dakota Governor Michael Rounds; Joel Brink, Technical Director, Sioux Valley Wireless.

Matt Larson, Managing Partner Skybeam.net, Inc.; South Dakota Governor Michael Rounds; Michael Anderson, Chairman of Part-15.org and CIO of PDQLink.

Michael Anderson, Chairman of Part-15.org and CIO of PDQLink; FCC Chairman Michael Powel; Matt Larson, Managing Partner Skybeam.net, Inc.; Joel Brink, Technical Director for Sioux Valley Wireless.