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DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2004
CONTACT: SUE SCHAEFER (605) 773-3201

DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2004
CONTACT: SUE SCHAEFER (605) 773-3201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 15, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Hibbeler, (605) 773-3201

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and Cellular One®
celebrate enhanced cell phone coverage in Parkston

The South Dakota PUC and Cellular One® will be in Parkston, South Dakota on November 30, 2004, to celebrate the enhancement of cellular coverage. The Parkston meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Papa B's Steakhouse and Lounge.

"Residents of Parkston have good reason to celebrate," says PUC Chairman Bob Sahr. "It was just within this past year that residents came to the Commission asking for help in securing better service. We are very pleased to see that through hard work and attentive local providers, this community has been rewarded with a new tower."

"As a result of the PUC's leadership in eliminating some of the barriers of providing wireless services in rural South Dakota, Cellular One has been able to continue the expansion of its wireless network to serve rural consumers, with Parkston as the latest beneficiaries," said Gene DeJordy, vice president of regulatory affairs at Cellular One.

Commission Vice Chairman Gary Hanson pointed out that, "Cell phones have become a necessity of life for health, safety and economic development as well as an important aid to families' quality of life." Hanson stated that, "the PUC is continually working towards more successful development of wireless infrastructure across the state."

"It is a pleasure to participate in launching improved cellular service to another South Dakota community," offered Commissioner Jim Burg. "Modern cell service will assure safety for the community and enhance the economic opportunities we are all seeking."

The Parkston celebration will be held at Papa B's Steakhouse and Lounge, 714 West Maple Street, Parkston. Refreshments will be offered at the event. The public is encouraged to join in this "Cell" ebration.

For additional information, please feel free to contact the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-332-1782, or Cellular One at 605-360-8844.

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