Message from the CEO

October is always a special one here at BEK. It’s National Co-Op Month, and everyone here at BEK is reflecting on the unique mission and values that set cooperatives apart. For us, this month is more than a celebration; it is a reminder of our responsibility to serve our members and communities with excellence, innovation, and care.

This month, we’re proud to announce significant increases in BEK Fiber internet speeds, delivered automatically, at no extra cost to you. These upgrades ensure our members have access to state-of-the-art technology that keeps families, farms, businesses, and entire communities connected to what matters most. And for our top-tier plans, members and customers will now enjoy symmetric speeds - equal upload and download performance - for a faster, more seamless online experience.

We know that in today’s world, reliable high-speed internet is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. From students completing homework, to families streaming entertainment, to small businesses competing globally, fiber internet powers daily life. By doubling and even tripling speeds across our service areas, BEK is ensuring that you and your community are not left behind but instead equipped with the tools to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Think about how much has changed in just the past decade. Ten years ago, television mostly came through cable or satellite. Today, nearly all of it is delivered through streaming, and that requires far greater bandwidth. Gaming, once confined to consoles, now demands lightning-fast graphics, smooth gameplay, and minimal latency, where a quick reaction time is the difference between winning or losing. And even those who believe they “only use the internet a little”, like social media, for example, are actually streaming content daily, whether it’s videos, live feeds, or TV clips. The demand is there, and BEK always delivers on our customers’ demands. That’s why we offer BEK Fiber as your internet solution. There literally is no greater internet product available for speed, security and reliability than fiber internet. If you’re experiencing issues with your BEK Fiber, chances are it’s not your connection. Please call us so that we can quickly pinpoint what’s getting in the way.

Our commitment to providing the best in technology extends beyond internet connections. We’re proud to offer a host of communication products that suit your home and business, and we make it a point to continually improve them. For example, this month we are featuring a powerful new tool available at no charge to schools already using BEK Surveillance cameras. Developed through partnerships with Axis Communications and Anava, this cutting-edge technology enhances safety by enabling existing cameras to detect weapons or suspicious activity, coordinate lockdowns, deliver live talkdowns, and even place direct 911 calls. It’s another way BEK is working to protect what matters most, our children and staff while in school.

At BEK, our mission has always been about more than providing technology; it’s about caring for our communities. Whether through sponsorships, partnerships, or infrastructure investments, every decision we make comes back to one principle: members serving members. The new speed upgrades and school safety enhancements are just two more examples of that principle in action, giving you more value, more capability, and more opportunity without raising costs.

As we celebrate National Co-Op Month, I want to thank you for being a member and/or customer of BEK Communications Cooperative. Together, we are building stronger, smarter, and more connected communities across North Dakota.