FAQS

1. Pull the power cord from the back of the router and wait 30 seconds.
2. After 30 seconds, plug back in the power cord.
3. Wait for the router to go through its startup procedure.
4. Restart your computer and try to connect to the internet.

Click on the accounts tab at the top
Click Email button

Enter your email address, password and display name
Check the box that says “Make this my default email account”
Check the box that says, “Manually configure server settings”, and click next

Server type is POP
Enter Incoming server address mail.daktel.com, Port 110
Enter Outgoing server address smtp.daktel.com, Port 25
Authenticate using: Clear text
Logon user name is your email address

Click next and finish!

We know how important it is to have access to your email at all times! However, there are a few things to consider when setting up an email account on smart phones or other mobile devices:

1. How would you like to manage your account and where would you like to store your messages?
2. Storage limits, 100 Mb for a standard Dakota Central email account.
3. How many devices will you be checking your email on.

To set up email on Apple Devices:
From the iPhone or iPad home screen, tap Settings
Tap Mail, Contacts, Calendars, then Add Account.
Tap Other.
Tap Add Mail Account.
Enter Name, Daktel.com email address, Password, and Description, then tap Next or Save.
Tap POP or IMAP.
Under Incoming Mail Server, enter the incoming mail server settings, user name, and password.
Host Name- mail.daktel.com
Username- your full email address (ex. [email protected])
Password- your Daktel.com email password
Under Outgoing Mail Server, enter the outgoing mail server settings, user name and password.
Host Name- smtp.daktel.com
Username- your full email address (ex. [email protected])
Password- your Daktel.com email password
Tap Save.

For email on other Smartphones and devices:
The email application on your smartphone will need the following settings to be set up correctly:
* Your email address and password
* Your Username is your full email address (i.e. [email protected])
* Incoming email server: mail.daktel.com
* Outgoing email server: smtp.daktel.com
* Authentication is required for the outgoing mail server.

Types of Setup:
IMAP
IMAP Configuration is preferred when multiple devices are used to access the same email account because messages remain on the server until deleted or moved to a local folder. If you set up your smartphone using IMAP, be sure that all other devices are also configured for IMAP to avoid any unwanted email experiences.

POP3
Although not recommended for smartphones, POP3 configuration may be used when a single device is used to access the email account because messages are downloaded from the server and will stay on the device until deleted. No other device or computer will be able to view or download messages from an account that has been configured as a POP3. Be sure you have sufficient storage on your phone or device for the messages you will be storing.

Please remember when you set frequency to fetch new data, that the more often you check, the more battery you’ll consume. For assistance in setting up your email accounts, please call 1.800.771.0974 and ask for the Helpdesk!

Are you having trouble connecting to the Internet through a network in your home? Try these tips to troubleshoot Internet connection problems on a wireless or wired home network.

1. Check your network connections and make sure your cable connections are set up correctly.

• Wired connections to the router: If you are connecting through a wired network, make sure the computer connects into the router. The computer’s Ethernet port should connect to one of the numbered ports on the router (1, 2, 3, or 4). Use a standard Ethernet cable (straight-through not crossover cable).
• Wireless connections to the router: If you are connecting through a built-in wireless adapter, verify that it is on and enabled. If you are connecting through a wireless network, make sure the Wireless USB adapter is not loose where it connects into your computer. Additionally, you need to install the adapter’s software (drivers) before using it.

2. Restart your equipment in the following order:

• Unplug the power to your modem or switch (if you have one) for 30 seconds and wait another 30 seconds before continuing to the next step.

• Unplug the power to your router for 30 seconds and wait another 30 seconds before continuing to the next step.
• Restart your computer.

After restarting equipment, check for an Internet Connection. If you are still unable to access the Internet, please call the helpdesk for further troubleshooting.

Click below to get remote support from one of our team members!

GET STARTED!

Phishing emails are fraudulent emails that are designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial data, or personal details. These emails often look like they come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a social media platform, but they are sent by cybercriminals with the goal of stealing personal information or money.

Phishing emails often use social engineering tactics to persuade recipients to act, such as clicking on a link, downloading an attachment, or providing personal information. They may create a sense of urgency or use a threatening tone to convince the recipient to act quickly. They may include links to fake websites or attachments that contain malicious software. These emails can be very convincing and sophisticated, so it’s important to be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself from them.

To avoid falling victim to phishing emails, it’s important to be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or emails that seem suspicious. Look for red flags such as poor grammar, spelling errors, and unusual requests. Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources and be wary of emails that ask you to provide personal information. Always verify the authenticity of an email by checking the sender’s email address, hovering over any links to see the destination URL, and contacting the organization directly through a trusted channel, such as their official website or customer service phone number.

In the case that you do open a malicious email and click the links, it is important to change all passwords and monitor your accounts for strange activity. When changing your password, we recommend using at least 16 characters with upper/lower case letters and at least one symbol. An easier way to come up with a password that is long enough is by using a sentence instead of a single word. By using a passphrase instead of a password, not only will it be easier for you to remember, but it will also be more difficult for someone to hack into your account. If you notice that money has been taken from an account, it is also important to contact your bank immediately. When the bank is notified of fraudulent activity within 24 hours, you are more likely to get your money back. These emails can be worrisome, but remember, when in doubt about suspicious email, the delete button is your best friend!

To avoid falling victim to phishing emails, it’s important to:

– Be wary of emails that ask you to provide personal or sensitive information.

– Verify the authenticity of the email by checking the sender’s address, looking for spelling or grammatical errors, and examining any links or attachments carefully.

– Never click on links or download attachments from emails unless you are absolutely sure they are legitimate.

– Use a reputable antivirus program and keep it up to date.

– Use a unique, strong password for each of your accounts. We recommend using a passphrase instead of a password.

– Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

– Educate yourself and your family members about the risks of phishing scams and how to avoid them.

Below is the PowerPoint presentation from our Phishing 101 community class we held earlier this year. Keep an eye out for more classes coming up!

Explaining Endpoint Security

In today’s digital age, where organizations rely heavily on technology and remote work has become the norm, protecting your data and network has never been more crucial. Endpoint security is a vital component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Let’s dig into what endpoint security is and why it’s so important for safeguarding your business.

First Things First, What is “Endpoint Security”?

Endpoint security, also known as endpoint protection, refers to the practice of securing individual devices, or “endpoints,” within a network. These endpoints can include computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices that connect to your network. Endpoint security focuses on protecting these devices from a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.

Key Components of Endpoint Security Include: 

Antivirus and Antimalware Software: This software is designed to detect and remove malicious software, such as viruses, Trojans, and spyware, that could infect endpoints. 

Firewalls: Firewalls help filter incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and protect against cyber threats.

Encryption: Encryption secures data on endpoints and during transmission, ensuring that even if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.

Patch Management: Keeping software and operating systems up to date is critical to closing vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR solutions monitor endpoints for suspicious activities, providing real-time threat detection and response capabilities.

Why is Endpoint Security Important?

Endpoint security is vital for several reasons: 

Protection Against Evolving Treats: Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Malware and cyberattacks become more sophisticated with each passing day. Endpoint security helps detect and thwart these evolving threats, safeguarding your network and data.

Data Security: Endpoints often store sensitive and confidential data. Without proper security measures, this data is at risk of being stolen or compromised. Endpoint security ensures that your data remains safe and protected.

Remote Work Security: In the era of remote work, employees access company networks from various devices and locations. Endpoint security is essential to maintain a secure connection and protect corporate assets.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Many industries have strict compliance requirements regarding data protection. Endpoint security helps organizations meet these standards, avoiding costly penalties and reputation damage.

Business Continuity: A successful cyberattack can disrupt your business operations, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Endpoint security minimizes this risk and ensures business continuity.

Cost Savings: Investing in endpoint security is cost-effective in the long run. Preventing a security breach is often much more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of an attack, which can involve legal fees, fines, and reputation repair.

Endpoint security is a critical element of modern cybersecurity strategies. It safeguards individual devices, protecting against a wide range of threats and ensuring the security of your data and network. Given the ever-evolving threat landscape, the importance of robust endpoint security measures cannot be overstated. By implementing strong endpoint security practices, your organization can reduce the risk of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage, providing peace of mind and maintaining business continuity in an increasingly digital world. If you’re interested in learning how endpoint security can specifically benefit your business, contact us at 701-952-1000!

Let’s work together to make sure your business has the protection it needs from threats!

As with many things new, it takes some time to adjust! With our recently updated e-mail accounts, we wanted to share some best practices, tips and tricks for your daktel.com e-mail.

eScout Quarantine Digest- the message you are probably receiving daily or weekly from eScout is another word for your Spam Quarantine Summary you had receive previously. This shows all the messages that have been delivered to your spam filter instead of your inbox. Unless you need to find a specific message in your spam filter, you can disregard this message. To adjust your protection level, click on the subject of one of the messages in the summary to visit eScout, or go to “e-scout.daktel.com,” then click on “Settings” on the left menu. There are two sections that show up in the digest also shows the delivered messages, the “Suspected Spam” is your actual spam, and the “Delivered Messages” section shows messages that were sent through to your inbox. We understand this can be confusing, but hopefully it’s starting to make a little more sense!

Speaking of spam filtering, if you are getting promotional emails in your actual inbox, you might want to unsubscribe to help clean up your inbox.

Another thing you can do you ensure your account is secure is to make sure you have a strong password.

Tips for Creating a Secure Password:

• Longer = Stronger.
• Use a random sequence of words and/or letters.
• Add numbers to the base word to make it more secure.
• Use punctuation and symbols to complicate it further.
• Create complexity with upper and lowercase letters.
• Generate similar but altered passwords for each account, using similar base words.

If all else fails, please call our helpdesk at 652-3184 or 952-1000

Power outages causing issues with your internet or TV service? While there’s not always much we can do to avoid it, we can walk you through some tips to try and get things back up and running. You can also give us a call anytime- we’re here to help!

Our first advice is always to reboot- reboot- reboot! Which means unplugging from power and then plugging back in. If your internet isn’t working, reboot your router. If TV is the issue, reboot your TV boxes or Firestick (or other streaming device).

If that doesn’t do the trick, you can then remove the battery backup from your power supply, which is usually found in your utility room or where the Dakota Central equipment comes in your home. Here is a quick video tutorial on how to do that!

Make sure your Fire TV works with Dakota Central TV…

Dakota Central TV works on Amazon Fire TV 2nd Generation and newer:

• Fire TV 2nd Generation
• Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote
• Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote 2nd Generation
• Fire TV Stick 4K
• Fire TV 3rd Generation
• Fire TV Cube 1st Generation
• Fire TV Cube 2nd Generation

Identify which Fire TV you have

If you’re setting up your Fire TV for the first time…

All you need is:

• An internet connection
• An Amazon account. If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can sign up here for free
• A TV or other display with an HDMI port
• An HDMI cable (on 4K capable devices, you need an HDMI 2.0 or later compatible cable)

1. Plug the power adapter into an electric outlet and the Fire TV device into your TV’s HDMI port.
2. Use the USB cable to connect the power adapter and the Fire TV device.
3. Install the batteries in the remote by matching them to the icons inside. If the remote doesn’t automatically pair with your Fire TV, press and hold the Home button for 10 seconds.
4. Use the Source button on your TV remote to locate the HDMI signal for your Fire TV device.

Now that your device is powered on, connected to your TV, and paired with the remote, all you need to do is follow the prompts on the Fire TV startup screen.

Install Dakota Central TV onto your Fire TV

Now that your Fire TV is all set up, select the search icon to the left of “Home” at the top of the screen and search for Dakota Central TV, highlight it, and select the download button to begin downloading.

Once it’s done downloading, select Open to launch Dakota Central TV.

Make sure you’re connected to your Dakota Central -provided internet

Dakota Central TV needs to be connected to the internet provided to your home by Dakota Central in order to access your entire TV lineup.

Dakota Central TV works on Apple TV 3rd Generation, Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD. If you need help identifying which Apple TV you have, identify your device here.

If you are setting up your Apple TV for the first time…

All you need is: 

• An internet connection
• An Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one for free here.
• A TV or other display with an HDMI port
• An HDMI cable (On Apple TV 4K, you need an HDMI 2.0 or later compatible cable)

Apple has very helpful instructions to get your Apple TV up and going in no time:

• 3rd Generation
• 4K / HD

Install Dakota Central TV to your Apple TV from the App Store

Now that your Apple TV is all set up, go to the App Store. The App Store app icon looks like this:

From within the App Store search for “Dakota Central TV”, highlight and select the app to begin downloading.

While an app is downloading or updating, its icon appears on the Home screen with a progress indicator. Once it’s done downloading, select Open to launch Dakota Central TV.

Make sure you’re connected to your Dakota Central-provided internet

Dakota Central TV needs to be connected to the internet provided to your home by Dakota Central in order to access your entire TV lineup.

Make sure your Android TV works with Dakota Central TV

Dakota Central TV works on a variety of Android TV models version 8 and up, including connected devices like Nvidia Shield and the Xiaomi Mi Box as well as Android TV smart TVs like Sony, Sharp, HiSense and Philips.

You can check your Android TV version by going to Android TV settings, selecting About and then Version.

If you’re setting up your Android TV for the first time…

Be prepared with:

• An internet connection
• A Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you can sign up for free: accounts.google.com/signup
• If your TV doesn’t have Android TV built-in, you’ll need:
  • An external Android TV device
  • A TV or other display with an HDMI port
  • An HDMI cable

If you can’t find your Android TV device’s instruction manual, Google has reference instructions to get Android TV set up: support.google.com/androidtv/answer/6121424

Install Dakota Central TV onto your Android TV

With your Android TV all set up, from the Android TV home screen, install Dakota Central TV on your Android TV by following these steps:

• Navigate to Apps
• Select the Google Play Store app Google Play
• Browse or search for apps and games
  • To browse: Move up or down to view different categories. When you find a category that you’re interested in, move to the right to view items
  • To search: At the top of the screen, select Search
• Select the app or game that you want
• Select Install

Make sure you’re connected to your Dakota Central- provided internet

Dakota Central TV needs to be connected to the internet provided to your home by Dakota Central in order to access your entire TV lineup.

Step-by-Step instructions for programming your Amazon Fire TV stick remote to your TV

If you’ve missed the remote set up prompt or moved your Fire TV stick to a different TV, don’t worry! You can program your Amazon remote to any compatible TV which allows you to control the TV volume and turn the power on/off.

*You must have an Amazon Fire TV generation 3 or higher to control power and volume. Older TV’s may not be compatible with the Amazon remote

View our Amazon Fire Remote Guide here.

1- Press the Home button to go to the Amazon Home screen

2- Press up to highlight the top Menu items, and scroll all the way to the right and select Settings

3- Scroll to the right and select Equipment Control

4- Select Manage Equipment

5- Select TV

6- Scroll down and select Change TV

7- Message will say “Change TV?” Select Change TV to confirm and start setup. You’ll get the message “Please wait while we prepare your remote for setup”

8- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete remote setup.

You’re ready to go!

Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV

There are two tabs: Recorded (programs that are available to view) and Scheduled (upcoming programs that are scheduled to record). Content is grouped by Series and Movies within each tab section.

When the user selects a series, the user sees a list of the recorded episodes. In addition to various actions that can be taken. These actions take effect either at the series level or the episode level.

At the episode level, the user can choose the following actions: Play, Info (visit the details page) or Delete. If the episode is currently recording, the user will see two additional options: Stop (ends the recording at its current position) and Extend (enables users to add additional time to the recording which is primarily relevant for sports programming).

At the series level, the user can choose from the following actions: Recording Options, Cancel Series Recording, or Delete all Recordings.

• Recording Options. When selected, an additional menu appears in which the user can select to record New Only or New & Reruns. The user may also indicate the channels on which they would like to record the series and whether they would like to extend the recording on an ongoing basis.
• Cancel Series Recording. When selected, a message will appear requesting confirmation that the user would like to setup an ongoing recording for or cancel all future recordings. This action does not delete any recordings.
• Delete All Recordings. When selected, a message will appear requesting confirmation that the user would like to delete all existing episode recordings. This action does not affect the status of ongoing scheduled recordings.

When the user selects a movie from the Recorded content list, on overlay will appear with the options of Play, Stop, and Info.

If the user wants to cancel a recording that is in progress, they may select stop recording from the inline info module on the live guide, and a dialogue box will appear verifying that they no longer want to record the program.

Mobile

iPad

If you seem to have continual issues with a certain app on your Amazon Fire TV Stick, it could be caused by a large build-up of cache.

First of all, what is cache? Alost all apps create a cache, which is saved on your device storage. The cache is created when the app is running and in theory is supposed to be temporary and delete itself when the app is closed, but is not always the case. If cache files continue to accumulate they can get to be very large, which can cause issues with your device. However, don’t worry, there is an easy remedy!

If a specific app seems sluggish, buffers frequently, crashes intermittently, it could use a good old clean-up. Follow the steps below to clear the cache on your Amazon Fire Stick:

• From the Fire TV menu, select Settings.
• Go to Applications.
• In Manage Installed Applications, select the app causing issues.

• Select Clear Cache.

Repeat steps for any other apps that may have issues. After clearing the cache on an app be warned that it may take a little longer to load the first time opening, but once it’s loaded up it should be smooth streaming!

Rebooting your Amazon Firestick can be beneficial in several situations. Firstly, if your device starts to feel sluggish or unresponsive, a reboot can refresh its performance and resolve minor glitches, allowing it to run smoother and faster. Additionally, after installing or updating apps, a reboot ensures that all changes take effect properly. Furthermore, if you encounter connectivity issues with your Wi-Fi network or experience buffering problems during streaming, restarting your Firestick can help reestablish a stable connection. In general, performing a reboot every now and then, especially if you notice any performance issues or connectivity issues, can help maintain the optimal functionality of your Amazon Firestick and enhance your overall viewing experience.

Follow the directions below to reboot your Amazon Firestick.

 

 

 

 

Click Settings on the far right of the home screen.

 

 

 

 

Find and click on My Fire TV.

 

 

 

 

Scroll down and click Restart.

 

 

 

 

Click Restart again.

A ‘Powering off’ message will appear on the screen and your Amazon Firestick will reboot. If the troubles leading up to the reboot are still occurring, try clearing the cache on your Amazon Firestick, next!

If you are a Dakota Central TV subscriber, you have access to extra content directly through the TV networks like Bally Sports, ABC, and HGTV by using your WatchTVEverywhere login created using your Dakota Central account information. WatchTVEverywhere gives you access to some of your favorite shows and channels on any device that receives an Internet signal, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Follow the steps below to register your WatchTVEverywhere account and get started!

• Visit wTVE.net to register.
• Find your Dakota Central account number on your bill and have it handy.
• Find Dakota Central in the list of providers, then choose “Register“.
• Enter your account number, last name on statement, and user information.
• You’re set! You now have access to the select channels included in your Dakota Central TV package.

WatchTVEverywhere is different from the Dakota Central TV app. When using the Dakota Central TV app, you must be connected to a Dakota Central Internet connection in order to access live content. By using WatchTVEverywhere, you can access select channels from any Internet connection on any capable device.

Call Waiting
If you’re on the phone and someone is trying to reach you, a “beep” tone tells you that a call is waiting.

Quickly press receiver button or flash key once and release it.
This puts the first call on hold and connects you to the second call.

To return to the first call, press receiver button or flash key once and release it.
You will connect with the first caller.

NOTE: You can switch between calls as often as you want by repeating
the steps above.

Cancel Call Waiting
Allows the customer to cancel call waiting for one call by dialing two digits. To deactivate this feature, just pick up the phone and touch *70. You will hear 3 beeps. Do not hang up. Dial the number you want to call. Call Waiting is automatically restored when you hang up. This service is provided free in conjunction with Call Waiting.

Caller ID
This service provides the name and number of the party calling you.

Caller Waiting ID
This service requires you to have subscribed to both Caller ID and Call Waiting. With Call Waiting ID, you can see who is calling you when you are on the phone with someone else. While you are on the phone, you will hear your call waiting tone to notify you that a second call is coming in. Within a few seconds after hearing the tone your Caller ID display (if your phone has capability) will show you who is calling on the second call.

Call Forwarding
Call Forwarding lets you transfer your incoming calls to another number. It’s great for the business person who wants to catch after-hours calls at home, or for anyone who doesn’t want to miss an important call.

*72
To activate, pick up the phone and touch *72. Dial the number where you want your calls to be forwarded. You know your Call Forwarding feature is in effect when someone answers at the forwarding number. If there is no answer at the forwarding number, or if the line is busy, hang up and repeat the steps above. If you do so within two minutes, you’ll hear two beeps meaning your Call Forwarding is now working.

*73
To deactivate call forwarding, pick up the phone and touch *73 and wait four seconds. Listen for two beeps. The Call Forwarding feature is no longer in effect, and calls will ring on your phone.

Call Forwarding – Don’t Answer
Redirects your telephone calls to another telephone number if you do not answer your telephone call within a pre-specified number of seconds (default is 20 seconds). The number of telephone seconds before your call is forwarded is determined by you, the subscriber, but set by the telephone company.
*92 – to activate
*93– to deactivate

Find Me
Allows an incoming call to one phone number to ring up to 6 other phones at the same time. Make it easy for friends, family or customers to find you without having to try a list of phone numbers.

Three Way Calling
Dial the first party and put the first call on hold by pressing the Flash button or quickly press the switch hook on your phone. After you hear a second dial tone, dial the telephone number of the second person. Press the Flash button or switch hook again, and all 3 parties will be connected on your call.

The national Do-Not-Call Registry was established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to offer
consumers a choice to receive telemarketing calls. The registry applies to all telemarketers (with the
exception of certain non-profit and political organizations). If your number (home or mobile) is on the
registry, telemarketers are not allowed to call you.

Consumers may register their residential and wireless telephone numbers on the national Do-Not-Call
Registry at no cost, either by telephone or via the Internet. To register by phone, call 1.888.382.1222
(TTY: 1.866.290.4236) from the number you wish to register. To register online visit www.donotcall.gov.
Once your telephone number is registered on the Do-Not-Call list, it will take 31 days to come into effect.
Your number will remain on the registry permanently. You can also remove your number from the list at
any time. For more information visit www.donotcall.gov.

Q: How do I end telemarketing calls to my home, mobile or business?
A: The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.

Go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222

Q:  What is unlimited local calling or extended area of service?
A:  Unlimited local calling or EAS means you can call anyone within the DCT service area for free!  Exchanges include 251, 252, 253, 285, 424, 435, 485, 486, 489, 674, 652, 752, 763, 952, 962, 984.

Q:  How do I check my voicemail?
A:  If calling from your landline phone, dial 555 # or dial XXX-MAIL (6245) with your exchange number in place of the XXX.  (952-MAIL).  If requested, enter your password followed by #.

Q:  How do I make an International call?
A:  011 + (Country Code) + (City Code) + (Telephone Number)

For example, to place a call to Mexico City, Mexico you would dial 011-52-55-555-1234
011=international dialing prefix 52=Country Code for Mexico 55=City Code for Mexico City
555-1234=phone number

Unlimited local calling means that calls within all of our 16 exchanges (shown below) are considered free local calls. And ‘free local calls’ means no long distance fees!

This also means that it is no longer necessary to dial that pesky “1-701” when calling within the local calling area!

Local calling between all of these DCT landline exchanges and prefixes:
285 Edmunds
424 Streeter
486 Medina
435 Courtenay
485 Gackle
489 Ypsilanti
674 Grace City
652 Carrington
752 Woodworth
763 Windsor
962 Bowdon
984 Syketson
251, 252, 253, 952 Jamestown

Three convenient ways to pay your bill online or on the phone:

Log-in to SmartHub to access your account, make payments, set up recurring payment information.

Log-in to PayNow to make a one-time payment, without creating a SmartHub account.

Pay-by-Phone
1.855.939.3662 (toll-free)
*Dakota Central Account number is required

Accepted Payment Methods
Debit Card, Credit Card: MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express

Understanding My Bill:
Dakota Central customers will receive their bills on or around the 10th of each month. The bill will include local service charges for the current month and any applicable* long distance charges.

Customers should expect their first bill to be larger due to the nature of the billing cycle. It will include service charges from the date of the connection to the end of the current month. In other words, you may not receive a bill in the first month you are receiving DCT service. Therefore the first bill received may include two months of service.

Any long distance charges from the time of the connection to the 24th of the previous month will also be included.  However, keep in mind that subsequent bills will only include one month of service.

Your Dakota Central Telecommunications telephone bill includes taxes and fees mandated by law that include the following:

•Residential Access Line Charge – This is a charge proposed and authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for providing access to, and maintenance of, the local network.

•911 – This charge is imposed by local governments to help pay for emergency services such as fire and rescue.

•Federal Excise Tax – This is a three percent tax mandated by the federal government (not the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)). It is imposed on all telecommunications services, including local, long distance and wireless bills.

•(Federal) Subscriber Line Charge – This was instituted after the break-up of AT&T in 1984 to cover the costs of the local phone network. This charge may appear as “FCC Charge for Network Access,” “Federal Line Cost Charge,” “Interstate Access Charge”,”Federal Access Charge”,”Interstate Single Line Charge”,”Customer Line Charge” or “FCC Approved Customer Line Charge”. The FCC caps the maximum price that a company may charge for this. This is not a government charge or tax, and it does not end up in the government’s treasury but is used to invest and implement new services in high cost rural areas.

•State & Local Municipal Tax – This charge is imposed by state, local and municipal governments on goods and services. It may also appear as a “gross receipts” tax in some states.

•Telecommunications Relay Services Charge – This state charge helps to pay for the relay center that transmits and translates calls for hearing-impaired and speech-impaired people.

•FUSC Charge (Federal Universal Service Charge) – The Federal Universal Service Fund is designed to provide discounted telecommunications services to schools, public libraries and low income consumer customers. The Federal Universal Service Charge (FUSC) charged by telecommunication companies is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission. This charge is applied upon interstate, international call usage, and wireless

Depending upon your location, other taxes and fees may apply.

Dakota Central Telecommunications bills for recurring services (line, features and options/packages) one month in advance. Your first bill will include your regular monthly charges in addition to any installation fees and partial month charges incurred since installation.