Prepping for 5G in Sioux Falls, Southeast adds wireless tech program

The tech school in Sioux Falls is adding a wireless tech program with help from a local company as the city prepares for the advent of 5G.

Southeast Tech developed the program in a partnership with Sioux Falls-based VIKOR, according to a Tuesday announcement from the school.

Students who graduate from Southeast's new Wireless Infrastructure Technician Certification program will help prepare the state for advancements in wireless tech, including the additional infrastructure needed to support 5G.

“This new Wireless Infrastructure Technician certificate is a great example of higher education and private industry partnering to help meet the skilled labor shortage that limits future growth," Southeast tech president Bob Griggs said in an emailed statement. "Our new Wireless Infrastructure Technician certificate is an effort to assist with 5G expansion.”

Earlier this year, city officials approved a series of license agreements with Verizon to install the so-called "small cell" towers needed to support 5G when it launches.

Executives at VIKOR, formerly known as Sioux Falls Tower & Communications, saw the need for additional workforce as one of the providers of South Dakota's wireless infrastructure, according to the announcement.

“For many tower contractors like us, we are the institution that provides the training and the resources while on the job,” VIKOR CEO Craig Snyder said in an emailed statement. “Having a program like this will provide the necessary training and resources prior to starting in the field, which will only help to elevate the individual and the industry, and in turn will provide much greater outcomes for success for everyone across the board.”