About Us
Proud of Our Past,
Focused on the Future
Polar Communications was founded in 1952 with a core mission: to be an innovative industry leader that meets the evolving needs of our customers by developing the necessary technology and tools.
Today, decades later, that mission continues to guide us as we serve our communities throughout the Red River Valley and surrounding area.
Our Pledge to You
Our People
Over the years we’ve learned that the key to great communication isn’t amazing technology, it’s incredible people. And Polar Communications has proven that success isn’t measured in dollars, but in satisfied customers and loyal employees. Our roots are here in the heartland, and that means that the only thing you’ll appreciate more than the cutting-edge technology we offer is the outstanding service that backs it up. That’s our pledge to you.
Connected In Rural USA
Our Service
Polar Communications provides telecommunications services to more than 8,000 subscribers in North Dakota and Minnesota. Our fiber optic network allows us to bring you the very best in voice, video, and broadband services at an affordable rate. We also provide advanced business services such as phone systems, video surveillance, and advanced networking. Living in rural America doesn’t mean you have to be disconnected.
The Very Best Tech
Our Commitment
Polar Communications is committed to bringing our customers the very best communication technology available today, then backing that technology up with the same great service you’ve come to expect from us. Whether you’re Snapchatting friends, video chatting with your sister in Europe, or streaming your favorite series, our goal is to make your life easier and more convenient. That’s our mission, and it has been for more than 65 years.
Superior Customer Service
Our Mission
Polar Communications is an exceptional provider of voice, video, and broadband services in the Red River Valley and surrounding area. The services provided are the result of superior customer service combined with state-of-the-art network technologies.
About Us
Our Core Values
Technology & Innovation
Polar prides itself on consistently being able to offer the most up to date services and technologies available to our the customers that we serve to ensure a strong and healthy exchanges for everyone we serve.
People Driven
We are committed to ensuring the success of both our fellow employees and customers by focusing on building and maintaining relationships that are respectful, honest, and professional. consistently.
Teamwork
Success is built by relationships. Through respect, encouragement, and collaboration we will be a strong united team that completes great things together.
Commitment
By displaying commitment and pride in and for our Company and our customers, we will continue to help grow the community in which we serve.
Our Community
Our Community
Scholarships
For questions on scholarships, contact Carol LaHaise clahaise@polartel.com or 701-284-4361
APPLICANTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN EACH AWARD ONCE PER LIFETIME
John G. Walters
Scholarship
T his year Polar awarded ten $1,000 scholarships in honor of former general manager John G. Walters. The awards are given to outstanding high school seniors whose parents or guardians are current customers of Polar Communications or its subsidiaries. Applicants are judged on essay content, grammar, academic achievement, and community involvement.
This year’s winners are Karson Blake, Park River Area School; Garrett Haakenson, Dakota Prairie High School; Jasmyn Johnson, Cavalier High School; Karson Matejcek, Lakota High School; Maci McMillan, Park River Area School; Austin Rygg, Northwood High School; Skylar Uglem, Northwood High School; Faith Vasicek, North Border High School; Gwyneth Wieler, Valley-Edinburg High School; and Jonah Zikmund, Park River Area School.
Polar Leadership
Scholarship
The Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by Polar, is awarded to two students who are involved in their school, serve their community, achieve leadership roles in activities, functions, or organizations, and strive to reach their highest potential. Applicants must be a senior in high school or freshman or sophomore in college, and their parents or guardians must be Polar customers.
The 2022 Polar Leadership Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 is being awarded to Marit Ellingson, a senior at Dakota Prairie High School. And Noah Helgoe, a freshman attending North Dakota State University.
Our Team
CEO & Board of Directors

Karl Blake
CEO
Park River

Amber Meyer
President
St. Thomas

Jon McMillan
Vice President
Fordville

Lori Dahl
Secretary/Treasurer
Lakota

Cynthia Hejl
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
Arthur

Brian Udby
Director
Lankin

Chris Nelson
Director
Edinburg

James Longtin
Director
Neche

Wes Welch
Director
Park River
