Court says South Dakota landlord can't cut power to Verizon

Thousands had been left without cell service in Milbank area

A federal judge has granted telecom giant Verizon Wireless a temporary restraining order against a Milbank landlord who cut power to a rooftop cell site, disrupting service in parts of eastern South Dakota.

Last month, the landlord, SLB Milbank LLC, stopped relaying electricity to cellular equipment Verizon uses to service its customers amid lease disputes. And after Verizon’s battery-powered backup was depleted, the company could no longer provide service to its customers in the area, according to court documents reviewed by The Dakota Scout.

Although power was restored after Verizon’s legal counsel intervened, it was cut again the next day — on June 20. This time, the landlord also informed Otter Tail Power Co., the company that provides power to the region, to permanently cut power to the entire building.