Regional telecommunications company Midco has initiated a significant transition for its television customers, marking another step in the industry’s move away from traditional cable infrastructure toward internet-based delivery systems. The provider has started contacting subscribers of its legacy cable television offerings, directing them to adopt the new MidcoTV streaming platform or risk losing access to programming altogether. Midco says by the end of 2026 all of its customers will be moved to its new streaming TV service.
“Transitioning to our IPTV product unlocks bandwidth to offer higher data speeds and better viewing experiences to customers,” said Midco Senior VP of Technology Bill Chatwell. “We’re excited for all our video customers to experience TV the way it was meant to be – modern, intuitive and powered by a platform that continues to evolve.”
Under the updated arrangement, customers previously using conventional set-top cable boxes will receive an Android-powered streaming player designed to deliver their channel lineup and supplementary content. This change effectively replaces the older hardware with a more modern, application-driven solution that relies entirely on broadband connections. However, the availability of the MidcoTV service remains restricted to regions served by Midco’s fiber optic internet network.
Details available on the Midco website indicate that the streaming platform operates primarily within the home environment. The system and its companion mobile application require connection to the customer’s Midco-provided internet service at their residence. Content streaming appears unavailable when users are away from home or connected to external networks, highlighting the service’s dependence on the provider’s local infrastructure.
This development reflects broader challenges facing cable television operators as consumer preferences shift toward flexible streaming options. Many companies have invested in internet protocol television technologies to streamline operations and reduce maintenance costs associated with traditional coaxial cable systems for video transmission. By encouraging migration to MidcoTV, the company aims to consolidate its services around high-speed internet delivery, potentially offering enhanced features such as cloud digital video recording, personalized recommendations, and integration with popular streaming applications available through platforms like Google Play.
Midco has a long-standing presence in the Midwest telecommunications landscape. The organization originated in 1931 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, under the name Welworth Theatres Company, initially operating a chain of movie theaters with an emphasis on customer experience. The company diversified in the early 1950s, adopting the Midcontinent Media name following the acquisition of radio and television stations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During this period, it played a pioneering role by establishing the first television station in the state. Through subsequent decades of growth and adaptation, Midco evolved into a comprehensive service provider offering cable television, high-speed internet, and telephone solutions across rural and urban communities in the upper Midwest. The rebranding to Midco occurred in 2016, solidifying its identity as a forward-looking regional player serving communities across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and portions of Kansas and Wisconsin. Recent investments have focused on expanding fiber optic networks to meet increasing demands for reliable broadband.
The transition underscores the rapid changes reshaping home entertainment. As more providers pivot to streaming models, consumers will need to weigh factors such as service reliability, geographic limitations, and equipment needs when selecting their television solutions. Midco’s initiative positions it to compete more effectively in a digital-first media environment while building upon its historical foundation of innovation in the region.
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