TelePacific Communications believes that by adding wireless services to its business service portfolio it can become that 'one-stop shop' for SMBs that want to bundle their wireline voice, data and wireless service on one bill.
Delivered via a relationship with Verizon Wireless, TelePacific's initial mobile offerings include data cards and Novatel's (Nasdaq: NVTL) MiFi hotspot. The MiFi device not only allows users to connect up to five devices to the Internet, but it can also be used as a wireless-based back-up Internet access source in the event their wireline connection fails. In addition, TelePacific is offering a basic feature Motorola (NYSE: MOT) cell phone and BlackBerry smart phones, including the BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone.
Adding wireless services to their portfolio has two benefits for CLEC and its customers.
For TelePacific, they can create greater stickiness for customers that don't want the hassle of managing two separate bills: one for wireline voice/data provider and then wireless. The service also plays into the inherently mobile mindset of SMB segments like real estate where agents require instant voice access to close deals and respond to clients.
"Consolidating service with TelePacific allows customers to manage their telecommunications services in one place using our OneCentral billing portal, and it also extends our outstanding customer service to the mobile market," said David Zahn, vice president of marketing in a release.
While the idea of CLECs offering mobile services makes sense to maintain customer stickiness, the trend thus far has been slow to take off. Apart from fellow CLECs CBeyond (Nasdaq: CBEY) and Lightyear Solutions (OTC BB: LYNS.OB), TelePacific is one of the rare breed of CLECs that actually have added wireless services to their portfolio.
For more:
- see the release
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