A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offering from Telispire aims to make it easier for broadband and electric provider members of NRTC to offer bundled broadband and wireless services.
NRTC, a membership cooperative of broadband and electric providers, bought a controlling interest in Telispire in 2006 and subsequently acquired 100% of the company.
The MVNO offering is supported by a wholesale agreement with an unnamed nationwide mobile provider and is designed to be turnkey. Providers can offer the service, which includes wireless provisioning, end-user billing, logistics services and domestic customer support, under their own name or brand.
Rural operators face increased competition from cable companies’ bundled broadband and wireless offerings, now that the major cable companies have established their own MVNOs and are expanding into rural areas.
“This program has been designed to be simple,” said Curtis Knobloch, President of NRTC Mobile Solutions, in a prepared statement.
“Our members are busy building and expanding their broadband networks. By utilizing our back-office and support staff, the burden to stand up a wireless bundle has been removed.
“Our members are using wireless to drive their broadband growth, while also preserving their current broadband customer base in this ever-increasing competitive landscape.”
According to Zach Nichols, Telispire business development manager, some providers have been successfully using the Telispire MVNO for 15 years.
Full disclosure: NRTC owns Pivot Group, which publishes Telecompetitor.
