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Nex-Tech Wireless to Offer Advanced Services to Rural KansasBy Susan J. Campbell
Those who have chosen the quieter and more serene life in the country often have to give up the latest telecommunications offerings due to the lack of infrastructure in rural communities. That is beginning to change, and Nex-Tech Wireless is helping to move the industry in that direction.
The Hays, Kansas-based carrier recently implemented CostGuard® XG OSS/BSS operations and billing software as well as integrated retail application, Lexys Point of Sale™ from Info Directions Inc., a developer of net-centric billing, rating, order management, workflow and point of sale solutions for the telecommunications industry. Nex-Tech is seeking to increase its customer offerings to include a wide range of wireless voice and data service plans and products. The company selected Info Direction’s CostGuard XG and Lexys Point of Sale in order to offer customers the ability to purchase cellular phones, PDAs, air cards with just a few clicks to automatically flow through to the point of sale terminals in retail locations.
Lexys Point of Sale is positioned as having an interface that is easy and efficient. The Point of Sale, combined with the CostGuard XG removes the repetitive processes, errors and delays that other systems can create. The integration of the two offerings is intended to streamline the process of setting up and managing customer accounts, to offer better customer support and make back office and retail operations more efficient.
The selection of Info Direction’s CostGuard XG and Lexys Point of Sale is one more step for Nex-Tech in its quest for securing more of the rural market in central and western Kansas. The company currently operates 18 retail and agent locations throughout Kansas and 109 cell sites. Future plans include installation of cell sites in most towns with 300 or more people with 14 of these sites completed by the end of 2005.
Both Info Direction and Nex-Tech see the partnership as beneficial. Donald Culeton, Info Direction’s President recognizes Nex-Tech as a progressive company with growth opportunity in which the relationship can flourish. Johnie Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Nex-Tech Wireless is hoping to be able to capitalize on the experience and reputation of Info Directions.
Nex-Tech Wireless is a subsidiary of Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Mutual Telephone. The company provides wireless options to residents in 27 counties of central and western Kansas. Nex-Tech Wireless also operates as part of the Sprint National Network which serves over 40 million subscribers.
Info Directions, Inc. designs, hosts and installs net-centric billing, rating, order management, workflow and selling solutions for progressive service providers. Founded in 1996, Info Directions Inc., is headquartered in Rochester, New York, with clients in the Untied States and around the world. This privately held company manages a diverse portfolio of clients as no customer account represents more than 5 percent of the company’s total revenue.
It is always encouraging to see companies dedicated to improving communications offerings in the rural communities. There are still many opportunities left unrealized due to cost barriers or preconceived ideas about the lack of opportunity in such areas. Since this is a world moving closer to a global society it is important that the communications industry continue to work toward providing equal service throughout all communities so as not to limit the ability to transfer information anywhere at any time.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.
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