Agency Channel: News Briefs

Posted: 07/2000

News Briefs

RSL COM USA Inc. (www.rslcom.com) has restructured its agent program to include new training, support and products. The company has consolidated sales and technical training into one program called
"RSL University.” Classes will be held centrally as well as in the field. To better support its agents, RSL COM is placing agent managers and sales engineers in field offices throughout the United States and offering automated, web-based account management. In addition, new data offerings, such as frame relay, web hosting, DSL and
VPN, will be rolled out over the nextsix months.

* Startec Global Communications Corp.
(www.startec.com) has developed its new agent channel specifically to target small and medium-sized businesses. This is a new market for
Startec, which previously focused on wholesale sales and consumer retail accounts generated by print, radio and television advertising. For business accounts, the company will turn to a consultative, direct marketing approach using its agents to target those companies with large volumes of
international calling.

Startec services available for sale by agents include long-distance and toll-free services, postpaid and prepaid cards, and dedicated and dial-up Internet connections. Later this year, Startec also expects to have DSL, conference calling, fax broadcast services, wireless services, web hosting, dedicated VoIP, ATM and frame relay.

* telecomGIANT.com (www.telecomgiant.com) announced its repositioning as the “first global B2B telecom portal.” Company executives plan to grow the Internet site into a full-service, online “all things telecom” community that will include extensive agent-related information. Founded as a comprehensive telecom directory, telecomGIANT.com will now offer services, such as streaming media for agent directory listings, online presentations and a career center.

* ICP and CLEC Compass Telecommunications Inc.
(www.compasstel.com) announced the official deployment of a national agent program. Newly appointed vice president of alternate channels, Jeff
Leshin, will head up the expansion. Leshin has begun an aggressive recruitment effort for nationwide agents and has announced a national voice product. Compass is planning to follow up that release with data and Internet opportunities
and promotions.