News Briefs

PowerNet Global Communications is launching PowerConnect High Speed, an unlimited dial-up Internet access service that delivers a Web surfing up to five times faster than the standard and a pop-up blocker. It requires no additional hardware and works with a regular phone jack. The standard price will be $14.95 per month, with lower prices available when bundled with other PowerNet Global services. PowerNet Global will market PowerConnect High Speed through its nationwide network of independent agents and affinity groups.

Authorized AT&T Corp. agents now can sell the company’s new network-based IP VPN service for applications such as intranets, e-mail and extranets on an all-IP network, while the applications remain securely separated from public Internet traffic. The VPN service also provides online usage reports via a Web portal, letting users perform a variety of network and routine supplier-management tasks.

Service provider TMC Communications has opened a regional office in Salt Lake City to address the needs of TMC agents and customers in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Bret Hickenlooper will manage the office. Prior to joining TMC earlier this spring, Hickenlooper worked as an independent agent, managing about $3 million in annual revenue from clients throughout the region. As regional sales director for TMC, Hickenlooper will recruit and develop new TMC agents and provide agent support.

Anysia Kiel, national director of affinity programs for PAETEC Communications Inc. has received the “Allied Member of the Year Award” from the New Jersey Hotel and Lodging Association (NJHLA). PAETEC, a CLEC with a large agent program, contracts with hotel and lodging associations around the country to tap this lucrative vertical market. The NJHLA is a statewide association representing the hospitality industry, helping its 300-plus members with operations, education and communications. PAETEC offers association members voice and data telecom service with a focus on reducing costs and streamlining processes.

Access One Inc. has moved agent Eddie Gordon into its agent management team. Based in Chicago, Gordon has been an agent with Access One for about 10 years. Beginning in sales at Metromedia Communications, he joined the team in 1993 as the first subagent, before Access One transitioned from master agent to reseller.

David Goldstone, formerly the director of sales and business development for 3PV - Third Party Verification Inc., has joined TVC Telecom as director of business development. TVC Telecom is a facilitiesbased telecom provider that offers domestic and international long-distance service to businesses and consumers. Goldstone is tasked with growing the TVC Telecom brand, expanding the company’s agent network, introducing new products and creating business alliances with key market players.

Bandwidthfinders.com, an AT&T Corp. Alliance Channel agent, has changed its name to ProVision Communications. The company says the name change will reflect more accurately the array of telecom products and services the company offers clients through its carrier relationships.

Intermedia.NET Inc. has changed the pricing schedules for its Web Hosting reseller program. Intermedia.NET VARs now can receive up to 50 percent off monthly account payments. Agent discounts grow as the number of resold accounts increases. The new reseller pricing schedule also includes free setup for Web hosting customers with 40 or more resold accounts.