Rural Telcos Build Competitive Advantage With Programming from NRTC

Opportunity for Recurring Revenue, Flexible Packages and Exclusive Online Tools Figure In Their Decision.

For Immediate Release
DATE: July 20, 2009
Contact: Andrea Cumpston
Phone: 703-787-7156
E-mail: acumpston@nrtc.coop

July 20 , 2009 [Herndon, VA] –The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) has announced that more of its telco members are building their competitive advantage by signing on to deliver the Cooperative's programming for Internet Protocol television (IPTV).  Telcos across the United States are delivering NRTC’s more than 350 video and audio channels of IPTV programming to homes and businesses.

Telcos working with NRTC can customize programming packages for their markets, including two tiers of high-definition (HD) programming and Hispanic programming. Premium services, sports pay-per-view, access to broadband content and video on demand complete the robust offering. 
 
Among the most recent to begin delivering IPTV programming through NRTC are BTC Communications, in Nahunta, GA; FrontGate Networks, LLC, in Fort Meyers, FL; Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation, in West Liberty, KY and Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc., in Walterboro, SC.
 
"These telcos are getting into video to increase the value of their landlines and improve their competitive position,” said NRTC President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Phillips.  He continued, "Rural telcos are turning to NRTC because we deliver great programming with flexibility and outstanding member support. Rural telcos need their own source for programming—from an entity that understands and champions their interests. No one else can offer this complete package.”
 
NRTC’s distribution agreements include rights for telcos to deliver the programming in Internet Protocol and analog formats over copper, fiber or coaxial cable. In addition to the rights to HD services, NRTC has also acquired rights to these channels’ video-on-demand services, when available.
 
NRTC Vice President of Video Services Madeleine Forrer added, “The ability to create customized programming packages specifically for their markets gives our members an edge. Our online contract management tools make it easy to manage complex programming contracts and carriage requirements. We’ve secured the appropriate rights for any member’s system and our marketing and training support makes sure that these telcos are ready to compete. Rural telcos simply can’t make a better choice than NRTC for their programming needs.”
 
NRTC and the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association partnered in 2007 to offer rural telcos a complete programming selection for IPTV. The offering includes over 350 video and audio channels, including more than 80 channels of HD programming, from companies such as HBO, Cinemax, A&E Television Networks, Disney/ESPN/ABC, NBC Universal, Fox News, Discovery Communications, Scripps Networks, MTV Networks, Lifetime Networks, Showtime Networks Inc., Starz Entertainment, Turner Networks, Comcast Network services, The Outdoor Channel and The Weather Channel. 
 
About NRTC
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of more than 1,400 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states.  Founded in 1986, NRTC provides products and services developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite, full service Internet support, wireless technologies, long distance programs, mobile phone service, IP broadband backbone services, and direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) with DIRECTV. NRTC serves rural and independent telephone operators in a market of more than 10 million homes. For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.  
 
About NTCA
The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) is the premier association representing more than 560 locally owned and controlled telecommunications cooperatives and commercial companies throughout rural and small-town America. NTCA provides its members with legislative, regulatory and industry representation; meetings; publications and educational programs; and an array of employee benefit programs. For more information, visit www.ntca.org. 

# # #