Staff Writer
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
An expanding technology company hopes to simplify communications for area residents in the coming weeks.
Ruth Ann Cooper, Indiana and Ohio general manager for Open Range Communications, announced the company’s plan to launch its Internet, wi-fi and digital phone service packages in Terre Haute, effective Wednesday.
“We’re very competitively priced,” she said, describing Internet packages of $38.49 per month and Internet and phone service at $59.45 per month. The company is offering a number of introductory specials, including free activation with other fees waived.
The company utilizes a 4G wireless network and, in particular, its Freedom 4G device.
According to information provided by Cooper, the Freedom 4G works as five devices in one as it replaces the Internet modem, phone service, wi-fi, router and answering machine. Activation of the service is described as “do-it-yourself” and occurs by plugging the mechanism into a wall socket without the need for antennas or on-site technicians.
Cooper said the company is in the process of “aggressively hiring” for local customer and direct sales positions. Office space in Terre Haute is being sought, and between 20 and 25 positions will be available.
Open Range Communications is an American broadband wireless Internet services provider that currently delivers simpleSM high-speed Internet and digital phone service to 546 communities across the country. By 2014, Open Range plans to expand service to 6 million people in 17 states through its 4G WiMAX network.
Cooper described the company as “well-funded,” explaining its launch in 2004 has been fueled by about $275 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities program as well as about $100 million in venture capital money from J.P. Morgan.
For more information, visit www.openrange.net.
