Q4 2017 - Driving Conversations

NTCA recently held their Fall Conference featuring presentations and discussions focused on moving into the future with eyes wide open to technology, partnerships and the political environment. Telecom working with rural electric cooperatives and fixed wireless solutions were two main topics which we have already embraced.

As we move into the final quarter of 2017, we need to be driving conversations with our current and prospective clients about strategy. While most of our day-to-day work is to move projects along, it is through strategic discussions we earn trust and help our clients develop their roadmaps for growth—of which we can play a big role in helping them achieve. 

Unique to us at Finley, is that broadband has the ability to open discussions with our rural electric cooperatives (REC) thus bridging our services across the two markets we focus on.

Three areas of opportunity we need to be talking about:

1. Feasibility Studies: We see more requests coming from the REC market, but also from municipalities who are able to then use the study to push discussions forward with carriers and RECs in their area.
2. Fixed Wireless: Technology advancements in fixed wireless make it a viable solution to expand broadband deeper into rural areas. Slayton has led the charge on researching wireless solutions. This month Rob Burkhardsmeier and Jake Pipito from the Technology Trends group will attend WISPApalooza to gather more information. Our goal is to be leading conversations with our existing and prospective clients on how fixed wireless can fit into their strategies.
3. IP Services: The new center of our universe. Recently a customer told us we should be talking about our IP Services more, that it’s allowed his company to have the expertise without needing to hire and train internally. We’ve had training, we have marketing materials and we have clients who need our help. If you don’t feel you are up to speed on IP Services, please talk to your Business Unit Manager and ask for more information or contact Mike Ockenga.

We have a lot of work to get done yet in 2017 in order to set ourselves up for greater success in 2018. Thanks for keeping focused on doing the right things to maximize success for our clients and for Finley.

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