Archive for October, 2008
Fiber Projects Recognized
New Suddenlink Brand Platform, Campaign
Suddenlink is introducing the platform this week with a new ad campaign and new tagline, “Easy as counting to one,” which replaces the prior tagline, “Life Connected.” (An updated version of Suddenlink’s award-winning jingle remains.)
“This is more than merely a catch phrase,” said Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Jerry Dow. “Easy is an operating philosophy.”
After Dow joined Suddenlink in February, the company completed a brand health study that looked at the public’s awareness of, preference for, and consideration of the Suddenlink brand. Further research with focus groups of customers across the company’s operating regions tested a number of concepts. “Easy” was the clear winner.
“We are uniquely positioned to save customers money through bundling all their services with us via one call, one connection, one bill,” Dow said. “Today, everyone is pressed for time and looking for ways to save. Suddenlink can help.”
Dow describes the new ad materials as “different, to say the least, with an edge and distinct style.”
Suddenlink hired The Richards Group, of Dallas, to assist with creative execution of the platform, based on that agency’s proven track record of building brands for Home Depot, Motel 6, Corona, and Chick-fil-A.
Kudos for High-Speed Service
We will continue to work hard to earn these recognitions and expand on them.
Russellville, Ark. (seven consecutive years)
Amarillo, Texas (five consecutive years)
Newport, Ark. (four consecutive years)
Plainview, Texas (four consecutive years)
Lubbock, Texas (three consecutive years)
Paris, Texas (three consecutive years)
Jonesboro, Ark.
Abilene, Texas
Bryan-College Station, Texas
Nacogdoches, Texas
San Angelo, Texas
Point Pleasant, W. Va.
Green is Good
Prior to this initiative, Suddenlink already had a number of “green” practices in place, including the proliferation of videoconferencing (to help reduce travel) and robust recycling programs in a number of locations.
“Greenlink” task forces across the company will now work to expand such programs and institute others, from eliminating the use of Styrofoam cups to exploring the addition of more hybrid vehicles to Suddenlink’s fleet.
Advanced Technology for Mercer County Schools
The demonstration featured new educational capabilities enabled by a fiber WAN (wide area network) connecting 29 Mercer County School buildings to the West Virginia Department of Education in Charleston. Suddenlink was the lead contractor on the project, working with Comcast.
The Mercer County project was largely funded through the federal “E-Rate” program, which was co-authored by Sen. Rockefeller and included in the 1996 Telecommunications Act. According to the Senator’s office, West Virginia has received more than $104.6 million since the inception of the E-Rate program, — including nearly $10.6 million this year — to help schools and libraries pay for the cost of wiring their buildings, bringing education technology into the classroom, and maintaining Internet access.
PikeView High School Principal Ben Disibbio
Regarding the Mercer County project, Sen. Rockefeller said:
“This kind of technology not only makes learning fun, but opens up countless possibilities for teachers and students to look beyond traditional lesson plans and allows them to take full advantage of the enormous opportunities on the Internet. The students are getting the 21st Century education they need to be successful after high school. I commend the Mercer County Board of Education for being so committed to their students’ futures.”
Mr. Kent added:
“We know advanced broadband technology is increasingly critical to education, and that’s why we are proud to have been a lead partner in this effort with Mercer County Schools. The platform that enabled this network is the outgrowth of a major capital investment — part of our ongoing commitment to West Virginia, its citizens, and our customers.”
Check here for more on Suddenlink in West Virginia.
Central La. Food Bank Campaign, Year 2
Last year, the campaign collected more than 10,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of more than 7,500 meals — for area residents in need. The program goal this year is to collect 15,000 pounds of non-perishable items.
“As we continue to see an increase in need at the Food Bank, we are thankful for businesses like Suddenlink who are making an effort to help the impoverished in our community” said Jayne Wright, The Food Bank’s executive director.
Several factors have contributed to the increased need for food items this year. Storms that hit Louisiana in multiple locations last month caused residents to visit local shelters where they had to be housed and fed. In addition, the current economic crisis has increased use of the state’s food programs and at the same time caused a significant drop in the number and size of donations.
Central Louisiana has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. This year the percentage of central Louisiana’s needy has risen to 14.4 percent of the total population. The average monthly income for clients of The Food Bank is $740.
U.S. Congressman Rodney Alexander said, “Often, it’s all too easy to forget that millions of Americans simply cannot afford a basic necessity such as food. The Food Bank of Central Louisiana has long been committed to providing for those in need, and it is inspiring to see groups such as Suddenlink continuing to share their commitment. I am proud to do all I can to support their efforts.”
In a statement, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu wrote: “Every Louisianan deserves to be able to put food on the table. Suddenlink Communications is taking on a tremendous public service effort in restocking food items at The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, and I thank them for their ongoing commitment to reducing hunger in central Louisiana.”
Making an Impression
We think young Jacob would have been a star on both shows, if either were still on the air. Special kudos to Suddenlink tech Ray of San Angelo, Texas, for making Jacob’s day.
VOD Expansion Continues
Additional VOD launches are scheduled for later this year in other Texas communities served by Suddenlink — with even more to be added to the list (in Texas and beyond) in 2009.
If you’re in a Suddenlink community that does not yet have VOD, please stay tuned. We will provide updates on this expansion as we receive them.
