Bandwidth’s API Portal Accelerates HTC, Inc.’s Out-of-Network VoIP Expansion

Bandwidth’s nationwide VoIP network and software-driven approach helps HTC provide complete voice services beyond its existing footprint at a fraction of the cost

Raleigh, North Carolina – (BUSINESS WIRE) – April 1, 2015 – Bandwidth, one of the nation’s leading communications companies, today announced that HTC, Inc., the nation’s largest telecommunications cooperative and 18th largest telephone company, selected Bandwidth to deliver out-of-network voice to new underserved areas for Bluewave Communications.

HTC was approached by the Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation (LREMC), a not-for-profit regional electric utility, to service a portion of Robeson County, North Carolina through a new fiber-based network. The service, delivered as Bluewave Communications and funded by a Broadband Stimulus loan and grant, brings high-speed Internet, data and video to areas in and around a portion of LREMC’s electric service territory.

For the voice component of its new services, HTC chose Bandwidth, the nation’s sixth largest carrier, due to its seamless extension with its existing coverage footprint. By tapping into a simple set of APIs, HTC was able to completely automate the provisioning and porting of phone numbers. Bandwidth also enabled HTC to offer new business and residential customers a complete phone service, including a phone number, a package of minutes, and full 9-1-1 support – delivered at significant savings compared to a traditional voice network.

Due to the HTC, LREMC and Bandwidth arrangement, underserved areas of North Carolina are now connected to the full array of services delivered on a modern fiber network. By partnering with Bandwidth, HTC is able to meet its customers’ demands for phone numbers virtually anywhere in the country. HTC is also well positioned for additional customers, as demand for numbers outside its coverage area continues to grow.

“Bandwidth’s network footprint made it easy for us to seamlessly expand our out of market coverage,” said Brent Groome, Chief Executive-Marketing, Economic, & Strategic Initiatives, HTC, Inc. “Through flexible APIs, we were able to automate the entire number ordering and provisioning process. We’re looking forward to a continued partnership with Bandwidth as we expand into new markets and connect our customers with the best services available, without compromising network reliability.”

“The expansion of VoIP provides a tremendous opportunity for local carriers to grow their user base efficiently and practically,” said Steve Leonard, EVP and General Manager at Bandwidth. “As communications networks modernize and expand to every corner of the country, carriers will continue to see the value VoIP networks provide to grow their businesses effectively.”

For more stories of how Bandwidth helps carriers expand, visit http://bandwidth.com/business/resources.

About Bandwidth
Bandwidth is among the nation’s largest and fastest-growing communication technology companies. The company operates two divisions – business solutions and consumer (Republic Wireless) that share a mission of transforming the communications industry. Across the divisions, Bandwidth provides a full range of communications services, including voice origination, termination and toll free; a full suite of 9-1-1 services; Messaging solutions; SIP Trunking; hosted VoIP for SMBs; and a consumer wireless business. Founded in 1999, and a certified CLEC in 49 states, Bandwidth is a profitable company headquartered in Raleigh, NC with a large remote office in Denver, CO and field offices in eight other cities.

About HTC
HTC, Inc. is the nation’s largest telecommunications cooperative. Founded in 1952, HTC celebrates over 60 years of service to Horry and Georgetown Counties as a local communications leader. HTC offers High Speed Internet, Digital Cable, Digital Wireless, Home Security, local telephone and long distance service, and advanced business services such as Local and Wide Area Networks (LAN/WAN), Managed Networks, VOIP Solutions, WiFi Solutions, Firewall and Security services. HTC provides these services utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network.

Contacts
PAN Communications
Adam Novak, 617-502-4300
bandwidth@pancomm.com
or
HTC
Nicole Hyman, 843-369-8498
Senior Marketing Coordinator
nicole.hyman@htcinc.net