(cont)... War Zone
CUMBERLAND - The privately held cable company Atlantic Broadband is not usually in the business of easing anxiety, but an Internet initiative launched in early October will go a long way toward that goal. Believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, Operation Mail Call will provide a link to a deployed loved one through a broadband connection so the modern soldier does not have to wait for a hand-written letter.
According to a company bulletin, Atlantic Broadband will provide all customer households with an immediate family member stationed in the Iraq and Afghanistan combat zones free Internet service. Family members who qualify include husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother.
The offer is being made to new and existing Atlantic Broadband residential customers. The free Internet service is available everywhere Atlantic Broadband provides Internet service in the local area, including central and western Pennsylvania and western New York; the Maryland/Delaware peninsula; and several cities in South Florida, including Miami Beach. It is not available in those areas where only cable service is offered to the customer.
Calling the idea “the 21st century version of the mail call that brightened the wartime experience of U.S. servicemen and women in past decades,” Atlantic Broadband's intention is to make high-speed Internet communication available to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
Because of broadband speed and capacity, families back home will be able to share photos, videos and even artwork and drawings from their children.
Another goal of the free offer is to provide extraordinary customer service to the clients serviced by Atlantic Broadband.
“Customer appreciation offers are nothing new, but this is a very special one for all of us at Atlantic Broadband,” said Rich Shea, vice president and chief information officer of the company ranked as one of the top 20 national cable operators. “We are privileged to be able to offer this service to the families who are making such a great sacrifice for all of us.”
Those interested will be required to provide a copy of their soldier's deployment orders issued by the military branch with which they are enlisted. Shown on the form must be the active duty member's name, address, Social Security number, purpose of deployment - such as Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, etc. - and the period of active duty deployment, usually 365 or 545 days.
Julie Malcolm, administrative assistant with Atlantic Broadband's local business office, advises those interested in the offer to secure their enlisted family member's deployment orders through the recruiter or the base from where they were detached.
The household will receive Atlantic Broadband preferred high-speed Internet service of up to three megabits per second, a free cable modem, up to five separate e-mail accounts, free installation and maintenance. A customer will be eligible for the free Internet offer at any level of cable service, including basic.
The service will remain complimentary as long as the enlisted family member is posted in either of the war zones. Only one household is eligible per serviceman or woman.
Area interested residents should bring their family member's deployment orders to the Atlantic Broadband business office at 201 S. Mechanic St. Self-installation that does not involve a residence's phone line will be explained or a scheduled technician will be ordered at that time. More information can be accessed at http://www.atlanticbb.com .
http://www.times-news.com/articles/2005/11/04/sections/top_stories/top04.txt
CUMBERLAND - The privately held cable company Atlantic Broadband is not usually in the business of easing anxiety, but an Internet initiative launched in early October will go a long way toward that goal. Believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, Operation Mail Call will provide a link to a deployed loved one through a broadband connection so the modern soldier does not have to wait for a hand-written letter.
According to a company bulletin, Atlantic Broadband will provide all customer households with an immediate family member stationed in the Iraq and Afghanistan combat zones free Internet service. Family members who qualify include husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother.
The offer is being made to new and existing Atlantic Broadband residential customers. The free Internet service is available everywhere Atlantic Broadband provides Internet service in the local area, including central and western Pennsylvania and western New York; the Maryland/Delaware peninsula; and several cities in South Florida, including Miami Beach. It is not available in those areas where only cable service is offered to the customer.
Calling the idea “the 21st century version of the mail call that brightened the wartime experience of U.S. servicemen and women in past decades,” Atlantic Broadband's intention is to make high-speed Internet communication available to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
Because of broadband speed and capacity, families back home will be able to share photos, videos and even artwork and drawings from their children.
Another goal of the free offer is to provide extraordinary customer service to the clients serviced by Atlantic Broadband.
“Customer appreciation offers are nothing new, but this is a very special one for all of us at Atlantic Broadband,” said Rich Shea, vice president and chief information officer of the company ranked as one of the top 20 national cable operators. “We are privileged to be able to offer this service to the families who are making such a great sacrifice for all of us.”
Those interested will be required to provide a copy of their soldier's deployment orders issued by the military branch with which they are enlisted. Shown on the form must be the active duty member's name, address, Social Security number, purpose of deployment - such as Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, etc. - and the period of active duty deployment, usually 365 or 545 days.
Julie Malcolm, administrative assistant with Atlantic Broadband's local business office, advises those interested in the offer to secure their enlisted family member's deployment orders through the recruiter or the base from where they were detached.
The household will receive Atlantic Broadband preferred high-speed Internet service of up to three megabits per second, a free cable modem, up to five separate e-mail accounts, free installation and maintenance. A customer will be eligible for the free Internet offer at any level of cable service, including basic.
The service will remain complimentary as long as the enlisted family member is posted in either of the war zones. Only one household is eligible per serviceman or woman.
Area interested residents should bring their family member's deployment orders to the Atlantic Broadband business office at 201 S. Mechanic St. Self-installation that does not involve a residence's phone line will be explained or a scheduled technician will be ordered at that time. More information can be accessed at http://www.atlanticbb.com .
http://www.times-news.com/articles/2005/11/04/sections/top_stories/top04.txt
