Channel Partners: TWC Takes Agent Program National

Following the release of its business-class VoIP services, Time Warner Cable Business Class (Booth 1528-1530), a Channel Partners Conference & Expo Sponsor, officially will launch its nationwide agent channel program at the show. World Telecom Group (Booth 1313), a master agency based in California, is among the first to sign up.

The new program will target national master agents like WTG with subagents focusing on SMBs that are prospects for the company’s business-class broadband access, VoIP and video offers. It also will look at agents that specialize in selling enterprise broadband, including metro Ethernet and dedicated IP services, which are a company specialty.

“Our announcement here is really to announce a national channel strategy, which will allow channel partners to ubiquitously deploy Time Warner Cable Business Class services across our markets. It will have one set of price points and one set of products and so forth,” said Brian Snortheim, director of marketing, alternate channels, for the company. Time Warner Cable Business Class operates is 31 states.

The cable company has been working with alternate sales channels for a number of years, but only in select regions, such as the Carolinas and Texas, said organizers.

Snortheim and Greg Iuzzolino, director of sales, alternate channels, have been tapped to lead the effort. They will be backed by dedicated staff, including channel managers and support personnel, at corporate and regional offices.

“We are looking to launch a myriad of best-in-class tools,” said Snortheim, noting this includes a secure Web portal, online training, co-marketing and market development funds. Agents will be classified into two tiers — premier and gold — based on commitment levels.