Consolidated Communications Expands Launch of Microsoft Productivity Suite to Entire Service Area

Rhea-AI Summary

Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) has expanded its Microsoft 365 services, offering businesses a comprehensive cloud-based platform for enhanced productivity and collaboration. The suite includes Microsoft Teams for video meetings and file sharing, catering to businesses of all sizes. Eric Nevalainen, IT Manager of Local #49 of the IUOE, emphasized the suite's importance during the COVID-19 pandemic for communication among 14,000 members. The services come with no upfront costs, leveraging Consolidated's robust fiber network across 23 states.

Positive

• Expansion of Microsoft 365 services enhances cloud-based productivity options for businesses.
• No upfront costs for subscription-based services increase accessibility and affordability.
• Strong collaboration features, such as Microsoft Teams, are critical for productivity, especially post-COVID.

Negative

• None.

Cloud-based apps provide mobile productivity, collaboration and connectivity for any size business; include Microsoft Teams

MATTOON, Ill., Oct. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL), a leading broadband and business communications provider, today expanded the availability of its Microsoft 365 suite of services that offer businesses an affordable, cloud-based platform, enabling easy collaboration and on-the-go productivity with advanced security options.

The Microsoft 365 productivity suite, now available across the entire Consolidated service area, includes the Microsoft Teams collaboration platform that combines video meetings, chat, file storage and application integration. Cloud-based productivity tools allow employees to access email, documents, contacts and calendars using any device, wherever they may be. Microsoft Office mobile apps including Word, Excel and PowerPoint deliver on-the-go productivity and easy collaboration with documents stored in the cloud.

Local #49 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) turned to Consolidated Communications when it needed collaboration and productivity tools for 14,000 members across three states. “Once COVID-19 hit, these apps allowed us to connect, share and communicate with our staff and agents, wherever they were and on multiple devices,” said Local #49 IT Manager Eric Nevalainen. “Microsoft 365 is like a Swiss Army Knife - it provided a solution whenever we were faced with the question of how to do something in this unprecedented environment.”

“Microsoft 365 provides everything businesses need to stay connected and be productive, whether working remotely or onsite, and with whatever device they are using,” said Darren Peterson, senior vice president of commercial sales at Consolidated Communications. “And those benefits are now available to businesses across all service areas.”

The productivity suite comes with Consolidated’s experienced and skilled implementation technicians and streamlined, responsive service delivery from Pax8, the leader in cloud distribution. There are plans for businesses of every size and the comprehensive service is all offered for one convenient, subscription-based monthly fee with no up-front costs.

About Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL) is a leading broadband and business communications provider serving consumers, businesses, and wireless and wireline carriers across rural and metro communities and a 23-state service area. Leveraging an advanced fiber network spanning 46,000 fiber route miles, Consolidated Communications is a top-10 fiber provider in the U.S. offering a wide range of communications solutions, including: high-speed Internet, data, phone, security, managed services, cloud services and wholesale, carrier solutions. From our first connection 125 years ago, Consolidated is dedicated to turning technology into solutions, connecting people and enriching how they work and live. Visit www.consolidated.com for more information.

Media Contacts:
Sam Gett, Consolidated Communications
Samuel.Gett@consolidated.com
507.387.1866

Jennifer Spaude, Consolidated Communications
Jennifer.Spaude@consolidated.com
507.386.3765

FAQ

What new services has Consolidated Communications launched?

Consolidated Communications has expanded its Microsoft 365 services, providing a cloud-based platform for productivity and collaboration.

How does Microsoft 365 support businesses during COVID-19?

Microsoft 365 allows remote collaboration and communication tools, which are essential for businesses adapting to the pandemic.

What is included in the Microsoft 365 productivity suite?

The suite includes Microsoft Teams, which integrates video meetings, chat, file storage, and mobile access to Office applications.

Is there an upfront cost for Microsoft 365 services from Consolidated Communications?

No, the Microsoft 365 services are offered with a subscription-based monthly fee and no upfront costs.