EchoStar Taps GetConnected to Enable Resellers to Sell DSL

EchoStar Communications Corp. today announced it will embed GetConnected Inc.’s transaction processing platform into its partner portal, enabling DISH Network resellers to offer and order DSL services. As part of the agreement EchoStar will function as a subagent for GetConnected, which has agency agreements with top DSL providers.

“With nationwide coverage, GetConnected will allow our retailers to sell another quality product to their customers,” says Jim DeFranco, executive vice president at EchoStar.

Among GetConnecteds DLS supplier partners are AT&T Inc., Covad Communications Group Inc., EarthLink Inc., Qwest Communications International Inc., Cox Communications Inc. and Time Warner Cable.

By implementing GetConnected’s platform, the EchoStar reseller portal now enables DISH Network retailers to cross-sell DSL services, including prequalifying service availability and ordering.

GetConnected’s platform also is used by retailers such as AOL LLC, Best Buy, Circuit City, Dell Inc. and RadioShack Corp. to automate order management of video, voice, data and entertainment services, including DISH Network. GetConnected typically provides the enabling technology to retailers using a subscription-based model, said Sasha Novakovich, president, CEO and founder of GetConnected. GetConnecteds system is integrated into both the retailers PoS software and the carriers order-management systems, she said.

In a majority of the cases the retailer maintains a direct relationship with the service provider, Novakovich said, but in some instances GetConnected serves as the service providers agent to facilitate the orders for its retailer customers.

A spokesperson for the companies said, EchoStar will start as an agent for GCI. It is not clear whether EchoStar intends to forge its own relationships with the DSL suppliers.

The satellite company already has strategic partnerships to sell its satellite TV services through many telcos including SBC Communications Inc. (now AT&T Inc.), ALLTEL Corp. Inc., CenturyTel Inc. and Qwest Communications International Inc.

EchoStar Communications Corp. www.dishnetwork.com
GetConnected Inc. www.getconnectedinc.com