NISC Announces Solutions to Support Broadband - National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC)

NISC Announces Solutions to Support Broadband

The technology cooperative has launched iVUE Connect® Service, a web-based customer service and provisioning solution that provides functionality for utilities deploying broadband solutions.

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., January 4, 2018 — Today National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software and solutions to utility and telecommunication companies, announced the launch of iVUE Connect® Service, a web-based customer service and provisioning solution that provides functionality for utilities deploying broadband solutions.

“Rural America is making great strides in deploying broadband,” said Jasper Schneider, NISC Vice President of Member and Industry. “Utilities are finding areas where their members are underserved, along with upgrading their infrastructure to prepare for the future. With the release of iVUE Connect Service, NISC will ensure that these rural utilities deploying broadband will not only go fast, but also far.”

NISC’s iVUE Connect solution takes the iVUE Enterprise System beyond the desktop into the cloud. IVUE Connect Service focuses on customer service, making it easier for staff to assist customers by finding information more quickly in a web-based, user-friendly environment.

NISC’s iVUE Connect Service is more than just a customer service tool. It’s a unified Customer Care & Billing (CC&B) platform that enables NISC Members to provide the full complement of triple-play telecommunications services including auto-provisioning. It also supports all the needs of the contemporary utility enabling a smarter grid.

David Bonnett, NISC Vice President of Product Management, says the cloud-based functionality will allow utilities greater flexibility and improved user experience. “Our unified solution will allow utilities offering broadband service more efficiencies in serving their customers by finding information in a web-based, user-friendly environment. The software isn’t just a traditional CIS package, but one that can handle a variety of tasks that CIS software was never intended to.”

United Fiber, a subsidiary of United Electric Cooperative, located in Savannah, Mo., launched iVUE Connect Service with broadband billing and provisioning in November 2017. United’s fiber deployment grew quickly, reaching more than 5,000 customers, including commercial businesses. Deploying iVUE Connect Service has created efficiencies in customer service by automating manual provisioning processes.

“To be able to successfully deploy broadband in our service area not only represents economic development for our community, but an enhanced quality of life for our consumers,” said Jim Bagley, CEO of United Electric Cooperative. “Being able to partner with NISC and utilize an enterprise, cloud-based solution has made this leap manageable. We have a trusted partner in NISC.”

NISC’s efforts with broadband run deep. For 50 years, NISC has served Members in both the telecommunications and utility industries, working with many partners along the way. A grant program by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) helped kickstart broadband development across rural communities.

Recognizing the value of rural broadband and different approaches, in June 2017, NISC launched the Partners in Broadband initiative, together with the NRTC, NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). Through www.partnersinbroadband.com, partnerships can be facilitated between rural utilities and municipalities and telecommunication organizations to explore ways to deliver the best possible broadband experience.

For more information on iVUE Connect Service with Broadband Functionality, please visit nisc.coop/utility-broadband or contact broadband@nisc.coop.

About NISC

National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members/Customers. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to more than 820 independent telecommunication companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Shawano, Wis., NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,150 professionals between the four locations.

Additional information can be found at www.nisc.coop.