Startec: Immigration Provides Opportunity for Agents

As immigrant populations grow in the United States and Canada, the market for selling residential long-distance also is booming. So contends Startec Global Communications, the 17-year old facilities-based carrier headquartered in Rockville, Md.

The company has had an agent program in place since 2000 but recently revised its Web site, giving customers online billing and account management, and added international calling plans for cell phones. The changes come in response to burgeoning immigrant populations and more demand for direct-dial long-distance services. We have over a half a million customers, said T.J. Master, senior voice president of sales and marketing for Startec.

Startec is seeking unique agents, Master said, particularly those who work closely with immigrant populations. Were looking for [agents] with prior experience selling to international callers, he explained. Startecs partner program is open to both master and subagents. Contracts are negotiated on an individual basis, so gross margins vary. For example, if an agent commits to higher volumes than another, the pay reflects that. Most compensation plans include residual commissions and some type of bonus upon initial signing, Master said.

Startec provides its agents with online order entry and commission reports, as well as telemarketing scripts and Do Not Call compliance tools. The company will be exhibiting at the Fall 2006 Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C.

Startec Global Communications www.startec.com