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Associated Carrier Group is pleased to welcome Arctic Slope Telephone Association Cooperative, Inc. (ASTAC) and offer them the full benefit of being a member.  “We are confident that ACG’s mission of aggregating for purchasing power and the corresponding savings on handsets, accessories and network infrastructure will help provide ASTAC the means to attain its goal of continuing to compete in the ultra-competitive wireless carrier space.”

“ASTAC is excited to join the Associated Carrier Group. The benefits of our membership will allow ASTAC to offer more wireless devices and accessories at competitive prices which can be challenging due to the location and size of our market.”  – Kassie Anderson, Consumer Product Manager.

ASTAC is a member-owned telephone utility Cooperative providing telecommunications services to the residents of the North Slope region of Alaska. The Cooperative’s designated service area is a roadless, remote arctic area of more than 90,000 square miles which is larger than 40 of the 50 states.

ASTAC provides Broadband Ethernet and Internet, 4G and LTE wireless as well as local and long-distance services across the North Slope. Additionally, ASTAC offers a Nomadic WAN and Internet service using the North Slope’s only private LTE network covering the oil fields.

To learn more about our newest member, go to: https://www.astac.net/.

Associated Carrier Group, Sprint and Competitive Carriers Association Support Regional Carriers with Improved Access to Devices New agreement integrates Device Hub into ACG September 24, 2018 Associated Carrier Group (ACG), Sprint and Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) are collaborating to offer Device Hub services to ACG members, providing regional and smaller carriers with a one-stop solution for timely access to devices.

In an increasingly demanding device ecosystem, assisting smaller carriers in gaining access to hard-to-reach devices is crucial in maintaining a competitive environment. ACG was formed to benefit both its members and consumers by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to quickly develop and procure scarce or difficult to obtain products through economies of scale and standardization of coding and other features. Since its inception in 2005, ACG has given its members access to 11 million devices.

Russ Lipinski, president and executive director of ACG, said, “This agreement is another critical step in allowing small- to medium-sized carriers access to niche products and other devices that are challenging to secure.”

CCA strongly supports the evolution of the Device Hub into ACG, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist regional carriers in gaining access to devices. “The partnership will continue to advance, build and leverage ACG’s buying power and, ultimately, allow for greater competition. It’s a win for both carriers and customers,” said Steven K. Berry, CCA President and CEO.

Jay Bluhm, Vice President of Network Development and Engineering at Sprint said, “Sprint is committed to helping smaller carriers get access to the devices their customers want. We are excited for the new agreement with ACG to bring a combined device roadmap to regional carriers using procurement processes they are already familiar with and an activation process enabling these devices to work seamlessly on their networks.”

About Associated Carrier Group:

ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as technical device testing. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant LTE & CDMA devices.  ACG presently has thirty-one Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.   More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

About CCA:

CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s nearly 100 carrier members covers 95 percent of the nation. Visit www.ccamobile.org.

About Sprint:

Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 54.6 million connections as of June 30, 2018 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Today, Sprint’s legacy of innovation and service continues with an increased investment to dramatically improve coverage, reliability, and speed across its nationwide network and commitment to launching the first 5G mobile network in the U.S. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint

Russ Lipinski

President & Executive Director

Associated Carrier Group, LLC.

920-617-3007

russ@associatedcarriergroup.com

Associated Carrier Group is pleased to welcome Pine Belt Wireless and offer them the full benefit of being a member.  “We are confident that ACG’s mission of aggregating for purchasing power and the corresponding savings on handsets, accessories and network infrastructure will help provide Pine Belt the means to attain its goal of continuing to compete in the ultra-competitive wireless carrier space.”

“Being able to offer our customers the latest phones, devices and accessories is essential to Pine Belt continuing to be a competitive local alternative in the wireless industry,” said John Nettles, President of Pine Belt Wireless.  “As a partner with ACG, we will be able to offer Pine Belt customers the handsets they want and service they can only get from a local provider.”

Since 1958, Pine Belt Wireless has sought to provide the highest quality communication services, building a state-of-the-art wireless, telephone, internet and cable television company which has put up towers in places where their customers have put down roots in Alabama.  The five words under their logo “Neighbors You Can Call On” aren’t just a part of their logo, but who they are. 

To learn more about our newest member, go to http://www.pinebelt.net.

The Expanded  Relationship Promises to Lower the Total Cost of Technical Training

HUNT VALLEY,  Md.— Jan. 19, 2017—TESSCO Technologies (NASDAQ: TESS), As part of the ongoing relationship between Associated Carrier Group (ACG) and TESSCO Technologies, ACG members can now access TESSCO’s comprehensive training curriculum at special reduced prices. ACG members can enroll in Cisco certified courses in addition to any of TESSCO’s other courses at significant discounts from their normal rates.

TESSCO offers training across a range of subjects from expert instructors and includes unique, hands-on experiences and specially curated curriculums for their courses that deliver exceptionally high pass rates among attendees. Many courses include certification testing at their conclusion and offer an opportunity to obtain required credentials at a low cost.

“TESSCO is excited to partner with ACG and offer this exceptional value on crucial training to its members,” Justin Warren, TESSCO Segment Sales Leader, said. “This collaboration further demonstrates the unmatched opportunities available to ACG members and TESSCO’s continued commitment to being a true partner for the group.”

“Our relationship with TESSCO provides a lot of great benefits to our members,” ACG President and Executive Director Russ Lipinski added. “Getting access to these critical training courses at a discount and with TESSCO’s added customer service will ensure our members stay up to date on certifications and at the forefront of the latest information.”

About TESSCO (NASDAQ: TESS)

The convergence of wireless and the Internet is revolutionizing the way we live, work and play.  New systems and applications are creating challenges and opportunities at an unprecedented rate. TESSCO is there‒enabling organizations to capitalize on the opportunities in wireless by providing Your Total Source® of end-to-end solutions. TESSCO delivers the knowledge, product and supply chain solutions required to build, use, maintain, and resell Cellular, Mobile Communications, Wi-Fi, Machine-to-Machine, Internet of Things, Wireless Backhaul, and Monitoring & Control systems. For more information, visit TESSCO.com or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About ACG

ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices. ACG presently has 31 Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States. More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

Wireless Partners

Wireless Partners launched LTE service in “Downeast, Maine” in October of 2015.  As a Verizon LRA partner the company installed “32 new sites of coverage”.   Wireless Partners is a trusted, proven provider of carrier-grade wireless telecommunication solutions.  They design, build, own and operate advanced cellular networks for unserved and underserved rural markets.  Rural cellular services provide an essential part of everyday life by supporting better economic opportunities, safer communities, and by providing high-speed broadband internet access. Wireless Partners is located in Portland, Maine.  For more information, visit www.wireless-partnersllc.com 

– “Wireless Partners is very excited to join the Associated Carriers Group.  As a small rural carrier it makes sense to partner with other smaller carriers who face similar challenges.  We believe that ACG’s strong vendor relationships will lead to improved network operations through supply chain management and product pricing.”  

Todd Rich, Director of Asset Management & Site Acquisitions 

Wireless Partners LLC

– “The addition of Tessco Infrastructure discounts is creating great opportunities for Affiliate Program Participants!  We are excited to add Wireless Partners to the Affiliate program!”

Russ Lipinski, President & Executive Director

Associated Carrier Group

NewCore Wireless

NewCore Wireless is the leading full-service hosted wireless switching provider offering solutions to carriers. Our Switching Platforms are capable of providing 2G (GSM), 3G (UMTS) and 4G (LTE) wireless services.  We also provide Value Added Services like SMS, MMS, voicemail, prepaid, E911, CALEA and CMAS that allow small carriers the opportunity to compete on the same level as Tier 1 carriers.  NewCore Wireless was founded in 2008 with the mission of providing innovative technology solutions to rural carriers that deliver scalable, end-to-end solutions.  We offer each of our network partners the flexibility to run their own wireless business without the added expense of the core network.   The company is headquartered in St. Cloud, MN.    For more information, visit www.newcorewireless.net. 

“We look forward to the savings ACG can offer New Core on our infrastructure build outs” .  Albert Kangas, General Manager & COO, NewCore Wireless.

 “Driving value to our members is at the core of what we do at Associated Carrier Group and we are very pleased to have New Core as a new affiliate program participant.” 

Russ Lipinski, President & Executive Director, ACG

ACG Members gain access to Syniverse IPX, LTE, fraud and enterprise messaging solutions   

TAMPA, Fla. – Nov. 5, 2015 – Syniverse is now offering members of the Associated Carrier Group (ACG) volume-of-business pricing for a wide range of Syniverse capabilities that enable LTE implementation, roaming, fraud prevention, revenue assurance and enterprise messaging. 

As a result, ACG members have access to Syniverse solutions that provide the consortium of more than 30 small to mid-size U.S. mobile operators a cost-effective way to implement new mobile technologies and to deliver enhanced service to subscribers. Syniverse’s product portfolios offer ACG members a suite of mobile services that connect more than 1,000 operators and more than 500 other brands in almost 200 countries. 

“With the surge in mobile data use and subscribers’ increasing demand for connectivity at all times, it’s become critical for our members to have access to the latest and widest selection of mobile services,” said Russ Lipinski, President and Executive Director, ACG. “Syniverse’s broad range of mobile solutions will allow our members to more quickly and cost-effectively bring to market new services, offer more competitively priced plans, and reach new market segments in a quickly growing and rapidly changing mobile marketplace.”   

Among the solutions that ACG is making available to its members, Syniverse’s Connected LTE portfolio brings together IPX, signaling, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) interconnect, real-time intelligence, and revenue management products to enable operators to quickly and cost-effectively launch LTE.  Additionally, the Intelligent Roaming portfolio provides operators with accurate information in real time that can be applied to increase retail revenues, reduce wholesale costs and influence user quality of experience. Syniverse’s Mobile Protection helps both companies and operators combat the full range of today’s mobile fraud by using a patented analysis technology that works in combination with high-speed processing of event records. Finally, Mobile Reach allows operators to take advantage of a comprehensive portfolio designed to enable interconnectivity through text messaging, interoperability, number portability, signaling, and transport services. 

“We are pleased to further build our relationship with ACG by providing its members with the capability to work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers and vendors to bring the latest technology, most competitive value, and greatest choice to their subscribers,” said Alfred de Cárdenas, President of Global Sales and Service and Chief Sales Officer, Syniverse. 

This program strengthens Syniverse’s 25-plus year relationship with ACG members, including Syniverse’s annual participation in ACG’s Associated Carrier Group Mid-Year conference.

About Syniverse  

Syniverse is the leading global transaction processor that connects more than 1,500 mobile service providers, enterprises, ISPs and OTTs in nearly 200 countries and territories, enabling seamless mobile communications across disparate and rapidly evolving networks, devices and applications. We deliver innovative cloud-based solutions that facilitate superior end-user experiences through always-on services and real-time engagement. For more than 25 years, Syniverse has been simplifying complexity to deliver the promise of mobility – a simple, interoperable experience, anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.syniverse.com, follow Syniverse on Twitter or connect with Syniverse on Facebook.

About ACG

ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices. ACG presently has 33 Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States. More information is available at http://www.associatedcarriergroup.com. 

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For more information:

Bobby Eagle

Syniverse Public Relations  +1-813-637-5050

bobby.eagle@syniverse.com  

The Expanded   Relationship Promises to Lower the Total Cost of Cell-Site Deployment

HUNT VALLEY,  Md.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sep. 9, 2015—TESSCO Technologies (NASDAQ: TESS), a leading provider of the   product and value chain solutions required to build, use and maintain   wireless systems, is entering into an expanded partnership with the   Associated Carrier Group (ACG), a consortium of more than 30 wireless   carriers serving the U.S. market. Under the agreement with ACG, TESSCO will   supply ACG members with the end-to-end product and supply chain solutions to   build and maintain cellular base stations at the lowest total cost.

“We are honored to   be a major supplier to ACG and greatly value our expanded relationship from supplying mobile device accessories to include base station infrastructure products and solutions,” said TESSCO Founder, Chairman and CEO Robert Barnhill. “Our goal is to make the difference in ACG and their members’ success by providing the best products, kitted, and delivered on time to achieve rapid and productive deployment at the lowest total costs.”

“ACG and TESSCO have successfully partnered for nearly five years to deliver member organizations   preferred pricing and a variety of value-added services related to mobile   device accessories,” said Russ Lipinski, President & Executive Director of Associated Carrier Group. “We’re excited for our members to partner with   TESSCO on wireless infrastructure products and solutions as well.”

TESSCO has offered   preferred pricing to ACG members since 2011 for mobile accessories.  CommScope, a long-time technology and manufacturing partner of TESSCO, will   help facilitate the amended agreement.

“CommScope is very   excited to be partnering with TESSCO on supporting the Associated Carrier   Group through this initiative,” said CommScope National Channel Manager Ray   Simon. “This program will help deliver the ACG Wireless Carrier members access to the CommScope Network Infrastructure solutions that are needed for their markets.”

The partnership is   being announced at the CTIA Super Mobility tradeshow Sept. 9-11, 2015 in Las   Vegas. For more information, visit www.tessco.com or call 1.800.472.7373.

About TESSCO (NASDAQ: TESS)

The convergence of   wireless and the Internet is revolutionizing the way we live, work and play.  New systems and applications are creating challenges and opportunities at an   unprecedented rate. TESSCO is there‒enabling organizations to capitalize on   the opportunities in wireless by providing Your Total Source® of end-to-end   solutions. TESSCO delivers the knowledge, product and supply chain solutions   required to build, use, maintain, and resell Cellular, Mobile   Communications, Wi-Fi, Machine-to-Machine, Internet of Things, Wireless   Backhaul, and Monitoring & Control systems. For more   information, visit TESSCO.com or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

About ACG

ACG was formed to   benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient   production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The   consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and   other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices. ACG   presently has 31 Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the   United States. More information is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

View source version   on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150909006522/en/

Source: TESSCO   Technologies

HY Connect
Kelley Whalen, 312-274-3538
kwhalen@hyc.com

Las Vegas, NV – The Associated Carrier Group (ACG) announced a new Affiliate Membership program during the Rural Wireless Summit, hosted by the Rural Wireless Association (RWA), inLas Vegas, Nevada. ACG affiliate members will enjoy benefits including accessory, infrastructure and service discounts. This will help lay the groundwork for affiliate members to upgrade to full membership including handset discounts once VOLTE only devicesbecome available.

ACG President and Executive Director Russ Lipinski unveiled the new program during his presentation at the Rural Wireless Summit. “We look forward to welcoming RWA members and otherrural carriers to ACG and continuing to strengthen our consortium through this new affiliate program,” stated Lipinski. “The trends are showing robust growth in the accessories market will continue, and we hope that we can help additional wireless carriersfind success in this area,” he added.

“RWA is pleased to work with like-minded organizations like ACG that are committed to promoting rural wireless opportunities,” explained RWA’s CEO Tanya Sullivan. “Mr. Lipinski sharedexcellent insights with our attendees during his presentation and we were very pleased that he chose RWA to announce this new initiative.”

About ACG–ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortiumenables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices.  ACG presently has thirty-three Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.   Moreinformation is available at www.associatedcarriergroup.com.

About RWA– Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, RWA – the Rural Wireless Association is a trade association representing rural wireless carriers who each serve fewer than 100,000 subscribers. RWA’s members have joined together to speed delivery of new, efficient and innovative telecommunications technologies to remote and underserved communities.For more information visit www.ruralwireless.org.

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The Associated Carrier Group, LLC, (ACG) announced today that Budget Prepay, LLC, a Louisiana company, has joined the group of independent tier two and three carriers and increased overall membership to 36 member carriers.  ACG, formed in January 2005, is an alliance of North American CDMA carriers that collaborates efforts to provide timely and competitive value to consumers in member markets while creating efficiencies of scale for device manufacturers and vendors.

“ACG aggregates carrier demand to insure timely availability of innovative wireless devices that consumers demand.” said ACG President Russ Lipinski.  “Our organization provides Member Carriers with a means to work collaboratively with equipment manufacturers and vendors in an effort to bring the latest technologies, competitive value, and greater choice to consumers. In today’s ever changing device ecosystem prudent planning has elevated to become mission critical in CDMA and LTE.  We are pleased to welcome Budget Prepay as the newest member of ACG.”

 “Partnering with ACG is a collaboration that makes sense for our business and our customers,” said Danny Hyde, Chief Executive Officer for Budget Prepay. “As a member of ACG, we hope to expand our industry resources and continue to stay at the forefront of emerging wireless trends and technology.”

Carriers interested in joining ACG or seeking further information visit  www.associatedcarriergroup.com. 

About Budget Prepay

Budget PrePay® is a Louisiana based corporation providing prepaid communication services to individuals and families nationwide since 1996. The early success of home phone services allowed Budget PrePay® to grow into one of the nation’s most diverse mobile prepaid service companies.  As a leader in the prepaid telecom industry, Budget PrePay strives to meet and exceed the ever changing needs and expectations of customers.

About ACG
ACG was formed to benefit both its members and the consumer by facilitating efficient production and marketing of devices as well as increased competition. The consortium enables its members to work with manufacturers, suppliers and other vendors to acquire more timely access to relevant CDMA devices.  ACG presently has twenty-seven Member Carriers based in various markets throughout the United States.   More information is available at http://www.associatedcarriergroup.com.