Eric Sorensen

In our industry, success for our broadband service provider (BSP) customers starts with active listening on our part. At Calix, we recognize that every BSP is unique - with different strategies, goals, and challenges. That’s why we prioritize meeting our customers where they’re at, fostering trust through genuine understanding and collaboration. It all begins with asking the right questions. Some of those include: · What is your strategy and what are your goals? ·  What are your biggest challenges? ·  Who are your best partners, and why? ·   How can we bring the most value to your organization? ·   If we work together, what will success look like for you? 
By understanding these nuances, our Success team can tailor solutions and tools to meet not only your current tech needs, but also your strategic aspirations. It’s about creating partnerships rooted in trust, where insights flow both ways. The result? Stronger working relationships and shared success in the present, with strategies, tools, and knowledge in place to execute future ambitions. Let me know in the comments how active listening has helped you and your customers succeed! #ActiveListening #BroadbandServiceProviders #CustomerFirst

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My thoughts are with those impacted by Hurricane Helene.   T-Mobile’s network and engineering teams are assessing sites across Helene’s path to identify damage. Overlapping coverage and hardening efforts have helped to keep customers connected where available. We have identified some interruption of service due to commercial power loss and storm-related damage. We are deploying network assets to restore coverage and support first responders and public safety. We’ll continue to monitor the network, partner with local utilities and authorities, and assess more sites as conditions safely allow. Teams will also be on the ground to re-direct antennas that shifted due to wind and refill generators as it is safe to do so.   Additional updates: https://lnkd.in/geMTSh6n

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What sets your broadband business apart from other providers competing for BEAD funding? How will you persuade the local broadband office to award funds to your business over neighboring providers in the race for funding? The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program isn’t just a funding opportunity; it’s a battleground for resources in a fast-growing market. A panel of experts from JSI, Unitel, and Calix will guide you through the labyrinth of the BEAD program’s latest developments to help you: ✅Understand BEAD program requirements to create a competitive application and assess potential risks. ✅Discover how to secure program financing, including obtaining matching funds, a Letter of Credit, and meeting post-award obligations. ✅Learn how Calix can help you transform the complex requirements of the BEAD program into strategic advantages. Get the guidance you need to seize BEAD opportunities. 🔗https://ow.ly/PgPn30sBXUl #BEAD #Broadband #BEADFunding

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Broadband providers are always (rightfully) concerned that if they change their packaging or marginally raise prices, their customers will leave for a competitor. While this is certainly possible, what I have seen working with BSPs across multiple states on repackaging exercises is that positioned correctly and if adding value, there is minimal if any churn as a result of repackaging or raising prices. Key in there is positioned correctly and adding value. "We're raising prices because our prices are going up." doesn't land well. "Yes, you're price has increased BUT you see that we increased your bandwidth and added network security and parental controls. We believe this is important because of X, Y, and Z." ^^^That does land well. People get it and feel taken care of. Wealthy areas, poorer areas, different demographics. It doesn't seem to matter. People are people, and if we explain that we're taking care of them that resolves most concerns. #broadband #fiber #sethtalks

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Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular, shared the three key federal actions he thinks are needed to improve U.S. telecommunications: 1. Expand Licensed Spectrum: Increase the availability of licensed, full-power spectrum and restore the FCC's authority to auction this resource to enhance VoIP service reliability. 2. Unified Innovation Strategy: Implement a government-wide approach to innovation to streamline and maximize technological advancements. 3. Strategic Infrastructure Funding: Better align the billions allocated for infrastructure to efficiently bridge the digital divide, enhancing telecommunications and VoIP services across the nation. You can check out the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/ePB3VfRC

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Text Msgs Have an Open Rate of ~98% 45% of Text are read within 3 Min of Delivery 65% of People Prefer Text over Voice for Customer Care Cuts Straight thru All of the Communication Noise It is Ultra-Efficient Laws and Regulations Will Keep the Noise Out https://zurl.co/zJ4Y

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Mean Opinion Score (MOS): The go-to metric for call quality, but is it telling the whole story? MOS is popular, but it's just the tip of the iceberg Numerous parameters influence call quality beyond what a single MOS value shows Properly assessing call quality requires looking at multiple relevant indicators 🤔 So, how can we ensure our MOS stories have happy endings? Here's a must-read for anyone in telecom or customer experience roles. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/dvxEHwcT  #MeanOpinionScore #CallQuality #VoiceMonitoring #Telecoms #Voipfuture

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While Hurricane Ian is long gone since 2022, the tropical storm had a very long-lasting destructive impact on the town's network connectivity. The hurricane's landfall destroyed the Xfinity network. But Comcast didn't back down. Within 48 hours, my company initiated the rebuild to restore service, enabling our customers to get back online. In 2024, our commitment to Sanibel's community continues by providing internet access that is now more resilient, robust and secure thanks to a major investment. Comcast recently completed over $72 million in work to restore connectivity and fortify its Xfinity network in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian's impact. "Our commitment to this vibrant community runs deep. This network infrastructure is a big deal and we're proud to be actively investing in Sanibel and other parts of Southwest Florida. The new fiber line and its strategic installation should bring a sense of comfort to those on the island." - Comcast Florida Regional Vice President Jeff Buzzelli #Xfinity #networkconnectivity #internet #Florida #comcastbusiness #iworkforcomcast

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This blog post illustrates the importance of having a symmetrical gigabit as our national broadband definition. Thinking ahead is crucial. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gZm5mc9b

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Why does it appear that things come in 3's? In my past two posts, Comcast is profiting in wireless, TMO was offering 'white label wireless' services, and now TMO is pursuing an investment in Metronet to expand into broadband and fixed wireless. Seems like the grass is always greener on the other side! But, truthfully, the big dogs need to expand outside their normal comfort markets. They see saturation coming in what they currently do, and problems with their current business models. We see it now with change-ups in inbuilding coverage investments (i.e., very few and very selective). See below:

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📶 Facing the Post-ACP Broadband Affordability Challenge with Vanguard’s Expertise 📶 With the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), millions of low-income and rural households are now facing significant hurdles in accessing affordable internet. This lapse not only affects everyday connectivity but also complicates plans tied to other federal broadband initiatives, creating a critical need for effective solutions. At Vanguard, we are committed to supporting telecom providers in navigating these challenges head-on. 🔹 Cost-Efficiency: Our expertise in cloud and CX (contact center) software can help you reduce operational costs by up to 40%. This allows providers to maintain competitive pricing for their services, crucial for keeping broadband accessible to underserved communities. 🔹 Driving Revenue Growth: Even as subsidies fade, our targeted sales and marketing strategies empower telecom providers to expand their subscriber base and enhance revenue streams. We focus on sustainable growth that aligns with the evolving market landscape. 🔹 Strategic Consulting: We provide tailored go-to-market strategies that not only address current affordability issues but also position telecom providers for future success. Our comprehensive support ensures that your organization can adapt quickly to changes while keeping customer satisfaction high. As states explore alternative funding methods to bridge the gap left by the ACP, Vanguard is here to help telecom providers deliver on the promise of broadband for all. Let’s work together to create lasting solutions for rural and low-income communities. Connect with us today to discover how Vanguard can assist in overcoming these broadband affordability challenges! #BroadbandForAll #TelecomConsulting #VanguardTech #DigitalDivide #AffordableConnectivity #RuralGrowth https://lnkd.in/en6Kqmyn

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One thing stands out after three decades in telecom: people remember their first coach. That person who advocated for them, who showed up when they needed them, the one who treated them like they mattered. And in customer service, that’s exactly what we should strive to be: advocates and coaches for our clients. Why? Because people crave support and guidance. They want to know someone is in their corner, especially when making tough decisions. When clients see you as a trusted advisor rather than just a vendor, they’re more likely to turn to you when they need help, knowing you’ll provide honest insights and support. Your relationship becomes less transactional and more personal. So, how do you become a customer advocate? By following these steps: • 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁: Understand their needs before jumping in with solutions. • 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿: Celebrating their wins lets them know you're in their corner. • 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹: Share the specialized knowledge you have so they can make informed decisions. • 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆: A quick check-in call, text, or email goes a long way in showing you care. When clients feel supported and understood, they’re not just likely to stick around – they’ll also spread the word. And you'll find that you've built a community, not just a customer base. #CustomerService #ClientAdvocacy

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Potential changes in the telecommunications industry have left some customers concerned about the future of their service. Recently, a customer reached out to me with concerns about the potential distribution of UScellular between T-Mobile and Verizon. While these transactions can take a long time, with an estimated decision on regulation not expected until at least late 2025, it's important to note that regardless of the outcome, there are options available to ensure continued service. As I explained to the concerned customer, a multi-IMSI eUICC environment offers redundancy and the ability to select and add providers. This is what we plan for, and we are confident in our ability to provide reliable service no matter what the future holds. If you have any concerns or questions about the potential changes in the industry, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and ensure you stay connected. #globalconnectivity #iotconnectivity #esim #velocityiot #ConnectedDevices

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Advanced gunshot detection tech leveraging cell networks for protection. Should be in every School.

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