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2011
08-24-2011 – Revol Wireless Announces New Leadership and Capital Structure
New Board of Directors, president and CEO appointed; Changes provide company with financial flexibility to drive growth
Independence, OH – Revol Wireless, a regional wireless carrier serving key areas of the Midwest including Cleveland, Columbus and Indianapolis, today announced it has established a new Board of Directors and appointed key management team members in conjunction with the change in company ownership. This reorganization provides the company with additional financial strength and flexibility and a renewed focus on its strategic mission to deliver high value, unlimited wireless services.
Holders of the company’s formerly outstanding Senior Secured Notes have assumed full ownership of the company. The change was effective as of September 8, 2011. Under this new structure, wireless industry veteran and turnaround specialist Timothy M. Yager will serve as the new president and CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. Yager is the former president and CEO of iPCS Inc.
“Speaking on behalf of the new Board and management team, we are looking forward to reinvigorating growth at the company and writing the next chapter of the Revol Wireless story,” said Tim Yager, president and CEO, Revol Wireless. “In the near term, we are focused on aggressively growing our subscriber base and enhancing the company’s network infrastructure to provide 3G coverage. We are committed to strengthening our presence in core markets such as Cleveland, Columbus and Indianapolis and expanding our coverage area to fulfill our mission of providing customers with high-quality, reliable wireless services. We have a solid cash position, positive cash flows and no outstanding debt, providing the flexibility we need to execute on our business goals.”
In addition, John Ranieri will continue in his role as the company’s chief financial officer. Ranieri brings unmatched institutional knowledge to the team, as well as more than 20 years of experience in financial management serving as the CFO of several companies.
Revol Wireless also announced that David Zylka has joined the company as chief technology officer. Zylka was previously senior vice president of Engineering & Network Operations at iPCS Inc.
“The addition of our new Board and other management team members is a major step forward for Revol Wireless,” added Yager. “The new team understands the wireless industry and market opportunities, have proven track records of success, and are committed to the company’s future. Our Board now contains industry veterans and capital markets experts that will provide strategic advice as we push forward with our plans. With John and David, we have the right management team in place to capitalize on the strong demand for the high value, unlimited wireless service plans we offer. I look forward to partnering with the new team to accelerate our growth.”
Timothy G. Biltz, Eugene Davis, Albin F. Moschner and Kevin H. Gunderson will join Yager to create the Revol Wireless Board of Directors:
- Timothy M. Yager was most recently president and CEO of iPCS Inc., a digital wireless communications provider until its successful sale to Sprint in November 2009. Prior to this, Yager was chief restructuring officer of iPCS Inc. from January 2003 until July 2004 when the company successfully emerged from bankruptcy.
- Timothy G. Biltz currently serves as a director of nTELOS Inc., a publicly traded wireless company, (ntls). He also served as chairman of the Board of Directors of iPCS, Inc. from November 2006 through December 2009. Biltz was formerly the COO of SpectraSite Inc., a publicly-traded wireless and broadcast signal tower company (SSI), and was a member of the Board of Directors.
- Eugene Davis is chairman and CEO of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC, which specializes in turnaround management, M&A consulting and strategic planning advisory services. Prior to founding PIRINATE, Davis served as president, vice chairman and director of Emerson Radio Corporation and CEO and vice chairman of Sport Supply Group, Inc.
- Albin F. Moschner is currently an independent director at Wintrust Financial Corp., and a consultant in the wireless industry. He was formerly executive vice president and COO of Leap Wireless, which he joined in 2004 as the chief marketing officer.
- Kevin H. Gundersen is a managing director at Guggenheim Partners. He leads an industry team focused on investing across the capital structure in the media, telecommunications and technology sectors.
08-24-2011 – Revol Wireless Supports Indiana State Fair Victims
Independence, OH – In response to the recent tragedy at the Indiana State Fair, Revol Wireless is donating $2,500 for the victims and families via the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund as well as accepting donations from caring customers and neighbors, at select area stores or online at revol.com.
One hundred percent of all funds collected go directly to the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
“As a dedicated community member, everyone at Revol Wireless is saddened and compassionate for the families and victims of this unfortunate tragedy,” said Jane Passantino, Vice President. “We are committed to helping and wanted to create a way for our caring customers and neighbors to help as well.”
As a regular sponsor of the Indiana State Fair and member of the Indianapolis community, Revol Wireless is contributing $2,500 to the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund.
Caring customers and neighbors may make a donation at any Revol Wireless corporate location, or by going online to revol.com. As always, one hundred percent of donations will go to the Remembrance Fund.
2010
11-17-2010 – Revol Wireless Helping Families in Need this Holiday Season
Independence, OH – Revol Wireless, a leading provider of unlimited, nationwide wireless communications services, is working with the following regional food banks in Ohio and Indiana to help families in need this holiday season: Cleveland Foodbank, Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana.
“As a local company, Revol understands how important it is to give back to the communities that we live and work in. The Holiday season represents a time for families to gather together and share a meal. During the Holidays and all year round, regional food banks ensure that our neighbors, who need a hand, get the chance to share that special time. So, Revol is hosting a Holiday Food Drive to encourage both our customers and employees to share in the spirit of giving through food donations and by volunteering time to help with sorting, packing and meal preparation. In addition, Revol will be making a monetary donation to each of the regional food bank partners. These donations will help bring over 20,000 family members together with a nutritious meal,” said Scott Bergs, Revol COO.
Revol’s Food Drive will continue through Sunday, December 12, 2010. Customers and employees can donate any non-perishable food items at participating Revol Wireless locations throughout Cleveland, Canton, Akron, Youngstown, Columbus, Toledo, Indianapolis, Anderson and Muncie.
Also, Revol will spread the Holiday joy a step further, by providing one family with $1000 for their Holiday celebration! Sign up on one of Revol’s Unlimited Family plans and be automatically entered to win. *No purchase necessary.
09-02-2010 – Revol Wireless Launches New Affiliate Program to Help Website Owners Generate Revenue with Wireless Phone Sales
Independence, OH – Revol Wireless, a leading provider of unlimited, nationwide wireless calling and texting services, is pleased to announce the introduction of its new affiliate program. In partnership with the Google Affiliate Network, Revol is now offering substantial commissions to website publishers who help drive traffic to revol.com and generate cell phone sales.
Revol’s affiliate program is ideal for publishers who are looking for ways to earn some extra income such as owners of nonprofit, blogging or community-related websites. “Our new program is free to join and offers an easy-to-use method of making money online,” said Scott Bergs, COO of Revol Wireless. “Our commission structure is simple and allows publishers to get paid for each qualified transaction.”
To manage the program, Revol is utilizing the Google Affiliate Network, an industry-leading affiliate program that provides automated payments and reliable tracking. After signing up online, the publisher posts a supplied graphic and link to Revol’s website on his or her own webpage. When a user clicks the affiliate link and purchases a cell phone and wireless service within 30 days of the visit, Revol pays a commission to the publisher.
By implementing this mutually beneficial program, Revol will continue to grow its online sales and increase revenue while helping affiliate organizations boost their own income.
08-25-2010 – Revol Wireless and Telespree Communications Introduce ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Mobile Service
San Francisco, CA – Revol Wireless, a leading regional provider of unlimited contract-free wireless phone service, announced a new self-activation and account management capability on its mobile phones powered by Telespree. With Telespree Communications, the leading provider of on-device self-service solutions, Revol Wireless subscribers can now enroll for new service directly on their handsets without calling customer service or requiring in-store assistance. In addition, subscribers with web enabled devices can also manage their accounts post-activation on their phones. Revol’s new automated on-device solution is both a key element in supporting its expanding distribution strategy as well as providing a user friendly customer experience.
“Telespree’s solutions help Revol Wireless to provide our customers with a new level of support and convenience by enabling them to activate phones and set up accounts directly from their phones and begin making calls within a few minutes,” said Scott Bergs, COO of Revol Wireless. “Of course, customers can still visit a store or call customer service if they prefer, but this solution puts the customer in control of when and where they receive support.”
With the Telespree solution, Revol Wireless subscribers simply input a ZIP Code for desired service area, select their plan and within moments, they are off and running - all right from their Revol Wireless phones. Subscribers can even further simplify their wireless experience by registering for Automatic Bill Pay using a credit card - eliminating the hassle of making manual payments each month. Once the initial setup is completed, the subscriber’s account is created, a new phone number is displayed on the device, and they can start calling, texting or surfing the web on the Revol Wireless phone.
In addition to being able to active new service, Revol Wireless customers have access to a full selection of account management features on web capable devices including: view real time plan information, make payments on their bills, add money to their Revol Bucks accounts which allows them to purchase ringtones, games, entertainment and other downloadable applications and more.
“Revol Wireless is committed to enhancing our overall customer experience,” Bergs added. “By offering self-care functions, our customers are in control of their wireless service right from their fingertips 24/7. This solution is just one of our many upcoming improvements as Revol Wireless continues to increase the value of our service to our customers.”
“Revol Wireless is providing valuable and beneficial on-device solutions to their subscribers which enables accessibility and convenience,” said Bill deKay, CEO of Telespree. “Revol is really creating the most comprehensive on-device self-service solution in the market today. These tailored customer enrollment and account management experiences will help Revol Wireless continue to grow customer loyalty and satisfaction.”
All Telespree applications are tailored to specific carrier business rules and subscriber needs. With Telespree’s solutions, carriers are able to minimize customer care and distribution costs while improving the end user experience.
08-04-2010 – Revol Wireless Continues to Lead the Way in Unlimited Wireless Service by Unveiling New Roaming Inclusive Calling Plans
Independence, Ohio – Revol Wireless, a leader in providing unlimited no-contract wireless phone service, today announced the launch of its new unlimited calling plans, all including nationwide coverage across the United States with no roaming fees. Revol Wireless customers can make and receive unlimited phone calls and text messages whenever they please anywhere within Revol’s new nationwide coverage area without the worry of roaming charges or overages.
Revol’s new calling plans start at just $30 a month, and all plans offer unlimited nationwide calling. Other calling plans at $35, $40 and $45 a month offer additional features including unlimited nationwide text, picture messaging, mobile web, enhanced directory assistance and more.
“Consumers and businesses are always looking for ways to get the best value. In today’s economy, this more true than ever. We at Revol Wireless believe that people shouldn’t have to sacrifice the quality of their communication, or sign a long term contract in order to get that value" said Scott Bergs, chief operating officer for Revol Wireless. “Revol customers have enjoyed the value of simple, predictable and reliable wireless phone service in our local markets and had the option to travel nationally for additional fees. But with our new calling plans, customers will enjoy that same great value throughout the US with no roaming fees, no contract and no worries. With these changes, we are confident that for folks who didn’t try Revol Wireless in the past because of the hassle of roaming fees, the time to try is now” added Bergs.
03-22-2010 – Revol Wireless Customers Donate To The Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort
Independence, Ohio – In response to the Haitian relief effort, Revol Wireless committed support and funding to the growing international relief effort. During the month of February, Revol Wireless Corporate locations enabled customers to make monetary donations at store registers, with no purchase necessary, to benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief fund.
Revol Wireless Matched customer donations and presented a check to the Greater Cleveland Red Cross in the amount of $1,601.34.
01-22-2010 – Revol Wireless Partners With The American Red Cross To Support The Haiti Disaster Relief Efforts
Independence, Ohio – In response to the tragedy that occurred in Haiti, Revol Wireless is proud to announce they have partnered with The American Red Cross in a campaign for Revol Wireless customers to contribute financial donations to the Haiti relief efforts.
Since The American Red Cross text donation program for the Haiti relief fund is not technically designed to work with all wireless companies, including Revol Wireless, we have established an alternate fund raising program that is convenient to our Revol Wireless customers.
The Revol Wireless campaign will allow customers the ability to donate at any Revol Wireless corporate retail store location, or by calling Revol Wireless Customer Service, both of which are common methods used for normal bill payment. Revol Wireless will match up to $5,000 of all donations received. As with any donation Revol Wireless may receive, there are no fees and 100% of all dollars collected for the Haitian relief efforts will go directly to The American Red Cross.
"Revol Wireless is dedicated to helping with the unfortunate situation in Haiti,” said Michael Beehn, Vice President of Marketing for Revol Wireless. “We are very proud of our customers, who wish to donate to the Haitian relief efforts, and we will continue to work with The American Red Cross to make certain our customers have the ability to conveniently donate to the relief effort.”
2009
11-23-2009 – Revol Wireless Delivers The Area’s Best Wireless International Long Distance Rates
Independence, Ohio – Revol Wireless today announced new International Long Distance rates that make them the area’s price leader in per minute calls to many destinations across the globe.
Revol Wireless customers can now use their phone to dial direct to friends and family in over 1,000 destinations across 200 countries without the fear of paying high per minute rates. With Revol’s International Long Distance, Revol Customers can simply dial direct without the need for PIN’s or calling cards. Customers can easily determine per minute rates for the International destinations that they would like to call by going to www.revol.com or visiting a Revol Wireless location.
“Our customers expect the best in value, and when you combine our new International rates with our National Unlimited plan that provides unlimited long distance to anywhere in the U.S. for only $25/month – it’s the best Unlimited wireless rate in the area,” said Michael Beehn, Vice President of Marketing for Revol Wireless. “Some prepaid Unlimited Wireless carriers charge up to $.34 per minute to call a Mexico City landline – our rate is as low as 1.5 cents per minute,” said Beehn.
10-28-2009 – Revol Wireless Sponsors High Tech Window Display in Downtown Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio—The historic Higbee Building has received a 21st-century high-tech addition with the introduction of cutting-edge technology in its corner display window on Public Square at Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street. It’s an exciting new visual attraction for downtown Cleveland that was unveiled at a press conference on Monday, Oct. 26th.
The high-tech display represents a new phase in the re-establishment of the Higbee Building’s prominence as a downtown landmark. “This is another exciting development as downtown Cleveland continues to be transformed,” said Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Joe Roman. “The Higbee Building is historically significant, and this adds a 21st century component to a centerpiece of our downtown.”
Long a favorite with Clevelanders during the holiday season, the window was prominently featured in “A Christmas Story” movie, set around 1940. Fast forward to 2009, and the same window is coming to life again, this time with StreetLevelTV™, a fusion of design, digital media and Bluetooth technology. Initially the window will feature videos provided by the four organizations house in the Higbee Building and Forest City Enterprises, which owns the Higbee Building. The window design will change periodically, especially during the upcoming holiday season, updating its prominent role in downtown Cleveland’s holiday décor.
The window is sponsored by Revol Wireless, the only major wireless service provider with headquarters in Greater Cleveland. “The Higbee Building window display is an important initiative, and one that Revol Wireless is proud to support,” said Michael Beehn, vice president of marketing for Revol Wireless. “Cleveland residents and businesses have shown tremendous support for Revol Wireless and we’re pleased to help create another focal point for downtown Cleveland.”
10-28-2009 – Revol Wireless Sponsors Junior Achievement of Central Ohio’s BizTown
Independence, Ohio – Revol Wireless is proud to announce that they are a corporate sponsor of this year’s Junior Achievement of Central Ohio BizTown. The BizTown program provides students with a realistic opportunity to experience how basic economic concepts are used in the real world. By participating in BizTown, young students experience the responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship in a free enterprise system.
Designed for students in 4th through 6th grades, the JA BizTown program is presented in four progressive stages:
- Teachers, parents and adult volunteers attend on-site training workshops
- Students complete a four-week classroom curriculum on economics, in which they choose jobs, develop business plans, and discuss the importance of citizen rights and responsibilities
- During the JA BizTown field trip, students participate in a day-long simulation taking on the roles of citizens in their community as business owners, employees, and consumers.
- Students return to school and complete a follow-up classroom curriculum.
Revol Wireless deeply believes in helping inspire our youth and has created a complete store location where thousands of students get the opportunity to run and understand the in’s and out’s of a wireless phone carrier business.
"Revol Wireless is thrilled to be able support a program such as Biztown, which allows students the opportunity to see and learn in a real world setting that is fun and interactive,” said Michael Beehn, Vice President of Marketing for Revol Wireless. “Biztown is just one way we’re accomplishing that mission. In conjunction with Junior Achievement, Revol Wireless also sponsors in-school and after-school programs for students within the Central Ohio region which focus on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.”
10-05-2009 – Revol Wireless Announces New Unlimited No Contract Wireless Phone Plans
Independence, Ohio – It’s no secret that in today’s current economic climate consumers are looking anywhere and everywhere for greater savings and simple ways to stretch their dollars. One way is with Revol Wireless’ no contract wireless phone plans that offer all of the benefits of traditional plans, including excellent service, national coverage and even the latest phones – all with substantial savings over contract wireless phone plans. Revol Wireless today introduced new unlimited wireless phone plans that are by far the best value in wireless.
Now, for only $35/month customers can select Revol Wireless’ National Unlimited Talk & Text Plan with Unlimited Talking and Texting to any number in the continental U.S from anywhere within Revol’s national coverage. Unlike many carriers, Revol Wireless’ unlimited minutes are not restricted by the time of day, which allows Revol Wireless customers to call anytime of the day or night without the fear of overages.
Looking for even more of a value? With the new $40/month plan, you’ll receive everything offered with the $35 plan, and then some. Extra features within this plan include unlimited media mail and mobile web.
Realistically, most folks need more than one wireless line. With Revol Wireless’ new unlimited family plans, the more lines you add, the more you save. With Revol Wireless’ family plans, for $70/month, you can enjoy two phone lines with all of the features found in Revol Wireless’ $40/month single line plan. That’s an additional savings of $10 each month. The potential savings grow as you add more wireless lines.
“Revol Wireless is dedicated to being the industry value leader in wireless service and these price decreases further illustrate our commitment,” said Linda Marshall, Revol Wireless Chief Operating Officer “Our new calling plans, coupled with our unlimited national coverage in more than 4,500 cities represents the market’s best value in wireless cellular service.”
07-28-2009 – Cell Phone Tours New to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Sponsored by Revol Wireless
Make sure your cell phone is all charged up next time you visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo so you can enjoy a free audio and video tour that highlights dozens of different animals.
New to the Zoo this summer is the Guide by Cell tour, which allows Zoo visitors to use their cell phones to learn more about endangered animals, what goes on behind the scenes at the Zoo and what can be done to save wildlife.
How far does a polar bear walk in its lifetime? How much water does a camel drink? How do zookeepers help keep gorillas healthy? These questions and dozens more are answered by calling (216) 453‐3962, ext. 1‐26#.
Callers also can download Zoo videos to their cell phones and leave questions and comments on the Zoo's voicemail. There is no additional charge for the calls, but cell phone minutes are used. Just look for Guide by Cell signs throughout the Zoo.
The cell‐phone tour is part of the Zoo's effort to educate people about endangered wildlife and the importance of animal conservation. San Francisco‐based Guide by Cell Inc. developed the Zoo's audio tour, which is sponsored locally by Revol Wireless.
"The Guide by Cell tour is an important initiative, and one that Revol Wireless is proud to provide to the families that visit the Zoo," said Michael Beehn, vice president of marketing for Revol Wireless.
The Zoo intends to add more stops and new features to the audio and video tour in the near future. More than 2,600 people called in during June and July. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $10 per person, $7 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children under 2 and Zoo members. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo . . . Cleveland's Natural Wonder
06-23-2009 – BrookStock - Celebration of Music and Nature - Presented by Revol Wireless
Is it a flock of birds? No. Is it planes in formation? No. Is it kids flying kites at Cleveland Metroparks “BrookStock – A Celebration of Music & Nature?” Yes! Kites and the sound of music will be filling the air at the free “BrookStock – A Celebration of Music & Nature” event, presented by Revol Wireless, on Saturday, July 18 from 4 to 10:30 p.m. at the Brookside Valley Event Site in Brookside Reservation in Cleveland.
New this year, look to the skies as The Kite Man will be on hand offering kite demonstrations, including flying an 18‐foot kite. And, the first 750 visitors will receive a free easy‐to‐fly kite, compliments of Revol Wireless.
In addition to all the kite fun and activities, the event’s Main Stage will be a groovin’ with: Open Range Torch Songs playing Americana/acoustic rock at 4 p.m., New Dixon Family playing blues at 5 p.m., Blonde Boy Grunt & the Groans playing rockabilly and folk at 6 p.m., the funky twangy country sounds of Crookneck Chandler & the Tibbee Bottom Boys at 7:30 p.m., and closing the night on the Main Stage is Cats in Holiday playing swamp pop at 9 p.m.
And, along with great music, “BrookStock” features arts and crafts, games and activities, hikes, live animals, and more! EarthWords Nature Shop will be on‐site selling merchandise and staffing a Tie‐Dye Station. Visitors can buy shirts from EarthWords for $5, or bring their own t‐shirts and print for a $1 to create their own tie‐dye shirts. The shop staff and volunteers will help with the dyes to help create a “groovy” shirt. Refreshments will be available for sale at the event, too.
Brookside Valley Event Site is located off John Nagy Blvd., off the Ridge Rd. entrance of Brookside Reservation in Cleveland – north of the I‐480/Ridge Rd. exit. Let’s go fly some kites at “BrookStock – A Celebration of Music & Nature” in Cleveland Metroparks – part of your life, naturally!
06-01-2009 – Indianapolis Zoo And Revol Wireless Launch Child ID Program at the Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo, in partnership with Revol Wireless®, has initiated a new program that is sure to provide visiting parents of young children peace of mind. The Zoo is now offering a free child ID program that will help to reunite children who become separated from their families. Thanks to partner Revol Wireless, participating families receive a special wristband for their child with the child’s first name only and the parent or adult’s cell phone number on it. If a separation does occur, this allows Zoo staff to contact the parents immediately in order to bring families back together quickly and with minimal stress on the child.
“The child ID program is an important initiative, and one that Revol Wireless is proud to provide to the families that visit the Indianapolis Zoo,” said Michael Beehn, vice president of marketing for Revol Wireless. “Indianapolis residents have shown tremendous support for Revol Wireless and we’re pleased to return the favor by supporting the local Zoo and its visitors.”
In the height of the summer season, approximately five children at the Zoo become separated from their families each day. This program gives the Zoo’s security department and staff the opportunity to contact the parents instantly. In addition, the Indianapolis Zoo is developing family check points throughout Zoo grounds to provide information about the program and how to contact Zoo officials in the event of an emergency. Parents may obtain the child ID wristbands at Guest Services located at the main entrance, and stroller rental and ride ticket locations. Signs on Zoo grounds will also direct visitors on how they can participate in the program.
04-09-2009 – Revol Wireless of Independence to Expand Nationwide, Add Jobs
Revol Wireless, the Independence-based regional wireless provider, says it has big plans to expand its coverage nationwide this summer and take on major national competitors.
Revol offers relatively cheap, unlimited wireless calling plans at a fixed monthly rate without a contract. For example, unlimited long-distance voice service is $37 per month. The catch is that, so far, Revol offers a very limited network.
At its start, Revol customers could only make calls from Greater Cleveland. Outside of that, their phones wouldn't work. But soon, the company expanded its network to Columbus and Indianapolis. It then formed partnerships with other regional carriers, and today Revol customers can make calls from dozens of metropolitan areas across the country, said Michael Beehn, Revol's vice president of marketing.
The coverage is still spotty compared with major national carriers like Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, which have networks that blanket most of the nation. Their plans start at around $40 a month, but limit the number of minutes that can be used.
But Beehn said when further coverage enhancements are complete by June, customers will be able to use their unlimited service in more major cities, including Chicago and New York. For the first time, they also will be able to roam to nearly anywhere in the country, but will have to pay a per-minute fee.
"Once we get rid of limitations on people's ability to travel anywhere in the U.S., the growth is going to be explosive," Beehn said.
When Revol launched in 2005, it aggressively targeted youths with an edgy grass-roots campaign encouraging teens to "join the revolution." The affordable service has also always been attractive to lower-income customers. But now the company has set its sights on a broader demographic when just about everybody is looking to save money because of the weak economy.
It is evident when you walk into one of Revol's newly remodeled stores, such as the one in Beachwood on Chagrin Boulevard. Stark concrete and industrial-looking walls have given way to bright, cheery graphics and clean hardwood floors.
David Chamberlain, a principal wireless analyst at In-Stat, a high-tech market research firm in Scottsdale, Ariz., said dismal economic conditions have been a boon to lower-cost regional carriers such as Revol.
"We've hit this time here when all of a sudden either our jobs are gone or under threat and we think maybe we don't need all the doodads and gadgets we've been paying for every month," he said.
He said more people are looking for the more basic services, such as local service for $27 a month, offered by lower-cost companies like Revol. And, people are traveling less right now, making a limited network less of an issue.
That has resulted in significant growth, Beehn said. The company plans to add 60 employees this year, bringing its total up to 500. Revol also plans to add 12 full-service corporate stores in Ohio and Indiana by the end of the year, including six in Greater Cleveland. Today it has 35 stores in Ohio and Indiana. Revol service is also sold through nearly 400 authorized retailers.
Revol, a private company, won't say how many subscribers it has, but said its customer base grew 8 percent in the first quarter of 2009.
"Right now, everyone is still gaining," said Harry Wang, director of mobile product research at Parks Associates, a technology research firm in Dallas. He said most providers are seeing growth as people continue to drop their land lines in favor of cell phones.
Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest cell-phone company, said its customer base grew 8.7 percent to 72.1 million subscribers in 2008.
"Customers are looking for value," said Verizon spokeswoman Laura Merrit. "That's not always the lowest price. Customers want to get more bang for their buck."
04-02-2009 – Revol Wireless awards $16,500 Grand Prize in "Test Drive Revol" Sweepstakes
On March 31, 2009, Revol Wireless presented the grand prize winner of the Test Drive Revol Sweepstakes with a check for $16,500, the retail value of a 2009 Honda Civic DX Sedan, to Paul Reuter of Urbana, Ohio. The Test Drive Revol Sweepstakes was open to residents of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana from October 1 through December 31, 2008. Mr. Reuter mailed his entry in late October.
“This was a total fluke, said Mr. Reuter. “My sister told me about the contest ‐ she gave me the entry form. I sent it in but never thought I’d win. I’ve never won anything before in my life. My wife and I were shocked when we found out we won the grand prize.”
As the grand prize winner, Mr. Reuter had his choice of a brand new Honda Civic or the cash equivalent. As a 25‐year employee of Honda, Mr. Reuter opted for the cash equivalent. “I paint motorcycles and cars for Honda. The cars are great, but I could use the cash.” Mr. Reuter and his wife plan to pay off their debts, then put the remaining money into savings. The Reuters have two daughters – one in college and one who wants the new automobile. But unlike past financial decisions, this one will go towards their own needs. “We’ve earned it,” Mrs. Reuter said.
“We were thrilled to present this award to the Reuters,” said Matthew Owens, Marketing Director at Revol Wireless. “At Revol, we believe in making wireless affordable. Making life more affordable for this hard‐working Urbana couple makes us proud to be an Ohio‐based company that contributes to its local community.” Two first‐place winners were awarded 42” flat screen televisions and three second‐place winners received an Apple iPod touch®.
04-01-2009 – Revol Wireless unveils two new Indianapolis stores
Independence, Ohio – Revol Wireless, a regional cellular service provider built on the value proposition of unlimited anytime minutes and text messaging for a flat monthly rate, announces the grand openings of its two newest Indianapolis stores – bringing the citywide and surrounding area total to 30.
Beginning April 3, the new revol wireless stores will be located at 7129 Michigan Ave., in the Marsh Plaza on the corner of 71st Street and Michigan Avenue, and 8939 East 38th Street, in the Kroger Plaza on the corner of Post Road and East 38th Street. Both retail locations will have store hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“In these difficult economic times, cost‐conscious consumers are recognizing the enormous value that revol delivers as an affordable provider of unlimited wireless service with no contracts or billing surprises,” said Mike Beehn, Vice President of Marketing at revol wireless. “Indianapolis consumers have shown significant support for revol’s value‐driven proposition and we are excited to be adding two new stores to the area so that we may better serve our rapidly growing subscriber base.”
2008
12-02-2008 – George Mehok of Revol Wireless Awarded 2008 CIO of the Year Award
CLEVELAND, December 2, 2008 – George Mehok, Chief Information Officer at Revol Wireless in Independence, Ohio, was honored with the 2008 CIO of the Year Award on November 20th by the Northeast Ohio Software Association (NEOSA). NEOSA is the technology network of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE). Mr. Mehok was named top CIO in the mid‐market company category.
Winners were selected by a committee of judges based on answers to a series of questions on issues such as strategic objectives, use of creativity and emerging technology, significant achievements by the company’s IT team, short term and long term objectives, and community relations efforts with respect to IT.
“Revol Wireless is a consumer retail business which must earn our customers’ loyalty each and every day,” says Mehok. “It is imperative that the customer information systems are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day to effectively serve our existing customers, while aggressively seeking to attract new customers.”
“The dedication and support of George and his I.T. team is paramount to meeting our sales goals and supporting our customers with unrivaled service,” says Chris Duggan, VP of Sales at Revol Wireless. “His contribution and that of his team deserves to be recognized as a local success story.”
In addition to the individual CIO awards, each winning CIO’s team was recognized as the NEOSA I.T. Team of the Year. Mehok credits his I.T. team for this award, in addition to the support of the management team and board of directors. “The collaborative support from each department throughout the company has enabled IT to leverage technology to better to serve our customers and deliver value to our shareholders.”
11-15-2008 – Revol Wireless Expands Network Coverage into Newark, Ohio
Cleveland, November 15, 2008 – Revol Wireless, a leading regional wireless communications provider recently expanded its wireless service into Newark, Ohio, further enhancing its Columbus network. This value‐driven, wireless provider offers unlimited anytime minutes, text messaging and other unlimited wireless services for a simple flat monthly rate without a contract.
As a regional wireless provider, Revol Wireless is focused on providing exceptional network quality and the simplicity of a predictable monthly rate to areas of Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, with extended coverage options in Michigan, Kentucky, and New York.
Upgrading the Revol Wireless network in Newark enhances the customer experience and delivers the reliable service Revol subscribers have to come to expect. Eight new cell sites were brought on the air in the Columbus market to expand service and provide coverage to Newark, Heath, Granville and Union Station, as well as improved coverage along I‐70, SR 16, US 40 and SR 161 within greater Columbus.
“Our high quality, all digital wireless network provides the platform to offer truly unlimited service for a flat monthly rate,” said Linda Marshall, COO of Revol Wireless. “The expansion into Newark will enhance our coverage footprint and provide more Columbus residents the ability to experience Revol’s quality and value of unlimited anytime minutes.”
According to Marshall, the network enhancement is essential to Revol’s success. “Since our service does not require a contract, our customers have the option to re‐choose our service every month when they pay their monthly bill – that’s why we have to earn their business everyday with exceptional service quality,” Marshall adds. “We pride ourselves on being easy to do business with and eager to exceed our customers’ expectations – we want them to be delighted with their wireless provider.”
Media Contact
Jane Passantino
Vice President of Marketing
jane.passantino@revol.com
