JACKSON, Miss.-SkyTel Communications Inc. announced it is developing a program designed
to expand distribution and coverage in small-and medium-sized markets by signing “local partner”
agreements with regional wireless providers.
The first of such agreements was signed with ValuePage Inc., who will
have exclusive rights to market SkyTel’s advanced messaging services on a local coverage basis in select Southeastern
cities where SkyTel does not concentrate its activities. In exchange, ValuePage has agreed to provide the capital needed
to expand SkyTel’s advanced messaging network coverage in the area.
“Our partners will be able to take
advantage of the SkyTel brand name and the capital we’ve already invested in our nationwide advanced messaging
network,” said Jai Bhagat, SkyTel vice chairman. “SkyTel will benefit with broader distribution and better
utilization of our network.”
The company said it is looking to establish similar distribution agreements with
carriers in other small- and medium-sized markets in the future.
In line with its goal of broadening its distribution
mix, SkyTel announced a separate partnership with Office Depot to sell its advanced messaging devices in the chain’s
retail stores.
According to the agreement, more than 500 Office Depot stores will offer SkyTel’s full line of paging
products and services, as of April 1. SkyTel hopes to expand the offering to all 700 Office Depot stores throughout the
year.
“SkyTel is working to accelerate our profitable growth with planned expansion of our distribution
network,” said John Stupka, SkyTel president and chief executive officer. “Look for us to expand our direct
sales force and enter into additional marketing and distribution alliances with a variety of other companies.”
