Rapid Link, Inc.
(OTCBB: RPID)
Rapid Link, Inc. (OTCBB: RPID) provides value-added Internet Phone (IP) communication services to customers, both domestically and internationally. Rapid Link is a leading niche market provider that has focused on the US military and other key niche markets through its proven, high-quality Internet telephony products, services and infrastructure for service providers, businesses and individuals worldwide. The Company’s IP service offerings include multiple service plans, which reside on Rapid Link’s IP network. The company offers PC-to-PC, PC-to-phone, phone-to-phone communication on their unique set of IAD’s — Internet Access Device’s — that provide a low cost phone service that is delivered through any broadband connection. Rapid Link’s back office provides billing, operations management, marketing support, inventory management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, sales force automation, commission management, trouble ticket reporting. Customers can manage their telecommunications services in a real-time environment through the company’s tested back office support structure. Rapid Link’s network spans more than 50 countries on 6 continents.
Founded in 1997 as Dial Thru International Corporation, the company’s focus has shifted from primarily a pre-paid card operation in the early years, to a full-service, global telecommunications provider. Targeting mid-sized businesses, the company is branching out to connect customers in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The Company is developing a private IP Telephony network and utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other compression techniques to improve both cost and efficiencies of telecommunications transmissions.
In 2001 Dial Thru International acquired the assets of Rapid Link Communications. The completion of the acquisition further strengthened the company’s presence in the global telecommunications sector, while providing financial stability. This dynamic venture also brought new products and services to customers, along with enhanced customer service and a stronger agent channel program.
Recent Acquitision
Rapid Link recently closed on the acquitision of Telenational Communications, Inc. The company financed the acquisition through the issuance of a Promissory Note paid to Apex Acquisitions, Inc., in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Telenational Communications, Inc. This allows Rapid Link to begin executing on its growth strategy for the remainder of 2006.
Founded in 1988 as Telenational Communications LP, the Company specialized as a long distance carrier with operations in the North America and Europe. Incorporated in 1997 as Telenational Communications, Inc. (”TNC”), the Company has continued to operate from its global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.
Rapid Link South Africa
With its initial function to be a support office to agents and resellers in Africa, the Rapid Link office in Rosebank, Johannesburg has been in operation since 1997. Due to the ever-increasing demand for cost-effective international dialing services, the decision was made in 2002 to not only offer support to various stakeholders, but to also sell direct to corporate customers under the Rapid Link banner.
Rapid Link’s head office is based in Los Angeles, represented by agents and resellers worldwide. Rapid Link has years experience of carrying voice over its own network, and owns and manages their own network of POPs (Points of Presence) worldwide. In February 2003, the Rapid Link World-wide Customer Care department moved its operation to South Africa, combining the function of local support and world-wide customer care. We maintain a 24 hour, 7 day a week operation, handling customer calls from all over the world.
The company uses its own services at their call centre, which includes Customer Care Toll Free numbers from 33 countries pointed to the SA office. The added advantage to this is that they can keep their finger on the pulse with the monitoring of their service by making calls world-wide to customers on a daily basis. In addition, test calls are made to the most popular destinations twice per shift, on a three shift-cycle; ensuring that the best standards are met.
International Dial Thru
International Dial Thru, also known as Dial Around, is an industry developed as a result of the low rates to place a call from the United States to other parts of the world. Frequently referred to as “re-origination” calls, the dial-around system reads the telephone number or an incoming call, triggering a call back to that number. Therefore, the customer pays for a call originating in the USA at a cost, in some cases, 70% lower then local, International rates.
Military Market
The company has 11 years of service to the US military. The military community consists of 5.1 million Active, Reserve & Guard troops, and 25.3 million veterans. 75% of the active military are between the ages of 18 to 34; 40% are ethnic minorities. The median income for veterans is 9% above the U.S. average.
Management
John Jenkins Chairman & CEO
Mr. Jenkins founded Rapid Link, Incorporated (formerly Dial Thru International) in May 1997 and served as President and CEO until November 1999 when the company merged with Ardis Telecom & Technologies. In December 1999, Mr. Jenkins assumed the position of President and CEO of the combined company, whose name was then changed to Dial-Thru International Corporation. From 1994 to 1999, Mr. Jenkins held various executive positions in the telecommunications industry for ICN/ Commsource, a buying and leasing company of oceanic fiber optics cable, Golden Line Technologies, Justice Technology, an international long-distance carrier. Mr. Jenkins holds degrees in Physics & Business/Economics from UCLA.
David Hess President
Mr. Hess has 20 years of experience in telecommunications, was elected to our Board of Directors in May 2002, and has served as our President since July 2005. Prior to joining Rapid Link, Mr. Hess held the role of CEO/President and board of director for many large public/private telecommunications companies providing both retail and wholesale services worldwide, including Telia International North America, Inc., Rapid Link Inc., (prior to its acquisition by Dial Thru International), Net/Net, TotalTel and LDI. In addition he held Sr. Sales and Marketing positions at MCI, United Telephone Systems and Sprint. Mr. Hess received a BA in Communications with a Minor in Marketing from Bowling Green State University.
Chris Canfield CFO
Mr. Canfield has been the President and CEO of Telenational Communications, Inc. (“TNC”) since early 1998, where he achieved profitability 5 consecutive years. Mr. Canfield has more than 15 Years experience working within the telecommunications marketplace, and has founded two companies, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (”ICX”), and Resource Communications, Inc. Mr. Canfield grew Resource from inception to eventual customer revenues of over 20 million annually. ICX was profitable and eventually acquired by a major public telecommunications company in 1998.
Michael Prachar COO
Mr. Prachar served as Vice President and COO of Telenational Communications Inc. (“TNC”) since 1998, overseeing all operational functions within the company. He has been involved in the telecommunications industry since 1992 and has practical experience in most related aspects, including sales, marketing, management, IT, and equipment service. He served as Director of Operations for Resource Communications, Inc. from 1994 -1996 and then in the same capacity for InterContinental Exchange, Inc. 1996 -1998.
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