Corporate

Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
November 20, 2004

Internet services provider to broaden its range
By Nadia Gergis

Vero Beach-based Broadband National Inc. will give real estate clients added services through a partnership with ForTheTenant.com.

VERO BEACH - Broadband National Inc., hit hard by this year's hurricanes, is expanding its business and its staff.

The company has entered into an accord with ForTheTenant.com to secure the lowest pricing on broadband and telecom services for its roster of real estate clients.

"This is an agreement with ForTheTenant.com that makes it easier for their clients to secure new broadband and telecommunications services from Broadband National Inc.," said A.J. Koontz, Broadband National Inc.'s founder and executive vice president of sales. "Within 72 hours we identify and select the best service and secure the broadband sale."

ForTheTenant.com helps corporate tenants negotiate lower rental rates or purchase terms by using an auction process with local landlords. This competitive bidding process reduces the cost of occupancy for tenants in 48 major markets nationwide. ForTheTenant.com is owned by MultiChannel Ventures and is based in Universal Studios in Orlando.

"The integration of Broadband National Inc.'s service is a perfect fit for our site and for the companies that use our tenant-representation services nationwide," said Michael Gerrity, founder and chairman of ForTheTenant.com.

"Typically, when a tenant moves its offices they also need to secure new contracts for broadband and telecom services. Broadband National Inc. ensures these tenants secure the best possible pricing, by having multiple carriers bid on their business."

Broadband National Inc.'s service, powered by its proprietary IBIS system, enables users to compare broadband solutions offered by more than 40 different suppliers.

"This will give them the ability to utilize the IBIS system," Koontz said. "When you come into getting the real estate, you also look for the best broadband service, and that's what they get with Broadband National Inc.."

Koontz said five new commercial sales employees have been added to its staff office in downtown Orlando because of the company's continual growth. In June, the Vero Beach office had 22 local employees. That since has grown to 30.

"We're planning on having a minimum of 15 people in Orlando," Koontz said. "As our infrastructure grows, so does our staff."

Koontz said the company's original office in Vero Beach was destroyed after hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. He said the company's computers, furniture and electronics were a total loss, and Broadband has since moved to the Univest Building in Vero Beach. Despite the hardships, the company was still able to deliver its products to clients and revamp its Web site.

"The third quarter was poised to be one of the biggest for us," Koontz said. "We've got a really dedicated and resilient team here who ensure the success and viability of the company."

Vero Beach-based Broadband National Inc. is a full-service, nationwide provider of broadband services to businesses and consumers in the retail, education and hospitality sectors. Founded in 2002, the company created the Integrated Broadband Information System which enables businesses and consumers to quickly evaluate broadband solutions and pricing from more than 40 suppliers nationwide. The system combines a national database with the offerings of local, regional and national broadband suppliers. Broadband National Inc.'s comprehensive include DSL, Cable Internet, Internet Telephony, bundled voice and data, and leased lines.

Its customers include XO Communications, Comcast, BellSouth, SBC, Earthlink, SpeakEasy, Nuvox and Savvis. Broadband National Inc. has provided broadband and telecom services to more than 30,000 customers since it was founded.