Viaero taking over portions of Westlink network
By MIKE CORN
There’s a new cellular phone service in town.Although Viaero already had a presence in Goodland and Phillipsburg, spokesman Steve Hosid said Hays is slated to serve as the hub of the company's Kansas operations, and it is currently looking at other locations in the city for retail centers.
The wireless company also has volunteered to sponsor the Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest for the next five years and has launched an advertising campaign introducing itself and the Sept. 18 and 19 event.
"Viaero Wireless wants to make a positive difference in the communities we serve," Viaero owner and President Frank DiRico said. "By underwriting and helping to promote the Viaero Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest, we are helping one of Kansas's most favorite traditions grow, which in turn helps the local economy boom. We're honored to provide both financial assistance and give it a huge promotional boost."
Viaero is based in Fort Morgan, Colo., but also covers much of Nebraska. With the purchase of Westlink, it will be have a presence in Kansas.
It will be constructing the network to accompany that presence.
Already, four towers are ready for construction. The idea, Hosid said, is to build towers to Viaero's specifications so they can meet the demands of its customers.
"We're rebuilding the entire network with our own towers," he said.
The idea is to build towers in rural areas, near where the company's customers are located, Hosid said.
"We do specialize in rural areas and smaller towns," he said.
In Hays, Viaero will be taking over the Westlink storefront on north Vine but already is looking for other locations to open retail centers, allowing customers easy access.
"We're looking to build a couple at this point," Hosid said.
Viaero also is looking to expand its presence throughout other parts of northwest Kansas, including its existing offices in Goodland and Phillipsburg.
"We're delighted with what we're seeing so far," Hosid said of the company's venture into Hays and northwest Kansas.
And he contends they are competitive, actually making side-by-side comparisons with other cellular providers.
But, Hosid said, they won't make any disparaging comments about competitors, letting their prices make the case for prospective customers.
Viaero also offers a full line of phones, including the Android. While they don't offer the iPhone, the Viaero network is iPhone compatible, Hosid said.