Community based telecom providers have always provided a full array of high-quality communications services to the rural communities and small towns they serve. The introduction of video entertainment to the independents' service mix, however, has the very real potential to disrupt that traditional relationship. In the face of unprecedented competitive threats and customer demand, independent providers have been thrust into a service world, the likes of which they've never had to confront before. Indeed, these companies must consider a challenging assortment of financial, investment, operational, and technological issues if they hope to determine whether "video is the answer" for them.

JSI business development staff work one-on-one with clients to investigate and weigh their video options, whether they be cable TV, satellite, or IPTV. In the course of developing a thorough video business case analysis, JSI has become well versed in the pivotal factors that affect a client's video prospects. JSI staff can explore such topics as creating a video strategy for the long term, competing with larger video players that can "cherry pick" across rural customer bases -- a development many clients are already painfully familiar with -- and avoiding "dollar for dollar" no-win battles with deep-pocketed competitors. In answering the "$64,000 question," JSI helps clients explore the possibility that they can evolve from mere "telcos" into IP-based network providers of communications, information, and entertainment services.

To learn more about JSI's video business strategies and implementation services, or for additional information, contact Valerie Wimer (vwimer@jsitel.com) or Bhavini Sokhey (bsokhey@jsitel.com) at 301-459-7590.