Park 'N View to Provide Services for TravelCenters of America
28 January 1999
Park 'N View to Provide Comprehensive Telecom Services for TravelCenters of America
PHOENIX--Jan. 28, 1999--Services to Include Prepaid Phone Cards and Public Telephone
At Most of Its 146 Travel Centers
Park 'N View (PNV), the in-cab cable TV and phone service provider, has announced a new contract with TravelCenters of America (TA) to provide the nation's largest full-service truckstop operator with a variety of internal and external telecommunications services.
The outsourcing agreement, announced here at the NATSO Convention and Exposition, involves telecom services for TA and its customers at most of its 146 travel center facilities nationwide. The first complete telecom solution for the long-haul trucking industry of its kind, it combines voice and data services, public telephone operations, prepaid phone cards and in the truck cab data and voice services, including in-cab Internet access. Both companies will market these expanded service offers to TA's customer base of professional drivers.
"We were looking for a total solution," said Mike Hinderliter, TravelCenter's senior vice president of marketing. "As a Park 'N View provider, we knew about their quality equipment, technology and commitment to customer satisfaction. In addition, they're the only provider offering in-cab telephone service and access to the Internet and cable television."
PNV has been providing in-cab cable television and telephone service for drivers at TA locations for almost a year.
"Up to now," said Steve Conkling, Park 'N View's president, "our private voice and data network was accessible only inside the truck. Now, drivers will have access inside the truckstop as well, and fleets will be able to work through one provider. In addition, TA and PNV will work together to tailor our pricing plans and bundle service for individual drivers and fleets."
The integration of telecom services comes during a period of increased usage of the Internet by drivers. PNV's latest national survey indicates that 21 percent of drivers are now using laptops or PCs in their trucks and an additional 13 percent are highly likely to purchase a computer this year.
"We have recognized that telecommunications services is a key strategic product for travel center operators. Our new partnership with Park 'N View allows us to take advantage of this opportunity and means we can provide coast-to-coast telecom services, with no gaps along the way," said Mr. Hinderliter.
TravelCenters of America, based in Westlake, Ohio, has 10,000 employees. The nation's largest full-service travel center, it has a 24-hour Country Pride(R) restaurant, fast-food establishments, well-stocked convenience stores, showers, laundry facilities and more. The company offers drivers and fleets diesel fuel and truck maintenance services through facilities at prime interstate highway locations throughout the country.
Currently available at more than 200 locations, Park 'N View connects truck drivers to cable TV, local and long-distance phone service, fax capabilities and the Internet right in their cabs.
Established in 1995, Park 'N View, Inc. is a rapidly growing telecommunications and entertainment services provider focusing on the long-haul trucking industry. Park 'N View's national network, accessible at truckstops around the country, provides professional truck drivers and fleets with access to a wide range of broadband voice, data and cable television services from inside the truck cab.
This release is available on the KCSA Worldwide website at www.kcsa.com
