NU-Telecom offers such a varying degree of quality products and options that it’s like a technology smorgasbord to its many customers.
A TechTeam Technician helps a customer with Internet questions at a local customer appreciation event. Contributed photo
NU-Telecom has nine locations, plus its TechTrends retail store in New Ulm, to serve the needs of its customers in 38 communities. The nine locations include New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, Redwood Falls, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Glencoe, Goodhue, and Aurelia, Iowa. The corporate office is also located in New Ulm.
“Outstanding customer service is our number one goal,” said Kathy Van Roekel, Marketing and Customer Relations manager for NU-Telecom. “We are local, phones are answered by live people, we have 24/7 tech support, troubles are addressed the same day, and follow-up calls make sure you are satisfied.”
The company marked its 110th anniversary in 2015. The longevity of the company has provided a solid foundation for NU-Telecom to be the innovative, forward-thinking technology company it is.
“We particularly appreciate our long-term customers,” said Van Roekel. “We hold annual customer appreciation events in each community and keep prices low while offering a good value for quality service.”
NU-Telecom’s headquarters are located in downtown New Ulm. The company celebrated 110 years of business in 2015.
TechTrends, a technology retail store located at 15 Berens Blvd., in New Ulm, is open seven days a week.
“This is unlike a big box store experience,” said Van Roekel. “We know technology can be confusing, so our TechTeam assists customers in choosing the right computer for their needs and make sure it is ‘good to go’ and they are comfortable with operating it when they leave the store.”
TechTrends also offers such things as computers and accessories, tablets, routers, printers and cell phones.
TechTeam technicians also provide phone support, computer repair and onsite networking.
Kathy VanRoekel and Darrin Meendering, of NU-Telecom, with one of the Care Call handsets NU-Telecom offers
“Our staff is friendly, knowledgeable and patient,” said Van Roekel. “Sales are not their priority; they want to assist customers and inform them about services they may not know about that can help them.”
The following products and options are available through NU-Telecom:
TechTrends Wireless – Wireless phone plans and phone choices for every budget and technology-comfort level are available. The service runs over a nationwide network. NU-Telecom assists the customer in learning about their new device. Additional discounts apply for NU-Telecom customers, and billing is included on their NU-Telecom bill for added convenience.
Computer ProTECHtion Plan – For a minimal monthly fee, this plan includes one annual computer tune-up to keep your computer running at its best, one hour of monthly computer training and technical support, a discount on your TechTeam labor charges and priority service with your computer. This is perfect for people needing a little extra hand holding when working with technology.
Care Call – If a customer currently has a landline in their home, they can obtain a special phone and remote bracelet that is worn on the wrist which allows them to call pre-determined emergency numbers if they aren’t able to get to the phone. If someone is elderly and wants to remain in their home, this device provides peace of mind to not only that person, but their family as well.
On-Line File Backup – For a small monthly fee, NU-Telecom can protect your important documents, photos, and videos with On-Line File Back-Up in case your hard drive crashes, is attacked by a virus, your computer is stolen, or is damaged in a natural disaster. They will help you select the best backup methods for your needs. Once your account is created, the program will systematically back up your data and store it in a safe, centralized location.
Good2Go – The TechTeam works diligently to make sure your new computer is ready to start using when it leaves the store. The Good2Go guarantee is free ($180 value) and provides anti-virus installation, Windows updates, setup of email accounts, elimination of bloatware, security updates, installation of existing software, computer recycling, and introductory training.
Technology Classes – Classes on topics such as Internet safety and tablet training are offered by NU-Telecom through community education and senior centers throughout its coverage areas.
Digital TV Service – NU-Telecom’s digital television service includes both HD and DVR. They will do individualized on-site training on how to use your remote. A service free to subscribers is WatchTVEverywhere, a live or on-demand programming with over 50 channels that can be viewed on any device using an Internet connection. This option is popular for snow birds, college students or anyone away from their home when they would like to watch TV.
Landline Phones – There are many reasons for customers to continue utilizing a landline phone; for safety purposes, a landline phone continues to operate when the power goes out, has reliable 911 services, is available to use by your children and/or babysitter if you are not at home, and your name is still listed in the phone directory.
A Sales and Support Associate helps customers choose the Internet, Digital TV and voice options that best fit their needs.
“Our goal is to make sure we take care of our customers, while we continue to grow the company and offer new services,” said Darrin Meendering, TechTeam and Retail Supervisor. “Our biggest strength is being able to offer all the services we have to customers on a local level.”