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TDS closing area telephone offices
The news was sudden and unexpected. Three office workers in Grove Hill are affected and four in Butler. Local TDS managers could not be reached for comment. Neither Grove Hill Mayor Lamar Hudson nor Butler Mayor Ben Smith had any advanced notice of the closings. A TDS news release stated, “Over the past year, TDS has initiated an exhaustive analysis of its operational structure to adjust to the changing needs of its customers. TDS wants to ensure continued dominance as the preferred provider in each of its chosen markets. Therefore, the company is looking for more innovative and cost effective service solutions to offer its customers. “In researching the local walk-in traffic at offices nationwide, it was determined that only 15 percent of existing TDS customers were coming into the offices and of that 15 percent - a full 80 percent-were simply dropping off their bill rather than mailing it in or using a different payment option.” John Sango, vice president of customer operations for TDS stated in the release, “Customers are visiting our offices less and calling us more during times that are convenient for them, such as after 6 p.m. or on Saturdays,” states. “It has been our goal to bring technology to rural communities and we continue with that focus today.” TDS customers who use the local offices to make payments are being encouraged to make new arrangements and to visit the locations now to discuss their payment options with an available advisor. Recently, TDS also announced the new TDS Self Service feature to allow customers to get detailed account information and make payments at no extra charge with a debit card, credit card or checking account. Customers can also sign up for TDS ePay at www.TDSePay. com to make payments online. The release states, “From a community education standpoint, customers will be mailed detailed information in their next two monthly statements, so all area residents are being advised to read these notices carefully. TDS Advisors can always be reached 24/7 to assist customers by calling toll free 1-888-CALL-TDS.” The release stated that service technicians- termed “TDS Technical Response Teams” - will remain in the local communities to fulfill all service and installation requests. That reportedly includes service personnel for the Butler and Grove Hill offices.
“TDS is committed to growing with our local communities and to meeting the needs of our customers with exceptional products and services,” adds Sango. “These changes are part of a continued refinement to our business as we move forward in a highly competitive industry.”
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