ConnectUs Cradlepoint 5g for Enterprise Branch Specialization

ConnectUs Achieves Cradlepoint 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialization

King of Prussia, PA (August 30th, 2022)

ConnectUs, a global leader in mobility solutions, today announced that it has achieved Cradlepoint 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialization from Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network edge solutions. The 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialization identifies and recognizes partner organizations that are leaders in positioning and selling Cradlepoint’s 5G for business solutions by meeting a series of sales, technical, and business proficiency criteria.

“We are proud to announce that we are one of the few partners to receive Cradlepoint’s prestigious 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialization to bring 5G connectivity to our customer base”, stated Chris Samaras, president at ConnectUs. “We are committed to meeting and exceeding the needs of our enterprise customers. We will continue to build out our capabilities and infrastructure to ensure their success – and this achievement opens a big door for ConnectUs being able to do so.”

ConnectUs Cradlepoint 5g for Enterprise Branch Specialization

ConnectUs achieves Cradlepoint 5G Enterprise for Branch Specialization

Cradelpoint is one of the key partners for the ConnectUs WWAN and 5G go to market strategy. By receiving the 5G for Enterprise Branch specialization, ConnectUs will support Cradlepoint’s efforts of selling the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of 5G solutions to meet the business imperatives of availability, interoperability, security, and manageability. Enterprise customers look to ConnectUs to ensure that their WAN infrastructures are future-proofed to take advantage of the faster speeds and lower latency of 5G.

By combining its NetCloud platform with a clean-sheet-of-paper design for its new 5G modems and antenna systems, Cradlepoint is the first to deliver comprehensive 5G solutions for business. Specific capabilities include combining LTE, Gigabit-Class LTE, and 5G in a single wireless WAN; supporting all 5G spectrums, interoperating with existing customer SD-WAN and router infrastructures; and simplifying the entire network management lifecycle.

For more information on ConnectUs’s work in the industry, please visit www.connectuscorp.com. For more on Cradlepoint’s 5G for Enterprise Branch Specialization and the Cradlepoint Partner Program, please visit https://cradlepoint.com/partners/for-partners/.

OVER 12,700 FLIP PHONES DELIVERED

Over 12,700 Flip Phones Delivered to New York School System

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KEY INSIGHTS

A major New York based Metropolitan School System required specialized flip phones as part of their Covid-19 response plan. Over 12,700 hard to find devices were needed in a tight time frame. ConnectUs was the only value-add reseller that had the flip phones in stock in large quantities. The phones were custom kitted and shipped in just over one week.

  • Over 12,700 ZTE flip phones kitted and shipped in 8 business days.
  • Enabled rapid, custom response to Covid-19 education demand.
  • Trust built with community for any future technology needs.

SITUATION

Major Metropolitan School System faces unique remote learning challenge

During the height of the Covid-19 crisis, educational organizations had to reinvent how to teach their students. Most turned to distance learning solutions that required digital devices for each student to learn from home.

A Major Metropolitan School System based in New York faced this situation with an added challenge. Being affiliated with a religious group, they decided to only use flip phones for remote learning. In early 2020, these devices were especially hard to find. As the lockdowns continued, time was of the essence. 

OBJECTIVE 

Find a provider that could deliver uncommon flip phones at scale

The School System was already using Verizon Wireless for their mobile needs. However, when they approached the Tier 1 Carrier, they learned that Verizon could not fill such a large order (12,700 phones) in such a short period of time. The quoted wait time from the Carrier was 10-12 weeks. This was far too long for students to remain unschooled.

It was immediately clear that an alternative flip phone provider needed to be found to meet the unique education needs.

APPROACH

Consult with Carrier about alternative flip phone provider

Due to numerous previous successful experiences, Verizon referred the School System to ConnectUs. We are the industry leader in hard to find handheld device fulfillment. The School System was delighted to learn that ConnectUs had the flip phones in stock and in the quantity desired.

RESULTS

Over 12,700 custom flip phones kitted and delivered in record time

As soon as the order was placed, the ConnectUs team got to work to outfit the large flip phone order. The devices required custom kitting along with SIM pairings assigned to each device. A team of 16 people was assembled to work on the project. Over the course of 8 business days the phones were quickly configured and staged.

Even though the customer had no other options, being part of a religious community did not hinder their ability to enable remote learning. 

ConnectUs was able to configure, kit, and SIM pair over 12,700 flip phones and ship them within 8 business days. Thanks to these intense efforts, and the unique positioning of ConnectUs in the device market, the School System’s students could engage in distance learning.

Due to strict governance, the School System community does not enter lightly into any provider contracts. After this successful campaign, they will certainly look to ConnectUs again for future technology requirements.

Covid Testing Site

4G LTE Devices Shipped in 1 Business Day to Global Health Services Organization

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KEY INSIGHTS

The Covid-19 crisis sent a Global Health Services Organization scrambling to locate 4G LTE Enterprise Gateway devices which were essential for their distributed enterprise. The devices were designated to be deployed to Covid-19 urban testing tents. ConnectUs was able to configure, kit, label, and ship the devices in one business day to help keep the Organization ahead of the crisis.

  • 225 Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Enterprise Gateway devices shipped within one business day
  • Enabled quick response to pandemic health crisis needs
  • Devices arrived fully configured, kitted, and labelled upon shipping

SITUATION

Global Health Services Organization requiring hundreds of 4G LTE devices on-demand

During the height of the Covid-19 crisis, many healthcare entities were forced to re-invent strategies to confront the unprecedented demand of a pandemic response. A large part of the effort revolved around virus infection testing as a core preventative measure. 

A major Global Health Services Organization responded to the crisis by deploying urban tent-based testing centers. As enterprise grade IT infrastructure was unavailable in the field on such short notice, the Organization required hundreds of 4G LTE devices to equip the tents with advanced connectivity capability.

OBJECTIVE

Find a provider capable of rapidly providing 4G LTE enterprise level connectivity devices

When the Global Health Services Organization approached their distributor about the demand for 4G LTE devices, the turnaround time was set at 8-12 weeks. This long wait time was unacceptable as the spread of infection was being clocked in hours and days.

The Organization set out to find a device provider that could ship immediately to keep up with the urgent need for field testing. 

APPROACH

Consult with Tier 1 Carrier regarding hard to find device providers

In their search for enterprise grade 4G LTE devices, the Global Health Services Organization turned to their Tier 1 Carrier for help. The Carrier immediately referred the Organization to ConnectUs, due to our long, successful history of delivering hard to find devices to meet urgent needs. 

The Organization was thrilled to learn that ConnectUs could fulfill the order and ship the devices on-demand. 

RESULTS

225 Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Enterprise Gateways configured and shipped within one business day

Once the order was received, ConnectUs rapidly configured the devices with the latest firmware. The devices were then kitted and labeled according to specific location requirements. All the devices were shipped out the door within one business day.

With state-of-the-art global 4G LTE coverage, the Global Health Services Organization established broadband connectivity for POS devices and other mission critical equipment to ensure service during the crisis. This high level of connectivity enabled the Organization to provision devices, monitor cellular data usage, and remotely maintain software versions and configurations.

In the end, it meant virus testing and all pandemic related issues could be communicated quickly and reliably over the enterprise’s secure network.

ConnectUs has established a relationship with this top 10 US healthcare provider as a result of being able to turn around the equipment order quickly. Along with ConnectUs, the Organization has extended a lengthy contract process to ensure future device demands are met on time.

Online Call

Wifi Hotspot Devices Required On-Demand by Major University During Covid-19

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KEY INSIGHTS

During the initial phase of the Covid-19 crisis, a Major University required WiFi hotspot devices to immediately shift all teaching and communication online. ConnectUs was the only value add reseller that could fulfill the order in a short time frame.

  • 400 x Inseego 8800L WiFi hotspot devices shipped within one business day
  • Minimized time to deploy institution-wide remote learning
  • Devices staged, kitted and deployed to over a dozen locations
  • Collaboration with Verizon to establish secure virtual private network (VPN)

SITUATION

Major University facing urgent demand for online connectivity due to Covid-19 lockdown

This year 90% of universities adopted emergency distance/virtual education to conduct or complete the spring term. In this context, a Major University faced significant remote learning obstacles during the Covid-19 crisis. This unprecedented event was unanticipated, and the University found itself unable to provide internet connectivity to many of its faculty members.

Any attempt to deploy broadband cable infrastructure would have created a huge gap in learning as well as significant costs. While educators struggled with connecting with each other and their students, it became immediately apparent that on-demand WiFi hotspot access was essential.

OBJECTIVE

Locate hundreds of WiFi hotspot devices to be deployed immediately

The Covid-19 crisis left many organizations scrambling for on-demand connectivity solutions. The University had very few options other than to procure and deploy hundreds of hotspot devices campus wide.

This effort was the fastest way to enable teachers, staff and students to move ahead with learning goals. As the usefulness of video classrooms was becoming apparent, reliable internet connectivity was crucial. 

APPROACH

Scan the market for a provider that could fill a large device order quickly

The University initially attempted to obtain the WiFi hotspot devices directly from their Tier 1 Carrier, however, the Carrier needed 8-12 weeks to fill the order. Given the lockdowns were enforced while the semester was already underway, a 2-3 month wait was unacceptable.

In consultation with the Carrier, ConnectUs was recommended which has occurred in dozens of similar situations. ConnectUs is known industry wide for being able to procure, kit and deploy hard to find devices within days. 

RESULTS

400 WiFi hotspot devices shipped to over a dozen sites within one business day

The University was thrilled to learn that ConnectUs could fill the entire order of 400 Inseego 8800L hotspot devices and ship them the same day. The devices were fully staged and kitted, and they were deployed to over a dozen locations. 

Secure WiFi hotspot device configuration meant that document sharing and online meeting could occur securely. Additionally, working with Verizon, the devices were also configured with a secure VPN to further enhance privacy. 

Due to the rapid response by ConnectUs, the University’s class down time due to Covid-19 was reduced to a minimum. Educators, students and staff were able to pivot quickly to remote learning despite the unforeseen challenges.

For future device and connectivity needs, the University is certain to consider ConnectUs first.  

HARD TO FIND 4G USB MODEMS DELIVERED TO LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST & DIGITAL SIGNAGE COMPANY

HARD TO FIND 4G USB MODEMS DELIVERED TO LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST & DIGITAL SIGNAGE COMPANY

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KEY INSIGHTS

A leading Live Video Broadcast & Digital Signage Company required hundreds of 4G USB modems to power customer live feeds and digital signage advertising. These end-of-life devices were extremely difficult to procure, and only ConnectUs was able to deliver the quantity needed in a short time frame.

  • Over 400 hard to find 4G USB modems shipped
  • Several hundred in stock shipped immediately
  • Devices fully kitted and labelled
  • No other provider had the device in stock

SITUATION

Leading live stream provider and digital sign company stuck without modems

Live video streaming continues to increase in popularity for news, sports and many other content based media brands. Digital signage also has seen impressive growth over recent years. In fact, the global digital sign market is expected to expand to $31.7 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 8%. In terms of shipments, growth is anticipated to reach 6.45 million units by 2025. 

A leading Live Broadcast & Digital Signage Company had been using Novatel 4G USB modems for many of its media deployments. However, the devices are no longer being manufactured, and it has become nearly impossible to find them. The Company’s customers required the devices to power their signage and video setups.

OBJECTIVE

Locate hundreds of end-of-life 4G USB modems quickly

The up front investment for video broadcasting and digital signage is significant. Being hardware dependent, when a device gets phased out of production, it presents significant challenges in regards to compatibility issues.

Rather than replace entire fleets of video broadcasting equipment, the Company decided to continue supporting existing assemblies. This meant finding hundreds of 4G USB modems compatible with other existing hardware.

APPROACH

Scan the market to acquire hard to find 4G USB modem devices

The Live Broadcasting & Digital Signage Company reached out to multiple providers. These other providers did not have the required modem in stock, and they could not provide any notion of acquisition date. 

Subsequently, the Company contacted their Tier 1 Carrier representative who referred them to ConnectUs. The proven ability to provide hard to find devices makes ConnectUs the go to solution in these difficult situations.

RESULTS

Over 400 hard to find devices kitted and delivered fast

ConnectUs had several hundred of the Novatel 4G USB modems already in stock. These were kitted and labelled to ensure the device barcodes could easily be scanned and assigned to each of the Company’s customers upon deployment. They devices were then shipped immediately. 

Nobody else in the industry could provide these discontinued devices. Following the initial shipment, the remaining units were received, kitted and shipped in a matter of weeks. Other device providers could not commit to any time frame at all.

The media broadcast Company was able to successfully procure the devices from ConnectUS and meet tight deadlines for their advertising network of customers. The Company will continue to use ConnectUs for future device fulfillment needs.

Remote Wifi

Remote WiFi Connectivity Devices for Top 3 K-12 Schools Nationwide During COVID-19

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KEY INSIGHTS

During the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, hundreds of K-12 schools and universities required remote WiFi connectivity to facilitate online learning. In response, ConnectUs was able to quickly deploy over 340,000 hotspot devices nationwide to over 450 schools. Shipping occurred within 1-2 business days of order beating direct distribution shipment time by several weeks.

  • Over 450 K-12 and universities supplied with devices
  • Faster shipping compared to direct distribution and competitors
  • 340K devices deployed over 40 states in record time
  • Devices kitted with mobile device management (MDM) options

SITUATION

National health crisis creates huge demand from schools for wireless internet access

When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, governments reacted by implementing strict lockdowns. It wasn’t long before new organizational solutions were being developed, especially in the education sector with digital learning platforms. As social distancing requirements remained in place, widely available remote WiFi connectivity became essential.

K-12 schools and universities quickly realized that their current WiFi networks could not keep up with the demand for connectivity. 

OBJECTIVE

Increase internet access coverage to enable the use of digital learning tools

From video classrooms to online school and university portals, the educational landscape changed dramatically in 2020. Students were connecting with teachers more than ever online to attend virtual classes and access homework assignments. Plus, interaction between students also moved significantly online.

School WiFi networks were strained far beyond capacity, and the need for access appeared in places where no WiFi signal existed previously. The objective was to increase internet access for students, educators, and school staff.

APPROACH

Rapidly deploy WiFi hotspot devices to meet explosive demand

For hundreds of schools and universities, installing more broadband cable to meet the surge in connectivity demand would have taken several months. Meanwhile, students needed to advance with their learning programs immediately.     

The fastest and most convenient solution was to deploy WiFi hotspot devices to deliver an internet signal at any location desired. Many schools came to the same conclusion simultaneously, and they began to consult with Tier 1 Carrier representatives. Given such high demand, the reps immediately referred the schools to ConnectUs given our proven track record in rapid device delivery.

RESULTS

Over 340,000 hotspot devices deployed nationwide for remote education efforts

During the height of the Covid-19 crisis, ConnectUs was able to ship most orders within 1-2 business days over the course of 4 months. Direct distribution had an 8-12 week delivery time, and other device providers were taking 7-10 business days or longer to ship devices.

ConnectUs deployed over 340,000 hotspot devices from multiple manufacturers to over 40 states servicing over 450 individual K-12 schools and universities. ConnectUs provided devices to 3 out of 5 of the largest school districts in the country.

Additionally, multiple security options were provided including mobile device management (MDM) options for a number of schools. Since this initial deployment, dozens of schools have reached out for a second round of devices for the fall back-to-school season.

In the national Covid-19 response, ConnectUs is proud to be able to serve schools and help students stay on track with remote WiFi connectivity.