Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced NTELOS has officially opened its customer care facility in the PortCentre I Building in Portsmouth. NTELOS is expected to build its staff to approximately 250 employees, while investing $9.6 million. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal represented the Commonwealth at today's event.
"We are very pleased to see the continued growth of this fine native Virginia company," Governor Gilmore said. "NTELOS, an industry leader, will find a welcome home in Portsmouth."
Governor Gilmore approved a $400,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund that was used to assist the City of Portsmouth with site preparation. In making its selection, NTELOS worked closely with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the City of Portsmouth and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance.
NTELOS is a leading wireless digital Personal Communications Service (PCS) provider in the mid-Atlantic region. NTELOS was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Waynesboro, Virginia. The company provides a broad range of integrated solutions for business and residential customers in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky. Their services include the largest digital PCS network in the region, local and long distance telephone services, and Internet access. Their acquisition of PrimeCo's Richmond and Norfolk operations and other PCS license in Pennsylvania has accelerated the need for this facility. The addition of the customer care center in Portsmouth will enable NTELOS to meet the needs of its growing customer base.
"Our goal is to be the leading wireless service provider within the Commonwealth of Virginia by providing a high quality network coupled with world-class customer service," said James S. Quarforth, chief executive officer of NTELOS. "This new facility enhances our ability to serve our current customers and allows for our future growth plans," added Quarforth.
"We applaud NTELOS' decision to expand in Virginia," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "The success of this project is proof of our commitment to recruit technology firms to all parts of the Commonwealth."
"We are pleased to welcome NTELOS to the Portsmouth family and are delighted to have them join our renaissance and redevelopment effort," said Portsmouth Mayor James W. Holley, III. "The City has thoroughly enjoyed working with NTELOS to establish its new customer care center and we look forward to growing with them."