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Prepaid Calling Providers Form Industry AssociationJan 31, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Fifteen providers of the prepaid phone call industry gathered in Washington, D.C. and agreed to create an industry association. According to a release, the new association, to be called the American PrePaid Phonecall Association, will focus on promoting high value prepaid telephone services to consumers and serving as the voice of the industry. Gustavo de la Garza Ortega, the president of Marcatel was elected Chairman, and Pete Pattullo, CEO of NetworkIP, was elected Vice Chairman. Gene Retske, who recently retired as editor of The Prepaid Press, will serve as the Executive Director and will oversee day to day operations. "We decided to form an association because of the need for the industry to address issues as a group," said de la Garza. "Consumers will benefit from the association, which has pledged to provide a high value product for its millions of customers." "I have been watching this industry from its beginnings," said Retske, "and it is time for the leaders to come together and work as a team to help consumers get the best value from the services being offered." The group created the association to protect the industry's interests, good name and public trust by guaranteeing best practices, and by speaking with one voice for the industry and its consumers. The prepaid phone call industry started in the U.S. in the early 1990s, and is a lifeline immigrants have to stay in contact with friends and family back home. Prepaid phone calls offer a way to make international long distance calls from any telephone. The association will work closely with consumer groups and government regulators to protect consumer rights by setting standards for prepaid phone call providers and their products. Prepaid phone call providers who want more information about joining APPPA should contact Gene Retske, Executive Director, at (803) 732-3866 or by email at [email protected]. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |