TDS upgrading e-mail system to Google (TM) platform
Enhancements coming to all e-mail customers, new features and functionality added
Beginning Feb. 24, TDS starts upgrading it’s free TDS e-mail service to the popular Google™ web-based platform. The transition process is staged over the course of six-weeks as hundreds of thousands of customers are converted to the company’s new system.
Prior to the conversion, TDS will be sending multiple direct mail and e-mail communications to customers instructing them to visit their TDS password protected account for full conversion details, including a specific conversion date. TDS encourages customers to wait until an official notification arrives in the mail to convert. Customers will keep their existing TDS e-mail addresses.
Customer conversion dates are staggered during the process to ensure customers get the individual assistance they need. Due to the many unique ways customers set up their computers, TDS anticipates some customers will need guidance during the standard installation process.
“We have tried to make this process as easy and transparent as possible; however, change of this nature can generate many questions and we want to answer them all thoroughly,” stated Drew Petersen, director of legislative and public relations for TDS Telecommunications Corp. “To help, TDS added more than fifty new customer care representatives and continues to monitor call volumes very closely.”
Recently, a customer test pilot group, as well as all TDS employees who use the company’s e-mail service at home, were transitioned to the new email platform. In addition, all new TDS Internet customers who select the TDS e-mail product are being automatically enrolled on the Google platform.
The number one question TDS heard from the pilot group was: ‘Do I have to change my e-mail address?’ “The answer is absolutely not,” responds Petersen. “All customers keep their existing TDS e-mail addresses.”
Customer security is a top priority at TDS and that continues during the e-mail platform conversion. Petersen reminds customers, “Only when you are logged into your own TDS account (or on the phone with a TDS representative you called) should you make the necessary changes or provide new information. Our goal is to minimize all exposure to phishing and vishing scams.”
“Upgrading to the Google platform provides our customers with more features and functionality,” says Petersen. “It’s important to keep our e-mail service competitive with other service providers. We feel Google has the most to offer.”
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Editor’s note: All TDS Internet customers receive free e-mail accounts when they select TDS’ Internet service.
