Prepaid calling companies form association

Fifteen leaders of the prepaid telecommunication industry gathered in Washington to create the American PrePaid Phonecall Association. The APPPA is designed to promote "high-value prepaid telephone services to consumers and serving as the voice of the industry."

Gustavo M. de la Garza Ortega, founder and President of Mexico telecommunication company Grupo Marcatel, was elected Chairman of the APPPA. Pete Pattullo, Chief Executive Officer of cloud-based prepaid services company Network Enhanced Telecom LLP (doing business as NetworkIP), was elected Vice Chairman. And Gene Retske, retired editor of The Prepaid Press, will serve as the Executive Director and oversee day-to-day operations.

APPPA said the founding members of the association, representing the majority of the U.S. prepaid telecommunications market, will work to protect the industry's interests, reputation and public trust by guaranteeing best practices and by speaking with one industry voice.

Consumers will benefit from the association, too, according to de la Garza. The APPPA "has pledged to provide a high value product for its millions of customers," he said.

Retske remarked, "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."

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