The MLM TelComm Battle and Why To Wait on Buzzirk Mobile
Read More: Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Cell Phones!
There is about to be a major explosion in the world of network marketing in the area of telecommunications. To better explain what is about to happen, here is a little history.
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s MCI contracted Amway to market their “Family & Friends” long distance service. In the 1980’s Sprint launched their wireless PCS division with a network marketing division called Network2000. When both MCI & Sprint gained enough customers to give them a solid financial base, and alternative marketing channels became available, they terminated their MLM agreements.
In 1988 Excel Communications was founded and in 7 years became the 4th largest phone company in the US. In the early years Excel was a reseller for companies such as Frontier, but bought its own network in 1997. By 2002 competition and ever lower phone rates in the long distance market began to put a real squeeze on profits. In 2004, Excel's parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. By 2005, Excel emerged from bankruptcy after having cut loose its MLM sales force.
American Communications Network (ACN) began operations in the U.S in 1993. It extended operations to Europe in 1999 and to Asia-Pacific in 2004, and now operates in 20 countries. ACN began operations as a reseller for LCI Communications. In 2007 ACN began offering wireless phone plans as a reseller of major carriers such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, AT&T, Nextel, Alltel, and T-Mobile. They now claim to be the world's largest direct seller of telecommunication services. Their main focus product is VOIP and video conferencing services, using their videophone. They also act as a reseller for internet and satellite TV services. At one point they even received an endorsement from Donald Trump and paid to be featured on an episode of Celebrity Apprentice. Shortly after that, Trump pulled his endorsement of ACN to focus on a nutrition company to be rebranded in his own name. If you check around the web, there are quite a number of complaints surrounding customer service issues and the video phone itself.
Another major player was Lightyear Communications, which filed for bankruptcy in 2002. In fall 2003, while still in bankruptcy court proceedings, Lightyear Network Solutions branched into the residential sector with a new division called Lightyear Alliance. Also in 2003, Lightyear Wireless was created as a division of Lightyear Network Solutions to focus solely on wireless services. Basically, they resell service from Verizon and Sprint. Recently, there was troubling news that a couple top Lightyear distributors decided to move on to a non-telcomm company and they and Lightyear Wireless are now in litigation over their former business relationship.
One of the newest entries into the field is Buzzirk Wireless, the wireless marketing arm of Global Verge. This is actually a second try for Buzzirk, which originally tried to launch in 2006 using the services of a company called Amped Mobile. Before they could get things off the ground, Amped Mobile went out of business. Global Verge offers a series of discount programs, an online shopping mall, and other products. Global Verge partnered with Zer01 to become the exclusive MLM marketer of the Zer01 proprietary Sim Chip Technology. Zer01 uses Internet calling, tapping only the data networks of traditional cellphone companies to deliver voice connections to mobile handsets. Zer01 will be shopping additional distribution channels in non MLM markets which could be a concern. The launch of this new product was slated for 1 July 2009. That was postponed. Other cautions are that Buzzirk is not able to process credit cards and delayed its first commission run. Hopefully, all these things will be resolved, but I would be hesitant before leaping in at the present time.
UPDATE - Global Verge is supposed to be able to process credit card charges again the week of 7/20/09. As is always true, it pays to do your homework and due diligence before parting with hard earning money.
Somewhat unknown to most network marketers in the USA, in 2008 a company called GI Connect began US operations. They were different from the other companies currently marketing services for others. The man behind GI Connect has 16 years in the Tele-Com industry, the last 6 running what may well be the world’s largest wireless MLM company. They are said to have over 800,000 distributors worldwide, and millions of customers in over 60 countries. It is quite unusual to see a company grow so large overseas and then come to the US.
On July 4th, 2009 Financial Destinations Inc., a 6 year marketer of membership services to help consumers save money and control debt, announced that Kuba Farbiarz, the founder of GI Connect and the creator of its proprietary technology and worldwide communication platform, was joining with FDI for the pre-launch and formation of FDI International. FDI Owner, Bill Andreoli, introduced Kuba Farbiarz as the newest member of the corporate staff. The new service for FDI is scheduled for release on 14 August 2009. A few highlights of the new service are:
- Make cell phone to cell phone calls to and from anyone in the world without roaming, long distance, connection charges, or per minute fees of any kind.
- Talk on your cell phone while flying in a commercial aircraft from coast to coast, without violating the “no cell phone” law, and at 0 cents per minute
- Free VoIP calls on Internet connections as slow as dial-up, that is, NOT requiring expensive broadband connections.
- Browse the internet on your laptop at broadband speeds, using your cell phone to connect, while simultaneously talking on the same phone, at 0 cents per minute
- Unlimited data download, with no data card, no credit check, and no contract for as little as $10 a month.
I personally believe that FDI will offer the stronger option. This is not another reseller. Besides Kuba’s proprietary technology, you are NOT having to deal with a startup company and all the potential problems that typically plague new companies. For reviews of these and other MLM companies, visit www.looknow.info and request a copy of the Network Marketing Report.
Views: 4,478 | 
Comments: 20 
About the Author: Rod Taverna
Member Since: 12/24/2008
Company: Freedom Financial Solutions, Inc.
Industry: Financial Services
Primary Web Site: http://www.FreedomFinancialSolutionsInc.com
Well Written
Very well done . I know now more than ever That I made the right decision in joining Financial Destination Inc
Great Aritcle
This was good information, thanks for posting it
Gwendolyn
FDI Int'l Pre-Launch
Great article. This definitely clears up alot of questions on what's been going on. Check out my blog for additional info. http://bit.ly/fdipre
Not True
It's interesting how people write and post articles starting off positive and very cleverly twist around the facts to make it look like they are giving you good advice all to try and lure you to a different company. (Not very professional... kinda sounds like a used car salesperson trying to sell you a lemon.)
All you have to do is look at the company's websites to see how legit their business is. FDI... c'mon guys. The website is a joke. Very amateur. In this day there is no excuse for building a website like that especially if you're collecting money from people.
Let's post real facts, not speculation and yes, do your due diligence. We're all in the same industry, and industry data shows that most of you jump ship from company to company. We never know when we're going to be working together.
I'm a programmer and consultant for the industry and I can tell you that Buzzirk Mobile and Zer01 are a legitimate company with a real product. I plan on using their services and promoting it to my contacts.
Let's go out there and make some money guys.
http://firstworldphone.com
VERY AMATEUR
Whomever wrote this article is a novice and not very bright. First, I am not a part of any of the companies and I don't have anything to sell you (well I do, but that is not the point of this message). Second, only amateurs talk bad about other companies in this industry. The author is so naive that he doesn't realize that it hurts the entire industry. There are two ways to have the biggest house on the block, one is to knock all of the other homes down and the second is to build the biggest house! We all know what path this self-serving author took! I wouldn't take the advice coming from this moron even if he was attempting to sell me a one-cent piece of gum for free! Which he would probably do!
Global Wireless Wars - Let's Get Ready To Rumble!
I appreciate Rod's point of view. I do not see where he is a rep for either company and wants us to do our best to make the correct decision if we are considering joining the war! I have been approached by both companies and have found FDI International to be a much more stable company! If I am going to put my blood, sweat, and tears into my business I want it to last through my retirement not change directions 10 months down the road! FDI has past the test of time as has Giconnect and bothwill form a solid force in the telecom industry for many years to come!! I have yet to see this in Buzzirk Wireless. When I see someone like Troy Dooly a MLM watchdog have hesitations about Buzzirk I step back.
Re: FDI Website
Richard,
Hate to say it, but the website that this article is linked to is not the official FDI website. FDI has a first class website, check it out http://bit.ly/yAUJI
Setting the Record Straight
I will post a comment here and present, as always, the facts as I know them. I will not resort to name calling which is about the least professional and amateur thing I can imagine. (Take note, Barry.) Now, for a few facts. Richard, I never stated that Buzzirk and Zer01 were not legitimate companies. Of course they are. And as Thomas pointed out, the link for FDI above was not the company website. That was my error. The way I linked it, I can see why you might have made that assumption. The actual company site can be seen at www.ffsolutions.biz. (Forwarding link) After this research, yes, I have decided to become affiliated with FDI. This was an attempt to show my due diligence process, which many in MLM never do. They will jump on any company that presents a fancy presentation and believe everything their upline tells them. This was an attempt to share my research on the subject of telecomm using third party sources. It's what everyone should be doing. If there are detrimental facts out there that are accurate, they should not be swept under the rug. Would you rather lose money by making an uninformed choice? None of the present day companies listed above are bad companies. But, some have issues that need to be considered and checked out if you are going to make an informed decision. If you are a member of Buzzirk, I wish you well and I hope you and the company prosper. I agree, it's not a good thing for MLM when any company has problems or goes out of business. But, it's also not a good thing for you or your pocketbook if it you believe everything a company tells you without verifying the facts. If you don't peek behind the curtain, the smoke, and the mirrors, you are destined to suffer some big disappointments.
Due Diligence........
When I'm performing what we call due diligence a part of that is hearing pro and con dialog on what I'm investigating. Pro and con dialog as what I was hearing in this article and ensuing thread. But what happened? It seemed to have turned a nasty corner when it was reduced to personal attacks. Intolerance is a dangerous thing. To the one who wrote "only amateurs talk bad about other companies in this industry." Does that title amateur also cover those who would talk bad about another professional who's trying to share relevant information? Then to say "The author is so naive that he doesn't realize that it hurts the entire industry." Who's naive enough to think calling another professional with a differing opinion about an income opportunity a moron is not hurting the entire industry. That is freaking scary and if more professionals on this site exhibited that level of intolerance I would have to get my information from somewhere else. At the very least you owe that gentleman an apology. Now, about the telecomm debate: I was contacted by Buzzirk and was considering joining them thinking it was a great opportunity. That's what brought me here today, due diligence. I was considering writing an article to promote Buzzirk but found Financial Destinations instead who I knew nothing about until this article and thread. SO thank you Rod Taverna for posting the article and thanks to everyone who posted relevant information in a dignified manner.
Excellent Article
After performing due diligence, I've found my "home" in FDI International. I also read in one of the greatest books ever written that a wise woman builds her home. I therefore intend to do just that... build my FDI Home Business. And thanks to 2 excellent leaders, William Andreoli and Kuba Farbiarz as the song goes "Ain't No Stopping Us Now." My suggestion.. feed your faith and starve your doubts... go to www.fdirep.com/78812V and get in it to win it!
Nice Job
Thanks to all for the info. I too have considered Buzzirk GV but no one could answer some simple questions for me, like were are the phones and when can i get one? With all the hype around the Buzzirk opportunity it seems FDI may have found a way to answer my questions.
UPDATE
Please note that on 7/19/09 I updated the comments in the article above on Buzzirk to reflect new information. In particular, the question of exclusivity seems to have been answered by the fact that Global Verge will have MLM exclusivity, not market exclusivity. This means that Zer01 will continue to seek non-mlm distribution channels to outlets such as Walmart. Also it is reported that Global Verge has sorted out their credit card issues and will be able to process again next week (7/20/09). Not being able to process may well have been one of the reasons they postponed their first commission run.
It's Not Just Me
For any who think my comments regarding Buzzirk have not been factual, please visit the following link. It was a post over the weekend by Len Clements of Market Wave.
http://www.marketwaveinc.com/viewalert.asp?id=121
From Tech Wars, to Juice Wars, you get great entertainment here!
Spend your time in education, that's time well spent! It will save you big time down the road, a good question to ask and research deeply is "How many active members will it take for me to earn a six figure income with this company?" Don't stop digging until you find the answer, then research the other 4 Pillars you'll need for success!
Talk on your cell phone while flying???
""Talk on your cell phone while flying in a commercial aircraft from coast to coast, without violating the “no cell phone” law, and at 0 cents per minute""
That would only work if the plane has wifi, not to mention that you would have to pay for the wifi. ?? How does that make sense.
$10 a month for what? For international calling???
As Richard Ramos said, its distasteful to put a company down only to put the company that you clearly represent up. Sorry but that is just lazy!
I am not approving Global Verge
Top Leaders From Major MLM Companies are Coming to FDI.....
FDI International is the Fastest Growing MLM in the World Now. A six year young company with a proven success track with reps all over the World. August 15th, FDI will launch its Telecom service to over 62 countries. See the Compenstation Plan, and the Services offered at http://bit.ly/kpe2C Get Right or Get Left... visit http://bit.ly/tWMnK
Answer to Klarita
Here are comments from FDI regarding your question:
The GI-Cell is several phones in one. Not only is it a Quad band Global GSM Cellular device, it is a VoIP device. The VoIP side of the phone can be utilized by either accessing an unencrypted WiFi signal, such as on an aircraft, hotel, or other “hot spot,” or you can VoIP by utilizing the GPRS data network available through various cellular providers. Regarding the “hot spot” WiFi, most often the VoIP channels utilized by the phone are not blocked by the providers of the WiFi signal and therefore your use of the phone would be unimpeded. However, we cannot control that aspect from our end. In has, however, been our experience that unencrypted WiFi signals can be utilized with no additional fees.
The $10 month fee that we refer to is an example of a “pay as you go” cellular plan. Since the GI-Cell can utilize VoIP technology when in either WiFi or GPRS areas, it is rarely necessary to actually make a cellular call using the minutes, and even in such cases, with the addition of the Tri-Net, it is possible to make even cellular calls for free by making only mobile-to-mobile calls. Once in our network via either direct VoIP or through the Tri-Net, all calls in our network anywhere in the world are free – outside the network are free in the US and Canada, others will incur a VoIP long distance charge. See the FAQ documentation (coming real soon) for more information.
Hope this info helped.
Rod
BREAKING NEWS
See which of the telecomm contenders has finally released a VIDEO OF A REAL WORKING PHONE and which continues to blow smoke! Request a copy of the FREE Network Marketing Report from www.looknow.info and I'll send you the link to the video.
MORE BREAKING NEWS
The fat lady is singing for Buzzirk. Press release as of 8/13/2009 - "Due To Breach Of Contract, MVNE Zer01 Mobile Cuts All Ties With Buzzirk Mobile For Distribution Services." See full article at:
http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/zer01-mobile-dissolves-busi...
Positive News Re Global Verge
To be "Fair and Balanced", I must add the news that Global Verge aka Buzzirk finally paid their June commission run. Good for them. They have added some additional services to their product line up, but still do not have a telephone product ready to go. Time will tell if they can dig themselves out of the hole they have dug. I wish all of their distributors well.