OneEighty Networks expands

Spokane’s OneEighty Networks Inc. has launched a subsidiary to offer combined voice and data services to business customers.

The new operating division, OneEighty Systems, will offer those services across OneEighty’s regional network, which runs from Spokane and Coeur d’Alene to Pendleton, Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities.

Company CEO and Chairman Greg Green said the service will be enhanced by OneEighty’s acquisition of Fisher Tele-Com Inc., a Spokane telecommunications company specializing in voice and data installations.

“For some time now, we have given great thought to the creation of OneEighty Systems due to the ongoing requests by our business customers to support and manage their data and voice networks,” Green said in a press release.

“So, when the opportunity came along with Fisher Tele-Com, it was the natural time to launch our managed-services plans,” he said.

Business customers typically find the combination of voice and data services over a single network to be cost-effective.

In addition, the technology opens new customer-service options; companies can have customers go to a Web site, click a link and instantly be connected to a company representative’s phone, OneEighty noted. The new voice switching network will be inside OneEighty’s downtown Spokane building at 118 N. Stevens.

Green declined to disclose what he’s paying to buy Fisher Tele-Com, which has been in business in Spokane for more than 40 years. Fisher Tele-Com sells, installs and services Toshiba phone systems and provides other related services, the press release said.

The sale means OneEighty acquires Fisher’s name, accounts and intellectual property. Fisher’s five current employees will be retained, Green said.