Allconnect is a premium sponsor of Real Estate Connect, a technology real estate conference taking place this week in San Franciso. The company has launched new functionality at www.connectmybuyer.com. Below is the official release. If you are a Realtor, or know a Realtor, have them try connectmybuyer.com out between now and July 30 and they’ll be entered to win a trip to Napa Valley!

Allconnect Launches Unique Marketing Tool for Real Estate Pros

New, free online system lets brokers create custom brochures about home services for clients

SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2010 – Allconnect – the leading comparison shopping and connections marketplace for essential home services – today unveiled a new, unique customer service and marketing tool at Real Estate Connect 2010 created specifically for real estate professionals. ConnectMyBuyer.com is an innovative, free system that delivers benefits to both realtors and their customers.

By accessing Allconnect’s ConnectMyBuyer.com, realtors can input a client’s address and create an individualized email or flyer that lists contact information for water, waste, gas, and electric services.  It also includes a summary of the television, Internet, and phone service plans available for the specific location.  New home buyers can compare providers, plans, and rates, with no obligation to purchase.

“ConnectMyBuyer is designed with both the homeowner and the realtor in mind,” said Glenn Goad, Allconnect Chief Strategy Officer.  “The homeowner has access to information about special offers, can explore which plan is right for them, and get best-price guarantees. Realtors can provide customer service that exceeds expectations while standing out from the competition.”

ConnectMyBuyer.com is already in use at Allconnect’s real estate partners, including Harry Norman Realtors, Home123, Keller Williams Realty: The Rawls Group, RE/MAX Executives, and Prudential Palms Realty.

“Our comprehensive database is regularly updated to have the latest information from service providers. The front-end technology is easy to use. The combination gives realtors hassle-free access to a powerful personal brand enhancer,” said Allconnect’s Goad.

About Allconnect
Allconnect is the leading provider for connecting consumers with household services including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, and natural gas and electric utilities.  The company offers a convenient, simple, and objective one-stop source for comparing options and pricing, whether consumers are transferring or establishing household services during a move or simply wanting to ensure they are on the best plan for their budget.  This service is offered at no charge, online or by phone.  Founded in 1998, Allconnect has connected over 20 million people through its partnerships with more than 30 utility companies and hundreds of service providers across the U.S.  Allconnect employs more than 500 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in St. George, Utah; Danville, Virginia; and Mexico.  Realtors can learn more at ConnectMyBuyer.com.  Customers can visit Allconnect.com or call a Home Services Consultant at 800-930-1940.

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Types of Mobile Broadband Cards

If you are concerned about connecting to the Internet while on vacation or in a rural area, there are solutions. A mobile broadband card — sometimes called an air card because of the AirCard® modem used in each device — may be the answer. Air cards are also called wireless Internet cards, laptop cards, wireless modems and PC cards. All of these devices attach to your computer to give you access to the Internet over a wireless carrier’s cellular network – basically, it works like your cell phone.  Most wireless Internet cards now support 3G data speeds, and are convenient if you want to access the Internet wirelessly anywhere, anytime, without a Wi-Fi hotspot or a wired connection.

An  air card “plugs in” to a laptop (or PDA or cell phone) via PC Card slots, ExpressCard slots, or USB ports. Sierra Wireless manufactures AirCard® modems for each cell phone provider. In other words, an AirCard® modem will only work with a plan from one provider. Just like your cell phone only works with Verizon or AT&T service, the AirCard® will only work with Verizon or AT&T or one of the other providers.

This technology is ideal for connecting to the Internet while actually driving down the road or where rural Internet service is not available. For example, it will work if you are camping or staying in a cabin where cell phone service is available but an Internet connection is not available. For folks who travel, having an air card may be a less expensive and more convenient instead of paying for internet access through their hotel rooms.

However, Internet speed via air cards is not as fast as other options. If you are staying in a city, there are faster and cheaper options for connecting to the Internet, including a broadband connection from your hotel, Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet cafés.

If you are simply checking email, a cell phone with an Internet connection may be a better investment. However, an air card may be the solution for professionals who need to upload or download files from a laptop.

Years ago, anyone who wanted to connect to the Internet signed on through a modem connected to their phone line. Dial-up connections are relatively slow (but computers weren’t as fast back then, either) and if someone in your house was browsing the Internet, you couldn’t get or receive phone calls without a separate line.

Today, most areas offer multiple high-speed options for Internet service. Of course, you can still connect through a modem and phone line—but why would you want to? The following may help you choose the right internet service for your needs.

• Cable Modem: Cable television providers also offer Internet service through a cable modem. You can often save money with a cable, phone, and Internet bundle, where the same provider supplies all three services.
• DSL: While a cable modem sends the signal through cable wires that also deliver your television signal, a DSL connection is routed through your phone line. However, the same way you can watch TV, talk on the phone, and browse the Internet, all at the same time with a cable, phone and Internet bundle, a DSL modem permits you to talk on the phone while connected to the Internet. You can save money with a DSL / phone service bundle, or you can also pay for a DSL connection without purchasing phone service from the same DSL provider.

Whichever Internet service you choose, Allconnect.com can guide you toward the lowest prices available in your neighborhood.

For readers in Georgia, take note of this press release sent out today by Allconnect. The company is donating $1 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for every order placed online!

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, March 9, 2010 – Customers who order or transfer their home services using Allconnect, Inc., are finding more than convenience, choice, and the best price.  Throughout 2010, Allconnect is donating $1 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for every order placed at www.allconnect.com.

The $1 donation is made when a Georgia customer orders or transfers home services, including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, natural gas and electricity, through Allconnect’s free one-stop online resource.

This fundraising effort is in addition to Allconnect’s ongoing sponsorship of Special Olympics Georgia and volunteer efforts of employees.  Allconnect employees volunteered at the State Indoor Winter Games in January, assisting athletes at the craft tables in between athletic events.  They will also be participating at SOGA’s fundraiser, Race for Champions Annual 5K Fun Run on May 22, as well as the Duck Derby fundraiser on June 25.

“Having a donation made each time an online order is placed is an easy, free way for customers to support Special Olympics Georgia,” said Mark Miller, Allconnect CEO. “Special Olympics is one of the most respected sports organizations in the world.  It’s inspiring to watch these athletes overcome challenges and excel. We are proud to support them through donations and volunteering.”

About Allconnect
Allconnect is the leading provider for connecting consumers with household services including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, and natural gas and electric utilities.  The company offers a convenient, simple, and objective one-stop source for comparing options and pricing, whether consumers are transferring or establishing household services during a move or simply wanting to ensure they are on the best plan for their budget.  This service is offered at no charge, online or by phone.  Founded in 1998, Allconnect has connected over 20 million people through its partnerships with more than 30 utility companies and hundreds of service providers across the U.S.  Allconnect employs more than 500 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in St. George, Utah; Danville, Virginia; and Mexico.  Keep up with Special Olympics Georgia events at www.facebook.com/allconnect.