Cda Call Center To Boost Work Force

GTE will add about 160 employees at its Coeur d’Alene call center over the next four months, bringing employment to about 275 by June.

The $10 million call center, which opened in April, processes orders from competing phone providers that want to access GTE’s infrastructure.

More than 1,000 people have applied for the positions, said Vicki Apple, general manager of the call center.

Most new employees will be service representatives, earning $8.42 to $14.09 per hour.

The call center will also hire a few clerical support staff and supervisors, Apple said.

When employment reaches 275, the 50,000-square foot center near Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue will be close to capacity.

The hiring process has actually been slower than anticipated, Apple said. GTE expected to fill the center last year, but stopped hiring in June because business was slower than expected, she said.

“It’s still a very young, growing industry,” Apple said. “We’re feeling our way through.”

The call center is one of three nationwide operated by GTE. The others are in Durham, N.C., and Fort Wayne, Ind.

The federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 opened competition among companies that provide local phone service. Existing companies must allow competitors to use their infrastructure at discounted rates. Competitors then resell local phone service to customers.