Polaris Cable, Virtual Tech working together to keep customers up and running

Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
RECOMMENDING — Polaris Cable in Houlton is recommending its customers with computer questions and issues to Virtual Tech of Houlton. Pickup and drop-off is conveniently located at Polaris Cable. Shown together are,  from left, Doug Boreland, Virtual Tech; Erik Watt, office manager Polaris Cable and Londa Boreland, Virtual Tech.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Polaris Cable in Houlton is recommending its customers with computer questions and issues to Virtual Tech of Houlton.
    Virtual Tech is owned and operated by Londa and Doug Boreland.
    “Our services often require just an Internet connection only,” Londa explained. “No need to unhook your equipment and drive into town if you do not need to.”
    VirtualTech offers an array of expert services in data backup, optimization/system clean up, custom software programs, installation/removal along with updates/upgrades, anti-virus/malware/spyware/Wifi security, data backup and recovery, networks and consulting/training.
     Londa works as a teller at Bangor Savings Bank, too. She has more than 25 years of customer service experience, while her husband began his professional career in 1992 as a programmer in a small 20-person shop. He has more than 20 years of experience as a programmer analyst/technician.
    The companies are separate, but have developed a working relationship, according to Donald Dee, chief engineer of Polaris Cable. “They are handling computer repairs for us and we are referring people to them,” he said.
    Polaris Cable has been offering cable services in the Shiretown since the 1950s. They branched out into Internet and phone services about 10 years ago. They added high definition a year ago and coming soon will be the availability of the digital video recorder.
    “We do not have anyone in-house who can work on computers,” Dee added.
    Therefore, the association with Virtual Tech.
    “They are very good about fixing issues online,” said Dee. “They can log into a computer and take care of the issue. If they cannot do it online or there is no online service, they do make house calls.”
    Polaris Cable’s office on the corner of Military and Kendall streets also serves as a drop-off and a pick-up point for computers to be repaired by Virtual Tech.
    “They are located out of town,” explained Dee, “so this is more convenient.”
    “It has been a very pleasant working relationship,” said Londa. “The staff at Polaris Cable has been more than accommodating as a drop off and pick up spot for us. We started out as a remote computer business and currently do not have a storefront, so this arrangement has really helped fulfill customer needs as we grow. We are truly grateful.”
    Polaris Cable has been suggesting Virtual Tech services for about six months.
    “We read about them,” said Dee referring to a business article in the Houlton Pioneer Times. “That’s how we got to know who they were. They did a couple of things for us so we could judge what kind of work they did and from there it grew.”
    About a year ago, Polaris Cable connected with a Georgia company to provide their technical support 24/7 leaving a local company.
    “We wanted to broaden that service,” Dee said.
    So, Polaris Cable reached out to another business for its computer and Internet service, as well.
    “We have over 1,000 Internet customers,” said Dee. “So, that is over 1,000 computers. Someone always needs something done.”
     The last six months or so have been working well for Polaris Cable and Virtual Tech.
    “We’ve referred a number of people,” said Dee. “They are very knowledgeable when it comes to computers and networking.”
    The Borelands are also very happy with the arrangement. They are extending to Polaris Cable customers a 5 percent discount off their initial visit.
    Polaris Cable has six employees and services Bridgewater to Hodgdon, along with Oakfield, Medway and Howland. WAGM-TV is its sister company in Presque Isle.
    Dee has been pleased with using Virtual Tech.
    “He and his wife are both very personable, likeable and knowledgeable,” he said.
    Polaris Cable can be reached by calling 532-2579 or Virtual Tech at 521-5214.