Cellphone and proliferation of cell phones
Longview-based NCIC, an inmate calling and telephone operator services provider, is planning a 5,900-square-foot expansion of its downtown office complex.
“We’ve kind of outgrown the building we have here,” said President Bill Pope.
The firm formed in 1995 in Longview, initially providing international operator services, long-distance telephone operator assistance from hotels and pay phones and 411 directory assistance.
“That business went away with the invention of the cellphone and proliferation of cell phones,” Pope said. “You don’t see pay phones anymore. Our customer base transitioned from having pay phones in jails. Now, they’re basically calling-card phones in jails.”
The firm purchased its building at 606 Magrill St. in the late 1990s and later bought the building next to it.
“We need to hire some more programmers, and we’re busting at the seams here,” Pope said.
Plans call for the new facility to be built behind NCIC’s current building. It will face Whaley Street. The new building will have a stone facade and be environmentally friendly, with LED lighting, blow-in insulation and, eventually, solar panels, he said.