AireSpring Welcomes Regional Channel Manager

Ralph Castillo

We’re excited to announce that Ralph Castillo has joined the company as Regional Channel Manager for Southern California. Castillo brings over 25 years of experience to AireSpring, where he will play a key role in developing strategic relationships in the channel and educating partners on the latest technologies. Most recently, Castillo served as Channel Manager for TPx. During his nearly 24 years there, Castillo built trust with customers and partners across the industry while specializing in transformational technologies including managed UCaaS, SD-WAN, and security.

“I’m excited to be here at AireSpring,” said Castillo. “I’ve long known of the company’s unique success in the industry and have always been impressed with the level of customer support and range of solutions, including SD-WAN, firewalls, global connectivity backup and failover, UCaaS, and AIreCONTROL, AireSpring’s AI-powered IT service management platform—a transformational solution that partners and their customers find indispensable.”

Reach out to Ralph by phone: (949) 849-9864; email or via LinkedIn.

AireSpring to Offer Limited Promo $1,000 Starlink Credit for Flat High Performance Activations

We are happy to announce that we now offer a credit for $1,000 on all Starlink Flat High Performance (FHP) kits activated before June 30th, 2025. This credit will be applied after June 30, subject to Starlink approval and Starlink issuing credit to AireSpring.

For more information, contact your Channel Manager.

Starlink - Connectivity Meets the Stars

Presenter: Chuck Long, Solutions Engineer, AireSpring

When: Thursday, May 22, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (ET)

Are your clients struggling to find reliable, high-speed internet in remote, temporary, or underserved locations? Now you can meet the most extreme connectivity requirements, even where traditional broadband falls short.

Join us on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET for an exclusive webinar on the latest updates, services, and technology developments from AireSpring’s Managed Starlink Business Internet, your solution for seamless, enterprise-grade connectivity.

Why AireSpring’s Managed Starlink?

Starlink’s expansive network of over 6,000 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites is transforming connectivity but managing this technology on your own can be challenging. AireSpring, a direct Authorized Reseller of Starlink, simplifies the experience with a fully managed service integrated into our AIreCONTROL IT Service Management unified platform with AIOps built-in for unparalleled network visibility and control.

Key Highlights of the Webinar:

• Enterprise-Grade Global Coverage: Deliver consistent, high-speed internet even where traditional broadband options don’t exist.
• AIreCONTROL ITSM Platform: Gain 360 ° visibility and management of your Starlink nodes from a single-pane view.
• 24/7 Proactive Support: Get a dedicated Tier 3 engineering AIrePOD team ensuring your network has peak performance and rapid issues resolution.
• Professional Global Installation: Learn how AireSpring’s localized global installation team can ensure a smooth installation service and optimize your Starlink experience.

Why This Matters:

Managing Starlink services in-house can strain IT resources. AireSpring’s fully managed service eliminates the complexity—handling installation, remote device management, and 24/7 support so your IT team can stay focused on what matters most: strategic growth.

Please complete the survey after the webinar for a chance to win a

$100 Amazon gift card.

Telarus AI & Technology Summit

May 1, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT

REGISTER HERE

Sandler HQ Event

May 1, 2025

Redondo Beach, CA

REGISTER HERE

International Telecoms Week (ITW)

May 5-7, 2025

National Harbor, MD

REGISTER HERE

Telarus Tech Mixer

May 6, 2025

Pompano Beach, FL

REGISTER HERE

Telarus Gear Up

May 7, 2025

Boston, MA

REGISTER HERE

Telarus Evening at the Bees Game

May 8, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT

REGISTER HERE

AireSpring SD-WAN & SASE Bootcamp

Thursday, May 15, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

REGISTER HERE

LAVA Tech Crawfish Boil

May 18, 2025

Purcellville, VA

REGISTER HERE

AireSpring Partner Webinar:

Starlink - Connectivity Meets the Stars

Thursday, May 22, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ET)

REGISTER HERE

MVNO Nation USA 2025

May 29-30, 2025

Miami, FL

REGISTER HERE

Webinar: SD-WAN & SASE Boot Camp

Who Should Attend: Technology Advisors

Instructor: Stephen Sigmon, VP Solutions Engineering

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)

Join us for an in-depth overview of SD-WAN and SASE technologies, led by AireSpring’s VP of Solutions Engineering, Stephen Sigmon.

Key Takeaways:

• Evaluate SD-WAN’s Role in SASE: Understand SD-WAN technology as the foundational pillar of SASE architecture.

• Explore SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and SASE Benefits: Identify the value, potential caveats, and unique capabilities of SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and SASE to meet diverse business needs.

• Compare Leading Technology Providers: Gain insights into the top solutions from Cato, Fortinet, and VeloCloud by VMware, with practical use cases for each.

• Discover Managed SD-WAN and SASE Advantages: Learn how Managed SD-WAN and SASE services add value for multi-location and global enterprises.

• Get a First Look at AIreCONTROL: Explore the capabilities of AireSpring’s AI-powered, cloud-based IT Service Management Platform, designed to optimize and manage enterprise networks.

Space is Limited!

All Attendees Must

Register in Advance!

To begin, please tell us a little about yourself, your career in

telecom/technology, and your agency.

I’ve always been interested in technology, but I didn’t pursue it until after I left the Marine Corps. I started a personal training business, and during that time, one of my clients suggested I get into selling technology with him—specifically infrastructure—and I jumped in head-first in 2006, getting as many certifications as I could so I could start advising clients right away. I recently received the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate, one of the highest-level certifications for designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs.

It was a rigorous exam, but the knowledge I gained helped me be able to more fully provide customers with solutions that are the best fit for their operations.

After working in infrastructure, including facilitating network project moves and adds/changes throughout Alabama, I decided to begin selling services, beginning with Paytech as a value-added reseller (VAR). When Windstream eventually purchased Paytech, I realized that their model was a good one, so I started searching online and found Telarus. I began with a telecom management group initially, working as a subagent, and then went out on my own about 6 years ago and founded Network Data Solutions. Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time developing my technical knowledge so that I could help clients with their networking and security in a comprehensive way.

AireSpring’s unique customer service technology including QuoteSpring, AireSpring’s real-time quoting tool and AIreCONTROL, AireSpring’s automated IT service management (ITSM) platform, really sets them apart in this industry.

"AireSpring’s unique customer service technology including QuoteSpring and AIreCONTROL, AireSpring’s automated ITSM platform, really sets them apart in this industry."

I’ve been impressed with the ease and speed at which quotes take place through QuoteSpring, as well as the fact that customers can manage their networks, devices, and data points from a single pane of glass through AIreCONTROL. It really helps us streamline our operations and, thanks to tools like this, customers can resolve issues faster. While others in the industry can take two weeks to implement changes for a customer, AireSpring does it in much less time.

"Being a true consultant, rather than a salesperson who is only focused on the bottom line no matter what the customer needs, is key."

The renewal spiffs offered by AireSpring are also a real differentiator for me, along with their commitment to the channel and broad product line. I met with AireSpring Regional Channel Manager Jesse Michaels, and we really hit it off. He’s knowledgeable and attentive, and I know that when I have a client who needs internet connectivity, AireSpring has the best-of-breed SD-WAN, SASE, and Managed Firewall solutions to add on—the majority of the time customers need these services, even if they’re not aware of it.

What would you say is the secret to being a successful technology advisor in today’s marketplace?

Being a true consultant, rather than a salesperson who is only focused on the bottom line no matter what the customer needs, is key. As a successful technology advisor, it’s incumbent upon you to listen, ask questions and get to know a customer’s entire portfolio. Add-ons are a crucial part of success in this business. Every time you talk to a customer or potential customer, there will be some need they have that you can meet, and that will lead to you helping them implement every component of their tech stack.

This is especially true when it comes to managed firewall solutions. For example, a company might have a firewall that has been in place for five years, but nobody is patching it, and it becomes a brick that isn’t protecting anything. The same goes for cybersecurity insurance.

Some providers sell that to enterprises without giving customers a checklist or any understanding of the terms and conditions, or what it takes to get paid if a breach occurs. So, it’s important to be educated on every aspect of the technology, and to pass that education on to your customers, so everyone’s on the same page

"While many think of cybersecurity as just a firewall, it’s crucial for enterprises to have a comprehensive approach."

What do you foresee happening in the channel in 2025 (or what is the “next big thing” or “things” you think people should be aware of or get involved in, etc.)?

Recent experience has shown me that Virtual SIM is going to become ubiquitous in 2025. Some of our clients are universities, where large amounts of bandwidth are used at sporting events, and they need a solution to combat the event-based capacity demands. Virtual SIM allows you to jump miles away to the next best tower and pull connectivity over. While everybody around the stadium is unable to send photos, or can’t make phone calls, Virtual SIM customers can do those things if they are connected to the Wi-Fi.

Another trend I see emerging is end-to-end cyber solutions. While many think of cybersecurity as just a firewall, it’s crucial for enterprises and SMBs alike to have a comprehensive approach. Because of this, it’s important to help customers understand policy standards, procedures, and guidelines—if they don’t have those in place, they're vulnerable and out of compliance, and we want to help give them the peace of mind that their technology is protecting them from threats.

Quantum computing is another technology on the rise that will affect the cybersecurity landscape. Quantum computing can affect our existing cryptographic defenses, and sooner rather than later, we will need new quantum cybersecurity solutions to address the outcomes of these quantum computing threats to our current cryptography system.

What are some of your interests outside of telecom?

I’m interested in health and fitness; it was my first passion, along with participating in triathlons to see how far my body could go. Now, I’m into all kinds of health-related activities, like cold plunges and sensory deprivation tanks. My family and I live on a lake in Alabama, and we go boating all the time. I love to kneeboard, waterski, and wakeboard—anything that gets me out on the water.

Tell us briefly about your professional background and your career prior to joining AireSpring.

I have over 30 years of leadership experience in the telecom industry. My focus has always been on technology-driven solutions that enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth. Over the years, I’ve led numerous OSS/BSS system migrations, implemented Tableau at three different companies for cohort and dashboard reporting, and I have had the opportunity to take on key leadership roles in operations, IT, product engineering, project management, and customer service.

Before AireSpring, I served as Vice President of Customer Operations at Surf Internet, where I oversaw Service Delivery, Installations, Dispatch and Scheduling, Customer Care and Tech Support, as well as Field Operations. At Surf Internet I led the Service Delivery effort to increase the number of monthly customers installed over 230% by implementing more installation capacity.

As Vice President of Enterprise Service Delivery at Peerless Network, I oversaw Service Delivery, Installations, Project Managers, Provisioning, Translations, and MACD (Moves, Adds, Changes, Deletes). I led Service Delivery through two billing migrations and implemented Salesforce for our CRM and the field service module for our order management.

While serving as Vice President of Operations and IT Strategy at NTS Communications, I managed Service Delivery, Dispatch & Scheduling, Provisioning, Translations, Installations, Customer Care, Field Operations, MACD, and IT Strategy teams. During my time there, I led the company through an OSS/BSS (billing system) change to save money and worked with the OSS vendor to develop a robust automated dispatch and scheduling system that also made equipment reservations and performed “phone home” configurations on the customer CPE when the install tech installed the equipment on the network.

I’ve also held leadership positions at MCI WorldCom, Windstream, McLeodUSA, and PAETEC, overseeing areas like system support engineering, provisioning and translations, and next-gen testing labs.

Tell us a bit about your role at AireSpring and how you support our partners.

As the SVP of Service Delivery at AireSpring, I am committed to ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for our partners and customers. My focus is on optimizing service delivery processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving continuous improvements that align with our partners' and customers' evolving needs. By fostering strong collaboration across teams, streamlining service implementation, and proactively addressing challenges, I work to uphold AireSpring’s reputation for excellence. My goal is to provide reliable, high-quality solutions that support business growth while delivering an unparalleled customer experience.

What do you like about working at AireSpring?

I appreciate the company's strong commitment to customer satisfaction, its dynamic and fast-paced environment, and the collaborative spirit of the team. I also value the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions while making a direct impact on service delivery. Additionally, AireSpring’s customer-first approach and dedication to excellence likely align well with my leadership style and goals.

Tell us about your hobbies/activities outside of work.

On a personal note, I am an amateur road cyclist (I used to do Cat4/5 racing). I still cycle around 3,000 miles per year. My wife and I work with the local animal shelter fostering dogs. We have 11 dogs right now!

• Access the Escalation List up to our CEO.
• AIreCONTROL: AireSpring's AI-powered IT Service Management Platform provides 360-degrees of complete visibility and control.
• AireSpring Advantage Support Guide
• AgentSTAR.net, our 24/7/365 partner portal, has great automation tools and a wealth of information.
• Check out our most recent Partner Success Spotlight and more!

• Get access to QuoteSpring, our 24/7 real-time quoting app. Get data on virtually every available option, at every available speed, at every address in the USA. Fiber, Broadband, Ethernet, Satellite, Wireless 4G/5G and even Fixed Wireless.
• With DAX, our sophisticated, 24x7, real-time order tracking and status program, you don’t have to wade through your inbox looking for important emails, as that information is all tracked in DAX along with FOC dates, circuit info, order status, emails, and contact information for managed services engineers and project coordinators.

  Additionally, AgentSTAR also has:

• Educational videos on products and services
• Recorded Webinar Trainings
• Proposals, Battle Cards, Datasheets, Brochures, Service Installation & User Guides

888.389.2899 | www.airespring.com