Verizon call center, state HQ opens

350 workers in place with goal of 1,500 by next year

Verizon Wireless' Huntsville call center and state headquarters officially opened Thursday with about 350 employees.

The 152,000-square-foot building in west Huntsville eventually will house about 1,500 employees, including support staff, said Jeremiah Knight, the center's customer service director.

In addition to representatives taking calls from consumers about technical and billing issues, the center also serves Verizon's federal customers - including the FBI and CIA - and houses a business account sales office.

"This is kind of like the first time that we have combined several functions," Knight said.

Verizon announced plans last September to build the call center and expects to have all its jobs filled by next summer. Knight said about 200 new hires will begin Verizon's seven-week training program Monday.

After completing the training, the workers will have a 12-week "transition" period to hone their skills, he said. The company has said annual salaries for customer service reps begin at about $26,000.

The call center, in Thornton Research Park, includes a cafeteria and fitness center.