August 2009 Update

The mobile sector continues to throw out the headlines. Speculation of networks buying networks; mobile retailers linking up with electronics retailers; medium sized retailers franchising costs out. The general thrust is still one of consolidation in the sector. The other key trend is technology advancement which is certainly the path of opportunity for dealers which we would recommend. The big players know this too but it takes a while to effect front line change in big organisations. Small independent dealers can adjust their product and service pitches practically overnight so they’re far more nimble and able to seize opportunities as they arise.

O2 continue to drive forward in the mobile SME sector. We had a great day at Rhinefield House in the New Forest launching the new Approved Partner program a couple of weeks ago. All the invited dealers have signed up and are already benefiting from their commitment with exclusive benefits like access to the new iPhone 3G S, the O2 training academy and online marketing support among others.

The imminent launch of the O2 Mobile Landline proposition represents just the start of many Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) products and continues the challenge to the fixed telephony stronghold on UK businesses. Mobile dealers can now simply migrate fixed line traffic to mobile handsets. The cost and efficiency benefits of this to customers can be huge. This, and other products like this, shows how mobile can and will win the convergence war.

Here at HSC we have identified our first batch of VIPs in The Mobile Club. Congratulations to all those dealers who will start to really feel the VIP treatment as the quarter progresses. Congratulations also to the T-Mobile PROstockists who sold the most BlackBerry devices quarter to date and will be off to see U2 at Wembley Stadium in August. All HSC dealers should by now have received their latest POS pack exclusively created by HSC to provide a fresh dynamic image to attract more new customers to buy the latest products. We have also broadened our range of laptops allowing dealers to capitalise on mobile broadband sales opportunities.

Lastly and pretty importantly, please do not leave your GC23 compliance to the last minute. We’ve published a bulletin which you can find on the site and also a good presentation from Three outlining what you need to do to ensure that come 16th September you are playing by the new rules.