T-Mobile Launches IT Channel Partner Programme

Key features:

T-Mobileís first Partner Programme for the IT Channel
Voice and data market offers huge potential rewards for resellers
New programme signals move beyond traditional voice market
New wave of laptop technologies offer new profit opportunities

T-Mobile has announced the launch of its IT Channel Partner Programme, enabling IT resellers to sell its mobile solutions portfolio for the first time. The new programme offers IT resellers the opportunity to profit from the lucrative UK mobile voice and data market, estimated by analyst group Ovum to be worth 13.9 billion*. Part of a pan-European channel initiative, over 450 resellers have already signed up to the new IT Channel Partner Programme in the UK.

The programme will operate on a three tier system, with Partners, Preferred Partners, and Premier Partners receiving a range of benefits from T-Mobile including training, marketing support, and product previews. In conjunction with the new programme, T-Mobile has also established relationships with global laptop vendors including HP, Fujitsu Siemens, Sony, and Toshiba. Resellers will soon be able to increase their profitability in relation to laptop sales by offering SIM embedded notebooks and laptop mobile broadband bundles alongside T-Mobileís full range of existing business handsets and price plans.

Commenting on the launch, Adrian Williams, Head of OEM & IT Channel Partners, T-Mobile UK, said: ììAs increasing numbers of businesses look to adopt mobile working practices, more and more are approaching their trusted IT suppliers to provide guidance and deliver the most suitable mobile technologies. This new programme will play a crucial part in helping us move beyond the traditional voice market. We have already seen a high level of interest, as resellers look to get a slice of this lucrative new market opportunityî

The new programme will consist of three tiers:

Partner
All IT Channel Partners will receive support from T-Mobile personnel, expert sales training and valuable marketing tools to help boost profits. The IT Channel Partner logo can also be used, so that customers instantly recognise that an expanded range of solutions are available in association with a trusted brand.

Preferred
All the benefits above will apply, plus the partner can have regular meetings with T-Mobile account managers who will assist with sales development, marketing activities, planning, inventory and customer visits. Preferred partners will also benefit from extra marketing development funds and pre-launch product previews.

Premier
Premier Partners will enjoy all the benefits listed above, but with more regular contact with T-Mobile account management and enhanced commercial terms.

* Retail revenue for mobile voice and data in 2006. Source: 'The Communications Market 2007', Ofcom.