Dixons Carphone to launch mobile service for Internet of Things plans through Hutchison Whampoa’s Three
Dixons Carphone is the latest to jump into the mobile ring with plans to launch its own mobile service to customers.
The retailer has made an agreement with Hutchison Whampoa, the owner of mobile network Three, to provide a mobile service to its customers who are increasingly buying connected devices.
Dixons Carphone previously outlined its ambitions to become a service provider for the Internet of Things (IoT), a factor in the merger last year of the two firms, Dixons and Carphone Warehouse, as it sees increasing demand and opportunity in the billion-pound sector.
“We will have something different from what is available elsewhere in the market with a more personalised service for the mobile customer that will let them tailor their price, minutes and data to their changing needs,” Dixons Carphone director and Carphone Warehouse chief Graham Stapleton told the FT. “We have been working with Dixons about how to serve customers buying connected products such as TVs, laptops and desktop computers,” he said.
Customers buying connected devices such as laptops, tablets, TVs, smart watches and wearables, and appliances from Carphone Warehouse or Dixons’ Currys and PC World will be able to take out a contract at the same time.
The mobile service which doesn’t yet have a name will launch in summer after nine months of working on the plans, including a software platform for supporting the devices, according to the FT.
The company already sells mobile contracts for UK mobile networks EE, O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile at Carphone Warehouse stores and online.
The mobile move follows a slate of deals and consolidation in the sector as BT is in exclusive talks to buy EE, Hutchison Whampoa is to merge its Three network with Telefonica’s O2, while Sky will launch its own mobile service using the O2 network.
Dixons Carphone believes servicing the Internet of Things market could be worth up to £5bn to the company.