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Focus Group brings acquisition tally to 12 with Prism buyout
Barely week after announcing the acquisition of TMAC, Focus Group has snapped up its twelfth target, this time acquiring Prism, a managed service provider specialising in the SME and financial services market. Founded in 2001, Prism has a team of 50 staff members and supports over 6,000 end users with services in Managed IT, Modern
News - Staff Reporter
November 20, 2024
Redsquid buys Aberdeen-based IT Hotdesk to increase Scotland presence
IT managed services provider Redsquid has acquired Aberdeen-based *IT Hotdesk to boost service offerings in the region. IT Hotdesk’s team and operations will be integrated into Redsquid’s existing structure. This is Redsquid’s third acquisition this year. In August Redsquid bought OptivITy, a managed service provider specialising in the film industry. In March it acquired Epoq
Dealers - Staff Reporter
November 20, 2024
Business as usual as two-year strategic review begins – Exertis UK CEO Tim Griffin
At the end of a week when it was announced Exertis owner DCC Group is selling the distributor to focus on its energy business, UK CEO Tim Griffin is upbeat and positive about the news. “It’s not a drama from my point of view. I see it as a big opportunity to have an owner
News - Staff Reporter
November 15, 2024
Exertis seeks a buyer as parent company DCC plans to concentrate on the energy sector
DCC plc, the parent company of Exertis, has announced it will sell the top-tier distributor as part of a new strategic direction focusing on the energy sector. DCC aims to streamline its portfolio to capitalise on growth opportunities in energy. This announcement was made by DCC Chief Executive Donal Murphy during the company’s interim results
News - Staff Reporter
November 13, 2024
Gist Mobile utilises Mobilise HERO tech to join the eSIM revolution
Gist Mobile has partnered with eSIM tech provider Mobilise to introduce eSIMs to its mobile application. Founded in 2020, Gist Mobile started as a VoIP provider, offering virtual numbers, voice and SMS features. It is now using Mobilise’s  HERO to introduce eSIMs which allows service providers to offer connectivity services using their existing app in
News - Staff Reporter
November 13, 2024
News
Ymobile to sell data eSIM products as a Three MVNO
Three has welcomed Ymobile as a new MVNO to offer data-only eSIM plans that can be bought through the Ymobile app without any contractual obligations. Ymobile offers five flexible, 30-day data plans. These are 2GB for £2, 5GB for £5, 10GB for £7, 50GB for £10, and 100GB for £15. Ymobile is an MVNO brand
News - Staff Reporter
November 13, 2024
Lyca Mobile and Sim Local team up to broaden international data eSIM products
MVNO Lyca Mobile and Sim Local have teamed up to now offer Lyca’s data eSIM plans across the UK, France, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the USA. Sim Local’s platform offers eSIMs to international global travellers which connect to data packages from regional providers The partnership with Sim Local is Lyca’s first e-commerce retail
News - Staff Reporter
November 12, 2024
Focus Group notches up 11th acquisition with TMAC takeover
Focus Group has completed its eleventh acquisition of its fnancial year with the takeover of Ipswich-based mobile specialist TMAC Wireless Solutions. Established in 2001, TMAC specialises in mobile services, VoIP systems, and mobile broadband. It also operates the ArmaFone mobile device repair service. Keane Beaken, Mobile Director at Focus Group, commented: “TMAC brings a deep
News - Staff Reporter
November 8, 2024
iD Mobile surpasses 2m customers – with 488,000 added in the last year
Currys’ MVNO iD Mobile, has reached the two million subscriber milestone, adding 488,000 new subscribers in the past year.  iD Mobile, whch launched nine years ago is hosted by Three and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Currys. It positions itself as a “value” network promoting affordability, flexibility, and a variety of features. It received ‘Great
News - Staff Reporter
November 6, 2024
CMA expected to OK Vodafone and Three merger as competition fears subside
The proposed merger between Vodafone and Three is nearly a done deal. The Competition and Markets Authority has agreed that a significant network upgrade by the merged company could address competition concerns and allow the merger to proceed. The CMA now states that a legally binding commitment from Vodafone and Three to undertake their proposed
News - Staff Reporter
November 5, 2024
GK Telecom becomes an MVNO enabling it to offer voice calls as well as data on travel eSIMS
SIM distributor GK Telecom has become an MVNO enabling it to offer travel eSIM with phone numbers and support texting and voice calls. From January, travellers using a GK Telecom travel eSIM will experience roaming as if on their home network, albeit with a different eSIM number. Travel eSIMs are typically data only, requiring users
News - Staff Reporter
November 1, 2024
Paul Jacobs promoted to Exertis trading director
Exertis has appointed Paul Jacobs as its new Trading Director as part of a management reorganisation designed to “sharpen the distributor’s focus on key markets” including AV, Components, IT Solutions, Mobile, Print, and consumer channels. Previously, Jacobs was Trading Director for Devices. He assumes responsibility for commercial, purchasing, and business development functions. Jacobs joined Exertis
News - Staff Reporter
October 31, 2024
Rogue fake battery status microchips are tricking thousands into purchasing flawed used iPhones
Thousands of unsuspecting buyers of used iPhones across the world have been sold devices containing a concealed microchip that deceptively hides the true status of battery health. In reality, these batteries may be significantly worn down or even near depletion, misleading customers about their device’s true condition. The microchips, which cost as little as £1.50,
News - Staff Reporter
October 29, 2024
Latest Features
Apple’s adoption of RCS will be a game changer for digital communication
Apple adoption of RCS (Rich Communications Services), will transform the way people and businesses communicate writes Robert Gerstmann,  co-founder, of messaging and voice services company Sinch. Apple’s adoption of RCS is undoubtedly a significant milestone for digital communication. With interactive and secure messaging, RCS enhances customer experience and trust. Brands will be able to engage
Analysis - Staff Reporter
August 7, 2024
ANALYSIS – the next Government needs to tighten up on e-waste disposal
Drastic action needs to be taken to encourage businesses to repair devices rather than replacing them to help boost the UK economy writes Adam Whitehouse founder of TMT First, the Staffordshire provider of technology lifecycle services. Whoever is in power needs to encourage people to get devices repaired – they need to make it easier
Analysis - Staff Reporter
July 1, 2024
ANALYSIS: Apple’s new AI era will disrupt our lives
This year’s WWDC is one of the most significant Apple events in recent years writes IDC vice president for data and analytics Francisco Jeronimo.  With smartphone, tablet and PC sales slowing down due to high adoption rates and offering just incremental improvements from the previous version of devices, Apple needs to reignite consumers excitement to
Other - Staff Reporter
June 11, 2024
OPINION: how AI can bring the vision of intelligent, self-healing networks closer to reality
Advancements in A  and Machine Learning are bringing the future of intelligent, self-healing networks closer to reality writes Justin Day, CEO and founder of network connectivity supplier Cloud Gateway. Imagine a network that can identify problems on its own and fix them, without human intervention. The idea of a network that can generate insights and
Features - Staff Reporter
May 28, 2024
Opinion: Stop the Smartphone Swindle says Virgin Media O2 COO Rob Orr
Stop the Smartphone Swindle: One year of calling for a fairer deal for consumers Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer, Virgin Media O2 One year ago, we launched the ‘Stop the Smartphone Swindle’ campaign to demand fairer mobile contracts for consumers. We exposed how millions of people across the country are paying for phones they already
Features - Staff Reporter
May 9, 2024
Tech Protection and Trade-In: Routes to Reducing E-Waste Reduction
Holding onto a mobile phone for an extra year can reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing a replacement by 24kg Co2 per person writes Gavin Miller, CEO, of Asurion Europe Consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability when buying or replacing products. A 2023 consumer survey revealed rising adoption of behaviours like buying second-hand items, investing in longer-lasting
Analysis - Staff Reporter
April 8, 2024
Reshaping the telecom landscape with eSIMS
The rapid evolution of smartphones and IoT devices has transformed the way users access information and data, writes Craig Palmer, CEO of billing and CRM platform VAS-X. Smartphones have become digital assistants. And, as demand surges for continuous connectivity, operators must seek innovative solutions to elevate user experience, differentiate their offerings, reduce costs, and tap
Analysis - Staff Reporter
January 17, 2024
Device-to-device 5G and broadband satcomms services poised for growth in 2024 – analysis
Next year will see many more device-to-device satcoms services says Peter Kibutu,Advanced Technology Lead at 5G satellite consultancy TTP There will be further partnerships between terrestrial network providers, which own most of the desirable spectrum and have access to a large subscriber base, and non-terrestrial providers. These joint ventures will tackle rural and remote black
Analysis - Staff Reporter
December 20, 2023
Distributors
Genstar Capital takes majority control of Likewize for undisclosed amount
Likewize’s existing investor, Genstar Capital, has become the majority shareholder in the company for an undisclosed amount, following its initial investment in March of last year. Management and Brightstar Capital Partners (“Brightstar”) will remain minority investors in Likewize. Leadership is not expected to change. Genstar President and Managing Partner Ryan Clark (main pic R) said,
Distributors - Staff Reporter
October 22, 2024