2011 predictions: Excalibur managing director James Phipps

Excalibur managing director James Phipps reckons O2 and Vodafone will continue to battle for indirect SME share

The battle royale between O2 and Vodafone for indirect SME share will intensify.

The focus will be data and the strain on networks may be crucial in these skirmishes.

With austerity cuts, belt-tightening among operators and auction of new spectrum, it will be a question of whose unified comms strategy kicks in.

Hosted services single-supplier solutions for IT and comms will be on the agenda.

The dealer market will shrink as dealers and operators look for share by acquisition.

There will be wastage too.

The channel will be more streamlined as broader sales capability becomes essential.”