Adding mobile to Unicom’s armoury

Could there come a day when businesses receive all their utility bills through a single supplier, with a single number to call for queries, with no waiting time or automated service?

B2B fixed-line wholesaler Unicom thinks so, and has a portfolio which already includes fixed-line, directory enquiries, broadband and website hosting and design.

Possible future services include water, gas and electricity, but for now, its target is to become its own MVNO. 

In the space of four years, the company has supplied fixed-line services to more than 70,000 businesses, connecting more than 105,000 lines, and has featured in the Financial Times’ Fast Track 100 following its continued growth, which saw it turnover more than £40 million in 2007.

Unicom’s head office is just outside Manchester, in Stockport, but it has a presence in 10 other cities including Newcastle and Birmingham, employing more than 400 staff in total.

Despite this success, the company decided last year to explore the idea of expanding its portfolio to include B2B mobile after receiving a number of customer enquiries from businesses keen to have all their services on one bill.

In response, Unicom sent out a questionnaire to see if its customers would be interested in switching from their current network supplier if it could offer a competitive deal.

The results showed a “healthy amount” would be, and the timing now seems right to make the move.

“There is a huge synergy between landlines and mobile,” says Unicom operations director Chris Earle (pictured).

“We’re a successful company that’s making good profits in a stable industry, which is why it’s a good time to expand. We have the capabilities and a wide enough geographic reach to make it a success.

“Customers asking us about mobile was enough to trigger the opportunity.”

Unicom has been pursuing the prospect of becoming an MVNO since last year, but after a long period of reluctance from the networks to discuss the idea, it now appears they are ready to talk.

Full article in Mobile News issue 424 (October 6, 2008).

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