GK Telecom tests rewards platform across 170 universities 

Distributor GK Telecom has developed a rewards platform called PerkNet across 170 UK universities as a test before extending it through its 30,000-strong independent retail network.

PerkNet is being deployed during GK Telecom’s 2026 Freshers campaign, which began this week with more than 100 promoters and field staff.

The student campaign is a tester to see if rewards can keep customers engaged after buying or activating a mobile service after at the point of sale.

GK Telecom will roll out PerkNet across its wider UK distribution network from January 2027 if the test reslts are affirmative,

Rewards after the sale

Customers download the PerkNet app and register after buying or activating a mobile product, topping up or renewing a service. Rewards from around 2,500 brands are then made available through the app which was developed and funded by GK Telecom.

GK Telecom is funding rewards during the initial campaigns, although operators could eventually fund or co-fund their own promotions.

At launch it is being tested primarily with products from within the company’s own ecosystem, including its eROAMING international travel eSIM service and IoT Mobile SIM-only propositions.

GK Telecom also distributes products for Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, as well as MVNOs including SMARTY, VOXI, giffgaff and Lebara.

GK Telecom says it is in discussions with MNO and MVNO partners about using the platform for customer acquisition, activation and retention. No additional operator partners have yet been announced.

Customer journey

A significant part of the strategy is aimed at GK Telecom’s traditional independent retail channel.

As eSIMs, digital activations and online sales reduce the need for customers to visit stores, the GK wants retailers to retain a role and potentially a commercial interest in customers they originally acquire.

“PerkNet gives GK Telecom an ongoing digital relationship with customers after the initial retail transaction and can be used to encourage repeat visits, further purchases and participation in subsequent campaigns”, aid GK Telecom managing directir Ravi Navaratnam. 

“We eventually intend to connect activity in its existing GK Telecom Retailer App with PerkNet rewards and incentives. We’ve not yet not established a standard recurring commission model for retailers. Commercial arrangements will depend on the operator, product and campaign.

“The aim is to prevent independent dealers from being cut out of the customer relationship as mobile sales increasingly shift towards eSIM, digital activation and direct online acquisition”.