Carphone Warehouse launch new Mobile Phone Network

Carphone Warehouse are to launch their mobile phone operating service titled ‘iD’ today. Targeting at young adults (25-34 year age bracket) who are moderate to heavy data users and more inclined to a prepay plan iD is the first of two networks launched this year. UPC are also believed to launch a network this year but the date is unknown.

iD will run off the Three Ireland network and have a Waterford based call centre for operational and customer queries. iD have set a target of obtaining 6% of overall market share in the next 5 years, which would equate to approx.. 300,000 users. iD is promising a transparent and flexible mobile service. Plans for calls, texts and data vary but there’s no option to omit category (Eg. Texts) All plans include 4G as standard, provided the phone you’re using is compatible. Plans can easily be changed on a monthly bases, even on a contract base, but the length of the contract itself can’t. (Contract plans vary from 12 months, 18 months and 24 months)

The cheapest possible contract is €10 a month and the most expensive is €29 a month. Plans for prepay and bill pay are the same price monthly. As iD will be powered by the 32 Ireland network, 4G coverage will be powered by Three Ireland. Known for having major problems in the past, the recently announced they would be investing €300 million in improving infrastructure. 17 types of phone are available altogether, with a limited selection of these available now.

Source: http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/carphone-warehouse-id-ireland-explainer-2280482-Aug2015/

Dixons Carphone to launch in the US

UK Retailer Dixons Carphone has announced their intent to launch in the US market. They will pair with American telecomm provider Sprint. The deal is believed to be a lucrative pairing between both parties. Dixons Carphone was created last year, with the merge of consumer electrical giant Dixons and mobile phone retailer and operator Carphone Warehouse.

Dixons Carphone operate as one of the largest retailers in the UK and owns brands such as Currys and PC World. Sprint is one of the State’s biggest mobile phone operators.

Dixons Carphone will initially provide ‘mobile phone retail expertise and proprietary knowledge’ to Sprint as it opens 20 preliminary stores in the US. The trial of the 20 branded Spirit shops, if successful, will see the pair embark on an equal ownership venture. Each will control a buy-in cost of £20.5 million to Dixons Carphone with the intention to roll out 500 new Sprint branded stores across the country.

Marcelo Claure, Sprint CEO, said: “We are excited to partner with Dixons Carphone and to leverage all their know-how as one of the world’s leading wireless retailers to benefit Sprint and its customers.

Source: http://news.sky.com/story/1511928/dixons-carphone-and-sprint-in-us-stores-deal