Dixons Carphone ties with Three owner to debut ‘Internet of Things’ mobile service
Dixons Carphone is partnering with Three owner Hutchison Whampoa to sell branded tariffs that will let customers personalise the price, minutes and data fees of their mobile use.
The proposition targets those customers increasingly buying connected devices, a move in line with the retailer's bid to be known for expertise on the “internet of things”. More than 75 billion connected devices will be sold between 2014 and 2016, the business has predicted, presenting an opportunity to both sell those devices as well as the services that connect them to the internet.
Using Hutchison Whampoa’s telecoms network, Dixons Carphone will push the - as of yet unamed - service in the summer. Customers will also be able to take out a mobile contract when purchasing connected devices such as laptops, TVs and wearables. Additionally, a support software platform is being prepped, according to the Financial Times.
Dixons Carphone already sells mobile contracts for UK mobile networks O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile and EE, which extended its deal last week.
The focus on connectivity services rather than just products was outlined last year following the merger between Dixons Retail and Carphone Warehouse with the focus on connectivity believed to be the best way to harness the expertise of each company.
The venture comes amid a slew of consolidation in the sector as mobile networks look to fashion more holistic mobile offerings that customers will pay a premium for. Hutchison Whampoa is to integrate its Three network with Telefonica’s O2 network, BT is in exclusive talks to acquire EE and Sky is prepping its own mobile service using the O2 network.