Yes Telecom answers call of channel

Vodafone-owned Yes Telecom is planning a major channel offensive, with the firm setting up teams of dedicated account managers, technology training and in-house support for retailers and resellers looking to capitalise on the growing convergence between the IT and telecoms sectors.

It said that there was a real market opportunity for retailers and resellers with IT experience to muscle into the market, which has been traditionally dominated by mobile phone dealers.

Blaming a lack of communications experience, Yes’ sales and marketing head Simon Howitt said that lack of knowledge had put IT dealers off, but said that as data services became more important to customers, the telecoms channel had a duty to help them compete.

"We expect to see significant demand amongst businesses of SME and SoHo level, and IT resellers can make sure that the revenue falls into their hands," Howitt told Microscope.