PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
O2 will become the latest telecoms retailer to enter the PC retail market after it confirmed details of its laptop offer, which is due to launch at the end of this month.
The retailer, which has 490 stores nationwide and is the UK’s largest network operator, has signed a deal with Samsung that will see it carry its NC10 netbook and its R510 laptop, with the computers available in store from February 27th.
Contrary to previous reports, the firm – which is the last UK network operator to enter begin selling computers – will offer models fully subsidised. The NC10 and R510 2GB SKU will be offered for free when purchased with either its 3GB package for £30 per month or the 10GB package for £40 per month. However, the 3GB SKU of the R510 will cost £80.
It has also vowed to turn around the market. Speaking about the move, O2’s chief executive Ronan Dunne said: "We all want to be better connected at all times and the substantial and continued growth in the laptop market is symptomatic of this desire.
He also said that the firm had left its move into the sector until it was sure that it could provide a satisfactory level of service. "To date, the subsidised laptop market has received some bad press due to poor equipment and frustrating customer service experiences.
"O2 is stepping into the market with a promise to turn this around by taking a holistic approach to the product offer. Our package ticks every box when it comes to the main purchase drivers in the market, which in turn means we are taking away the ‘worry-factor’ involved in buying a laptop."
