In his new role, he will focus on enhancing JCB Phones’ product portfolio, generating new market opportunities, and developing partnerships for long-term growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pete to the JCB Phones leadership team,” said Roy Taylor, CEO of JCB Phones.

“His vision and strategic acumen align perfectly with our mission to deliver rugged, reliable communication solutions. Pete’s appointment reflects our commitment to innovation and our ambition to cement JCB Phones as a leader in the rugged mobile market. His expertise in hardware and software product management, combined with a deep understanding of market dynamics, will be instrumental in driving JCB Phones’ strategic initiatives and expanding its footprint in the rugged mobile device sector.”

Cunningham (main pic) added:

“I am excited to join JCB Phones and contribute to its ongoing success. The company’s dedication to quality and innovation resonates with me, and I look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional products and solutions.”

As Vice President of Product Management at the now-defunct Bullitt Group, he led a team of product managers, testers, and engineers. Bullitt produced rugged smartphones under brands like CAT, Land Rover, and Motorola, ceased operations a year ago after losses of £17.5 million

JCB Phones’ lineup includes the compact JCB Tradesman, JCB Toughphone, and JCB Toughphone Max,for extreme environments.

Mobile News understands 100 staff were let go on Friday after the plan to move them across to a new company failed, and that none of them had been paid for two months.

The collapse also leaves users without warrantee protection on their devices.

The Telegraph reported earlier this month that Bullitt’s satellite connectivity business and 100 employees would be transferred to a new company owned by its creditors. 

A source close to the company told Mobile News that it was not surprising that Bullitt had called in administrators 

“They haven’t brought out any new products to market except satellite messaging. Their staple line hasn’t changed in years. There has been no investment in any new devices apart from the CAT s75. I suspect the owners no longer wanted to be involved in that business, They now want to concentrate on satellite text messaging but where is the money in that? Is it just for people who climb mountains?”

“The whole satellite message thing is dead in the water”

Said one mid-level ex-employee: “The whole company was very down. We weren’t making new products,. Nobody liked the satellite service. In Europe where nobody an emergency satellite text message service. In the USA it was unreliable and only worked in some states. There is now also Starlink while T-Mobile is is testing 5G from space. BTis doing the same . The whole satellite message thing is dead in the water. I was there for a long time. We had good times. Then the founders (Richard Wharton, Colin Batt Dave Floyd came back in and it went downhill 2.5 years ago. the founders let us down. None of our retail and distribution partners have even been not even officially fold”.

Since 2009 Bullitt Group has specialised in designing and manufacturing rugged smartphones and i known for producing rugged smartphones under various brand partnerships, such as CAT,  Land Rover, and Motorola. 

A year ago the company launched the world’s first Android smartphone capable of two-way satellite messaging at the same time that Apple announced the same capability for the iPhone 14. Bullitt Satellite Connect integrated satellite and network infrastructure partners to provide satellite text messaging via  Bullitt Satellite Messenger.. It is claimed by Bulitt the only direct-to-satellite service using the 3GPP standards

Bullitt Satellite Messenger was launched a paid-for service, monetised through a variety of flexible monthly and annual plans and packages, tailored to the needs of occasional-through-to-heavy users of the service.

 The Cat S75, Motorola defy 2, and Motorola accessed existing geostationary satellites over well-established infrastructure so customers could send and receive messages over satellite, share their location, and raise SOS assistance requests wherever they had a clear view of the sky. The service used the Cat and Motorola device hardware and proprietary software components built by Bullitt and its service partners, to deliver the service.

Last year Iridium  and Qualcomm’s plan of covering the world’s surface with an emergency texting service accessible through Snapdragon satellite-chip Android smartphones fell apart. Iridium blamed smartphone makers for not including the technology in their devices, leading Qualcomm to end the agreement.

If you have been affected by the Bullitt closure please drop us a line.

The Telegraph reported that Bullitt’s satellite connectivity business and 100 employees would be transferred to a new company owned by its creditors.

A source close to the company told Mobile News that it was not surprising that Bullitt had called in administrators,

“They haven’t brought out any new products to market except satellite messaging. Their staple line hasn’t changed in years. There has been no investment in any new devices apart from the CAT s75. I suspect the owners no longer wanted to be involved in that business, They now want to concentrate on satellite text messaging but where is the money in that? Is it just for people who climb mountains?”

Since 2009 Bullitt Group has specialised in designing and manufacturing rugged smartphones and i known for producing rugged smartphones under various brand partnerships, such as CAT,  Land Rover, and Motorola.

A year ago the company launched the world’s first Android smartphone capable of two-way satellite messaging at the same time that Apple announced the same capability for the iPhone 14. Bullitt Satellite Connect integrated satellite and network infrastructure partners to provide satellite text messaging via  Bullitt Satellite Messenger.. It is claimed by Bulitt the only direct-to-satellite service using the 3GPP standards

Last year Iridium  and Qualcomm’s plan of covering the world’s surface with an emergency texting service accessible through Snapdragon satellite-chip Android smartphones fell apart. Iridium blamed smartphone makers for not including the technology in their devices, leading Qualcomm to end the agreement.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/bullitt-group-set-close-move-satellite-message-service-new-company/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/satellite-comms-chip-giants-sign-mou-haste-launch-sat-comms-services-smartphones/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/satellite-comms-chip-giants-sign-mou-haste-launch-sat-comms-services-smartphones/#respond Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:32:37 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/satellite-comms-chip-giants-sign-mou-haste-launch-sat-comms-services-smartphones/ MediaTek and Inmarsat have pledged to provide two-way satellite communications direct to smartphones, IoT devices and cars,

MediaTek and Inmarsat have pledged to provide two-way satellite communications direct to smartphones, IoT devices and cars,

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to extend their existing partnership to commercially deploy services to satellite-enabled devices.

The collaboration will speed up the launch of new 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) services from Inmarsat which provides global sat comms services to the maritime and aviation sectors.

They have already trialled live, in-orbit tests of real-life applications. MediaTek chipsets and Inmarsat’s L-band network are also being tested by network operators and device manufacturers for direct-to-device, two-way satellite connectivity. 

The agreement is expected to speed up the provision of 5G satellite-enabled devices and services such as two-way text messaging, emergency communications, device tracking and monitoring to smartphones, IoT devices, automotive and other industries.

MediaTek chipsets and Inmarsat’s L-band network are also being tested by mobile network operators and device manufacturers for direct-to-device, two-way satellite connectivity.

Inmarsat chief commercial and digital officer Jat Brainch said:

“With MediaTek, we can offer smartphone companies and others a fast and consumer-friendly path to the satellite-to-device capability that allows two-way communications and does not require complex “aiming” of the device.

“Our network has the potential to support a revolution in direct-to-device, IoT and car connectivity. So we are delighted to be partnering with MediaTek, a recognised world-leading innovator in 5G NTN technology. 

‘The combination of our joint capabilities can bring rapid access to 5G satellite services for consumer and professional users, and the wider 5G ecosystem across the world.”

JC Hsu, Corporate Vice President of MediaTek, said;

“The partnership opens up new possibilities for the convergence of cellular and satellite networks. MediaTek is a leading solution provider and contributor to 3GPP NTN standards. Our work with Inmarsat GEO satellites will drive 5G innovation across multiple markets, including smartphones. Inmarsat’s narrowband satellite network and the spectrum capacity will be able to support a multitude of new devices and services.”

Inmarsat provides sat comms and navigation to the maritime and aviation sectors. 

MediaTek develops systems-on-chip for mobile, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products to multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD) and wearables. The two industry leaders are focused on enabling mobile operators, smartphones and other device manufacturers to offer satellite services, such as two-way text messaging, emergency communications, device tracking and monitoring, among other capabilities, without the need for pointing on most devices.

Smartphone satellite connectivity to consumers got a boost last year with the iPhone 14 Pro getting a satellite SOS text service.

In January Bullitt Group launched an Android and iOS app called Bullitt Satellite Messenger, This is a subscription service that provides SOS messaging via satellite when no wifi or cellular coverage is available.

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2022 has been a turbulent year in many ways, as the industry tried to recover from the pandemic, economic crisis emerged and geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine reached boiling point.

This has had a huge impact on businesses, customers, telecoms, and the entire world as we head into another unpredictable year.

But with this uncertainty for 2023, there is bound to be new tech, exciting innovations and development into existing technologies.

Mobile News gathered the views of many in the industry to find out their predictions- ranging from 5G, SIM cards and sustainability.

Craig Williams, CIO, Ciena– on future of work predictions

I predict that in 2023 we will start to gradually phase out the terms ‘hybrid’ and ‘remote’ when talking about our work situation. We’ve shown how productive we can be using tools like Teams, Google Apps, Zoom, etc. to collaborate with people across the globe. And, while some still feel challenged with not having as much face-to-face interaction, others question whether that in-person interaction mattered as much as they initially thought? When they were in the office, did they really have that much insight into their productivity or did everyone have a door that was closed?  

In the coming year, I think we will start focusing more on work itself rather than the destination it is taking place. Work is not about a location alone – its everything. 2023 will be the proving ground for this new location independent thing called work.  Companies will experiment with new immersive metaverse-type platforms and look for ways to reimagine the work experience. Of course, companies will need to stay closely aligned to their culture to ensure their approach does not affect relationships and overall productivity.

Divya Ghai Wakankar, VP enterprise market, BICS– on the death of the SIM card

The SIM card’s days are numbered, and 2023 will be the year it’s finally replaced for good. SIM cards have been around since the early 1990s, making them practically archaic in the fast-moving world of technology. Better alternatives like the eSIM and iSIM are beginning to gain traction as they mean devices can swap between different networks without the need to physically swap SIM cards. 

Apple has made the first move in the consumer space, retiring the SIM card in favour of eSIMs in the new iPhone14 – it’s no doubt that other manufacturers will soon follow suit. In the enterprise world, eSIMs mean connected IoT devices can freely move around the world, including between public and private networks, while staying connected at all times. Beyond this, we will see even further evolution in the way of the iSIM, which is directly embedded in IoT devices’ hardware and will enable even more advanced use cases.

The humble SIM card has had a long and successful career but the age of the eSIM is here and with it – the future, and industry 4.0.    

Jo Green, head of public sector, Neos Networks– on the rise of green networks

In recent years, there has been a significant amount of noise around reducing energy consumption within the telecoms industry. In 2023, this ambition is set to come into sharp focus, with the industry keen to understand how they can create and enable truly ‘green’ networks.

Technology has played a big role  in the sustainability conversation, and developments in the likes of AI or Machine Learning are poised as being a key enabler to a greener future. In fact, if you take AI, the ability to minimise energy consumption by carefully and regularly monitoring, controlling, and managing energy usage will be a significant game-changer across myriad industries. But deploying the right technology alone isn’t enough. It’s important to also consider how tech software itself is developed, and how sustainable and efficient that process is. For example, are too many workloads being moved to the cloud, therefore placing unnecessary reliance on data centres? Are the right methods of deployment like DevOps being used to ensure teams are lean, and changes or upgrades made to the software are energy consumption friendly?

This increased focus on energy-saving is likely to result in greater emphasis on the planning and development of software to ensure savings can be made from the very beginning of software development. In addition, we’ll also start to see a greater focus on traffic management to reduce energy consumption, here we’ll see telcos leverage automation and AI to better route and manage traffic across multiple network layers, to minimise energy consumption, and maximise efficiency as well as network resources.

Jürgen Hatheier, CTO EMEA and APAC at Ciena– on end user experience, 5G and sustainability

Hybrid working is here to stay, so in 2023 we believe businesses will continue to look for ways to reimagine the office experience with virtual workspaces and virtual tools. This will drive greater investment in the connectivity requirements to support new applications like VR, AR and the Metaverse.  

A recent study commissioned by Ciena found that more than three quarters (78%) of survey respondents across the globe would participate in more immersive experiences such as the metaverse, over current tools like video conferencing, Google Meet or Zoom. None of these immersive, virtual experiences will be successful without the proper network upgrades, and advances in technology that will support the ultra-low latency and high bandwidth applications.

In 2023, we will see massive growth in the number of 5G users, humans and machines. And with this growth, 5G analytics-driven automation and software control will become even more critical mask the complexity driven by new services are launched alongside new architectures are adopted, sliced, and multivendor networks come to play.

In 2023, 5G network slicing will come to the spotlight as several mobile network operators enter the design and early-deployment phases to deliver differentiated services that are tuned to specific end user and application requirements.  

We also expect that open RAN will become increasingly popular, with many proofs of concept and field trials getting started as well as controlled roll-out announcements taking place around the globe (many not fully open RAN, but continuing to move in this general direction).

We will also see operators becoming increasingly active in rolling out managed Private 5G services offering higher speeds, ultra-low latency and greater network reliability and security. Private 5G will enable exciting new use cases to help enterprises advance their competitive position and allow network operators to better monetize their substantial 5G investments.

There will be continued focus around making networks more energy efficient and sustainable throughout 2023. Sustainability will be a key theme for the entire telecom industry. Service providers will be very focused on decreasing carbon emissions while also meeting surging demands for high-bandwidth services and broadband connectivity. Our engineering team at Ciena is also making this a top priority and we have an amazing team of engineers constantly innovating our products with power and energy use in mind. Each successive life of our products gets more energy efficient. This is a key focus for our R&D teams.

Kathryn Platt, head of Indirect Business at Vodafone UK– on IoT

In 2023, I hope to see partners and vendors working together to help customers take advantage of the exciting capabilities of IoT. Knowledge is power, and IoT can offer business insights in abundance. From energy saving solutions that control lights and thermometers in offices and home, to monitoring manufacturing production flow in factories – at Vodafone, we’re already seeing a range of industries benefit from increased productivity and cost-efficiency thanks to IoT. As we face another year of economic uncertainty, expect to see many more businesses invest in digital tools that work harder and smarter in what is set to be another challenging year.

Lyca Mobile’s predictions

The recession will shake customer loyalty with operators in 2023, as our research shows that over two-fifths of contract customers think they are overpaying for their current tariff.

As the country navigates recession, seeking value is going to be the number one priority for customers. As it stands almost two thirds (65%) of people blame the current cost of living crisis as the economic factor making them most likely to reconsider their phone contract. This highlights an area of opportunity for MVNOs to prioritise value in 2023.

As it stands, customer loyalty is being taken for granted by many operators, and it’s likely that this could encourage customers to go in search of a better deal. After years of security, steady costs and giving minimal thought over which operator to opt for, our research has shown that now consumers aren’t afraid to take matters into their own hands and make a change, even if this means leaving a provider they have been with for years.

Mikaël Schachne, VP Telco Market, BICS– on 5G standalone and satellite connectivity

The last few years have seen a fair share of hype and hysteria surrounding 5G’s gradual deployment around the world. And yet, it has not quite delivered on its world-changing promise. Why? Because most ‘5G’ networks today are non-standalone – built on the back of 4G core infrastructure. Implementing a 5G core brings complex integration challenges, and crucially, the task of cracking roaming connections for 5G Standalone.

In 2023, the industry will finally crack the challenges around roaming and network slicing and start to supplant non-standalone 5G within public and private networks with standalone 5G. Only standalone networks can deliver the high-speed and low-latency connectivity to deliver on 5G’s promises, particularly for enterprise use cases for IoT and M2M. 

Many feel the move from 4G to 5G and even “5.5G” has fallen flat, but in 2023, 5G will finally stand up and be counted.  

Satellite connectivity grabbed headlines in 2022, with stories like the launch of Starlink and the new iPhone supporting satellite-to-phone connectivity. For those reading about non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) for the first time this year, you’d forgive them for assuming their aim is to improve connectivity for the average consumer or business. In 2023 satellite networks are going to change the global connectivity landscape, but not in the way everyone expects.   

The immediate potential of NTNs lies not in developed countries, but in bridging the “digital divide” in developing, remote, and rural areas around the world. Approximately 6% of the world’s population lives on the other side of the digital divide, meaning around 450 million people are locked out of digital communications. Satellite networks (which are already being launched) promise to address this lack of connectivity in rural and remote areas around the world, and it’s going to happen a lot sooner than you think.

Richard Wharton, Co-founder, Bullitt Group on direct to satellite mobile connectivity

2023 is the year when direct to satellite connectivity for smart phones becomes a reality. We’ve heard some big announcements from some big names. So why is this such a hot topic, who is going to get there first and how? We live in a world where we all need or want to be connected all the time but, even in the US, each of the major carriers can only provide service to around 70% of the land mass. This means that Americans lose cell coverage for around 22.5 billion hours each year. The ability to be able to communicate 100% of the time improves productivity, efficiency, keeps families in contact and, ultimately, can save lives. 

There are two approaches being taken. The first is the big infrastructure play touted by the likes of SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile. They plan to build hundreds of next generation satellites, launch them, and then (after getting through some challenging regulatory processes) use them as cell towers in space. The second approach is to use existing satellites, existing spectrum but with the addition of a new chip in a phone and some intelligent software. So, which is better?

It’s probably safe to say that none of the big infrastructure plays will become commercially viable for at least the next two years. On the other hand, Apple has just launched the iPhone 14 with a satellite SOS service and Bullitt is launching devices in February 2023 that have this plus a full satellite enabled text messaging service and the opportunity for third party Android applications to access the satellite link. What felt like a technology of the future will become a widely available reality in 2023 thanks to this second approach.

Sylwia Kechiche, principal industry analyst, Ookla– on 5G and the metaverse

According to the Ookla® 5G Map™, there were 127,509 5G deployments in 128 countries as of November 30, 2022, compared to 85,602 in 112 countries the year prior. 5G download speeds stabilized as more consumers adopted 5G, with a median global 5G download speed of 168.27 Mbps in Q3 2022 compared to 166.13 Mbps in Q3 2021. However, some operators believe they may have over-invested in their early emphasis on speed; they now need to monetize their investments through differentiation. One of our clients has famously said: “We are aiming for 1st world speeds and using 3rd world ARPU.” Indeed, in 2023 we will see a big focus on the Quality of Experience (QoE) and initiatives to increase ARPU (average revenue per user) and consumer stickiness by adding entertainment services such as television and music streaming or cloud gaming platforms.

Metaverse will not become mainstream next year, but investments will continue despite continued financial woes for the tech industry. The year ahead will primarily focus on standardization. Ookla plays an active role in defining the network requirements as part of the Metaverse Standards Forum (MSF). We expect new devices to launch in 2023 and beyond at a lower cost than Meta’s Quest Pro, priced at $1,499. Apple is not participating in the MSF as it follows its usual walled-garden approach. There is talk of an Apple device that will give the metaverse device ecosystem a boost too. But for the metaverse to become real, it will have to be more than just about devices. Metaverse is about creating a virtual world, with Meta, Microsoft, and Nvidia all working on creating them. 2023 will see more telco players jumping on the metaverse bandwagon and including it as part of their strategic roadmap.

Bullitt Group has partnered with chipset supplier MediaTek to launch the world’s first smartphone capable of two-way satellite messaging. 

The partnership has been building over 18 months to enable satellite communication in Bullitt designed 5G smartphones.

The device software switches to the satellite link when no WiFi or cellular service is available and it takes 10 seconds to connect to the satellite and send a message.

Richard Wharton, Co-founder at Bullitt Group said: “We have known for a long time that the answer was in satellite but an ‘invisible’ and seamless integration into a smartphone creates enormous technical challenges.

“MediaTek and Bullitt share a pioneering spirit and a history of innovation so now, nearly two years into our relationship, we jointly stand at the forefront of a new era in telecommunications and the quickest, simplest way for our carrier channel partners to offer total peace of mind to their customers.”

JC Hsu, Corporate VP and General Manager of Wireless Communications Business Unit at MediaTek added: “This relationship carries on our longstanding history of innovation and leadership in the formulation of the 3GPP NTN standard, which combines cellular and satellite connectivity in the same device.

“In addition to the most recent mobile technology and the most sophisticated, highest-performing cellular connectivity features we have been working on, the 3GPP NTN effort advocates allowing device manufacturers access to satellite connectivity. We are very proud of having created the two-way satellite messaging technology used in this first commercially available phone and for being the pioneers in creating the ecosystem based on 3GPP NTN standards for satellite communication.”  

Bullitt has been a manufacturer of mobile phones and other consumer electronics since 2009, and has since built up an impressive portfolio of products.

It prides itself on bringing a “tough tech” experience and is mainly known for the production of rugged phones, and has manufactured and designed rugged phones for the brands Cat and Motorola.

Now, the company is expanding even further and delving into the world of satellite technology- and is set to become the first brand to launch the world’s first smartphone capable of two-way satellite messaging.

Major brands Apple and Elon Musk’s SpaceX have both previously announced that their companies want to introduce satellite technology, but it is Reading based Bullitt that has got there first.

Speaking to Mobile News, co-founder of Bullitt Group, Richard Wharton, explained that two-way satellite messaging has been in the pipeline for around two years and he discussed the process behind this new and exciting technology.

How it works

“We’ve had a long history of developing hardware- but we realised that it’s not hardware letting people down, it’s connectivity,” Wharton says.

“Because of this, we’ve always known that to provide the most reliable mobile phone in the world, we also need a reliable communication system.”

Satellite technology has been spoken about for a while, but it was previously not ready to be integrated into smartphones.

Wharton says that this has now changed, and Bullitt has been working exclusively with a chipset manufacturer who has created a narrow band satellite chipset, although this particular manufacturer cannot be disclosed yet.

“We want to offer the most reliable solution rather than just the most reliable rugged device. And now we’ve got a very deep understanding of the markets and end users that require this type of service.” 

The satellite messaging service will intelligently switch to satellite service when no WI-Fi or cellular connection is available, and it needs a customised chipset, Bullitt’s proprietary OTT application and an advanced core network that needs infrastructure to be installed across global satellite ground stations.

Bullitt will operate the OTT satellite messaging service which will be available to customers using a new Bullitt smartphone.

Users will be able to send and receive text messages only, and an app can be downloaded for customers to send a message.

Recipients can receive the SMS but can only reply if they download the app. It is free to use, but the person who owns the Bullitt phone will have to pay a monthly fee for the service, although the price has not been released.

Staying ahead of SpaceX and Apple

“It’s a standard Android based smartphone with 5G, but it has satellite communications built in as well,” Wharton says.

“It’s our best phone to date and it should have a very broad appeal not just to B2B and enterprise but across a broader spectrum of consumer users.”

He explains that in the US, a wide range of people require satellite messaging.

“The amount of time Americans lose cellular coverage over a year is 22 and a half billion hours. And this isn’t just people working in forestry, agriculture and fishing, these are people who are hiking in the mountains, skiing, climbing, and going on road trips.

“We live in a world that’s very mobile, with a very mobile workforce, and mobile leisure, so it’s natural that we’re putting ourselves under situations where we are on the fringes of coverage. Satellite messaging has a really broad appeal.”

It’s not just Bullitt that is planning to launch this new technology. Apple and SpaceX are also in the running- but they are not as advanced as Bullitt. 

“You have the likes of T Mobile and SpaceX making a big grand announcement about satellites, but SpaceX wants to put new satellites in the sky,” Wharton says.

“There are challenges to this because they haven’t designed, built or launched any new satellites and they haven’t yet got regulatory approval.”

It’s also been reported that phones currently using the SpaceX platform may have to wait up to 30 minutes to connect with a satellite, meanwhile Bullitt’s network would connect in a few seconds.

Wharton says that Bullitt and Apple have both decided to use an existing satellite and existing tech- but the two companies will be offering different services.

“Apple is behind us, and they offer a satellite SOS service in North America only. 

“Bullitt devices enabled by our solution would offer satellite SOS just like Apple can, but we’re also capable of two-way text messaging via satellite, which Apple cannot do. 

“Our solution is also global and in terms of quality of service, Bullitt is better than Apple because we’re using geostationary satellites and we’re using more than one satellite constellation provider.

“All in all, we have a solution that is a good 12 months ahead of the market and we know this because there’s only two chipset vendors operating in this space. We’re using one of them and Apple is using the other one.”

Demand for satellite technology

With the concept of satellite messaging somewhat alien to many consumers, Wharton believes that there is a clear need for it and that it will become more common in the next few years.

“With satellite messaging, there is a roadmap for beyond messaging, moving to more data services like 5G new radio. More bandwidth will be allowed via satellite network over the next few years. 

“You can’t build your cell towers and it’s impossible to get planning permission as people don’t want them next to their houses and there are issues around building new construction for mobile network operators. 

“They’ve used the 4G infrastructure for 5G networks so they can’t cover any more landmass and black spots will persist.

“In the UK, while we cover a high percentage of the population, we don’t cover the same percentage of the landmass. It’s a problem that’s not going to go away.

“The network operators are looking at the satellite operators to help fill the gaps.”

Wharton says his 12 month lead over everyone else means there is no competition and that it’s a great time to launch this new service.

“There’s a controlled plan and we’ll be revealing more information as we get closer to the launch in February 2023.”

Eurostar Global Electronics is preparing to move into its brand new state-of-the-art headquarters at St Modwen Park in Stoke, from its current location in nearby
Lymedale Business Park.

The HQ, which is in the centre of the country and close to partners, boasts 43,000 square feet of space.

The move to a bigger warehouse had been planned for some time and is key to the firm’s plans for future growth, says managing director Pete Carnall.

“We’ve reached optimum capacity in the existing facilities at the revenues that we have reached,” he said. “It was imperative to get more space to develop the business and
what we can do for customers.”

Revenue

Last year, Eurostar Global generated £125 million in turnover. “We can develop to become a technology service partner, as well as a hardware technology distributor,” says Carnall, who
formed the company with sales director Brett Watmough in 2007.

“Our team has diverse skill sets and can offer a great service package to our partners. We want this facility to handle services, whether reverse or third-party logistics services, distribution or anything else relating to the management of products.”

Interestingly, he wants no involvement with service and repairs. “We have no interest
in operating in repairs,” says Carnall.

“There are local businesses in the repair sector doing a great job. Repairs are not our forte; we are all about distribution, logistics, systems, technology services and hardware.

“Distribution is still Eurostar’s bread and butter, and will continue to be.” Carnall adds: “Over the last five years, people have down-talked distribution like it no longer matters. They have forgotten what the value of a true distributor is.

“For some companies, mobile has become less relevant. Convergence has left us with massive IT distributors which just have a mobile department, but mobile distribution is more than a department; every consumer has a mobile device and there is a requirement for specialist distribution that deals with mobile in a bespoke way.”

Eurostar’s portfolio of vendor partners includes Sony, OnePlus, Alcatel, TCL, Emporia Telecom and IMO.

It also works with Bullitt Group to distribute Cat and Land Rover rugged phones.

Eurostar is looking to add to this list, but is careful about choosing the right partners
to avoid conflict with its current portfolio.

“We don’t want to create any conflict across the vendors,” says Carnall. “We carefully think about those we want to work with. There’s no point in putting devices into the channel that will cannibalise another brand in our portfolio.

“We look for where a vendor can add market share and fit their products into the channel.”

In one key move with a vendor over the past year, Eurostar became an official Sony Mobile distributor for the UK last October.

“This partnership with Sony was important,” says Carnall. “Sony is a premium product vendor and part of an AV [audiovisual] brand that delivers high- quality components.

“The company still has prominent brand awareness and its history goes back decades. The market may think that mobile is only about two vendors, but it’s not.”

Carnall adds that Eurostar’s deal also includes Sony AV offerings such as headsets, although not the likes of PlayStation consoles.

Secondary market

One sector of the mobile industry that Eurostar doesn’t talk too much about is the
refurbished sector.

“We have a strong presence; it’s just not something we shout about,” says Carnall.

“We already procure and deal with major partners, and the financial services and insurance sectors are some of our primary clients.

The expansion of our facilities will expand the scope for us to do this across Europe.”

Carnall points out that a circular economy also has to start with a new device, as there
cannot be a secondary device without one.

“A refurbished industry still needs new phones, which is where Eurostar comes in,” he says. “To have consistent growth, there must be sales of new devices: there’s a chain in place.”

Meanwhile, Carnall sees the refurbished sector as an opportunity rather than a threat.

“If a distributor doesn’t have the skill sets to manage more than just shifting boxes, they will limit their market opportunities,” he adds.

“We started out buying end-of- life products, but we had the ability to reconfigure devices, so we’ve always been capable of managing devices.

Batteries and VR

Eurostar is also keeping its eye on the development of power-based products and battery technology.

“There’s a lot of focus for us on battery- related technology,” says Carnall. “We’re watching the evolutionary steps of battery technology and how that will affect products in our sector.”

Another area that Carnall is keeping an eye on is virtual-reality tech, which he expects to break into the mainstream after years of undelivered potential.

“VR has been around for a long time now, but it’s never evolved to a state of what I’d consider to be a mainstream day-to-day product,” he says. “I think this will change
in the next five years.”

Carnall expects the growth of VR products, events, accessories and software that combines these products to underpin a whole wider marketplace for VR to integrate with mobile and wireless devices.

Pandemic

Talking of how the firm has dealt with the pandemic, Carnall says Eurostar has been able to maintain an edge over some other distributors during this period.

In fact, he says, “it played in favour of our business model. We’ve spent a lot of time
understanding the international markets and procuring directly from the European market.

“Eurostar was able to get stock from Europe, so while other distributors struggled with delivery issues, Eurostar was able to plug the gap.

“We provided contingency deliveries for networks and retailers, and we were able to support partners who couldn’t get products from their regular supply chain.

They have seen what Eurostar can do and are looking to work with us directly as a result ofthis experience.”

Carnall also says that his team was key to maintaining a high level of performance during
the pandemic.

“There was an unwavering level of determination to ensure that the pandemic wasn’t going to disrupt the levels of service we strive to deliver,” he says.

Carnall adds that Brexit has had little impact on the business in terms of sales.

“We still procure products from European partners,” he says. “Our independent
procurement and direct vendor procurement haven’t been affected by Brexit.”

As part of its strategy aiding movement of products, Eurostar has a Netherlands-
based company, Eurostar Global BV, to ship products into Europe overnight through
Schiphol airport.

Planning for growth

Meanwhile, in line with its bid for growth, Eurostar plans to increase staffing numbers of 65 by 20 per cent in the next six months.

And while he is excited about the various forward-looking opportunities ahead, Carnall and his Eurostar team are most excited to get going at their new home, where the distributor hopes to fulfil all its aims and visions.

Bullitt Group outlined its plans to diversify its product offering as the manufacturer sets out to strengthen its position in the rugged industry.

The vendor which holds a licence to develop Cat phones and Motorola’s rugged devices, showcased a new rugged 5G mobile internet hotspot and unveiled its own MVNO service, Bullitt Connect, at MWC.

Bullitt Group also introduced new care services aimed at further prolonging the lifecycle of their devices, with Rugged Care and Rugged Care+, which manage the replacement of parts that susceptible to degradation over time.

“We’re expanding into services that are relevant for the specific verticals that we have a deep understanding of,” said Bullitt Group CEO Nathan Vautier. “It’s an opportunity for us to take all our knowledge from the various niche verticals we focus on.”

MVNO launch 

The MVNO service, which launches commercially in April, will run on EE’s network in partnership with MVNO enabler Transatel. It will offer customers a range of tariffs with unlimited UK calls and texts, plus monthly data options of 3GB, 10GB or 30GB.

Vautier says the service provides Bullitt Group with opportunities for growth.

“This is an exciting step forward for Bullitt,” he said. “Bullitt Connect will allow us to transform the value proposition we offer to our UK customers.

“It is an opportunity to combine devices that we’ve been selling, whether Cat or Motorola, with an airtime proposition that is very relevant to the data use that customers require.”

Meanwhile, Bullitt’s Cat Q10 rugged 5G hotspot can connect up to 32 devices at once. It boasts a 5,300mAh battery, and is IP68 dust- and rain-proof and built to survive against drops and knocks.

“The thinking behind the Q10 is that we got a number of enquiries around other forms of rugged products, so it was natural for us to look at how we can speed up the rollout of rugged 5G products,” said Vautier. Despite this though, Bullitt currently no plans to add a rugged 5G smartphone to its portfolio.

Taking care

Sustainability is another key focus for Bullitt Group, added Vautier, echoing a mood felt by many vendors at MWC this year.

At the forefront of this are the Rugged Care and Care+, through their aim to prolong the life of smartphones.

The services focus around managing the replacement of parts such as lithium-ion batteries, and budget for a fixed repair cost throughout the life of a device.

A ‘Business Edition’ plan is also available for select Cat devices, allowing customers to receive an additional year of warranty.

“Rugged Care and Care+ represent an important global service from Bullitt Group to enable our customers to keep their devices working better for longer,” said Vautier.

“Built on our service intelligence from having devices running in the most demanding environments for many years, we know how to keep our devices running at optimal performance for even longer.”

Rugged smartphone specialists Bullitt Group has launched its own MVNO service in the UK market called Bullitt Connect.

This service will offer voice, text and data services and will run on the EE network.

Bullitt Connect will be able to cover 86 per cent of the UK’s landmass, thanks to EE’s network coverage and also in partnership with Transatel.

The commercial launch is mooted for April, with three tariffs initially offering unlimited UK calls and texts and either 3GB, 10GB or 30GB of data.

European roaming will also come at no extra cost from launch, Bullitt Group confirmed.

“Bullitt Connect will allow us to transform the value proposition we offer to our UK customers,” said Bullitt Group CEO Nathan Vautier.

“There’s a clear opportunity to build on our already-great customer loyalty with airtime and data services, to address new customer segments with offers and bundles that make particular sense for them, and to innovate around bundles, packages and offers that give our customers the best deals with our products.”

Bullitt Group is the global licensee for Cat phones and also rugged Motorola smartphones.