Orange Deal With Fujitsu Siemens
Mobile phone company Orange Business Services UK has struck up a new partnership with Fujitsu Siemens Computers in a deal which will give UK laptop owners access to the latest embedded SIM technology.
The two firms say that the built-in datacards will allow laptop users to log on to mobile data networks, removing the need for external data cards and complex software support.
The Orange partnership with Fujitsu Siemens Computers will also provide remote access to both 3G and next-generation 3G+ ‘mobile broadband’ networks, ensuring the fastest-possible data connections for mobile workers.
As part of the deal, Fujitsu Siemens Computers laptops will be tested and certified by Orange for compatibility with its own mobile data benchmarks.
Crucially, Fujitsu Siemens Computers customers will not be permanently SIM-locked to the Orange network.
Orange says that if customers want to change their operator in the future, their hardware investments will not be rendered obsolete – an important consideration for companies that manage contracts with multiple mobile operators.
The company also said that neither will a premium be charged for PCs equipped with the new technology, unlike some rivals.
Neil Laidler, vice-president business services, Orange UK, said: “Orange Business Services’ agreement with Fujitsu Siemens Computers will create the most intelligent built in datacard offering to date in the UK market.
“Our research indicates that customers simply aren’t attracted by the prospect of being locked to a single operator for all their mobility needs.
“This agreement will make it as easy as possible for Fujitsu Siemens Computers customers to access Orange’s best-of-breed built in datacard service – but customers will also be free to choose other mobile operators in the future, without the need to buy new hardware or face the complex task of ‘unlocking’ existing laptops.
“This isn’t the case with certain alternative offerings from our rival operators.”
George Sebastian, head of UK mobile PC marketing, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, added: “Mobility has always been a strategic pillar of the Fujitsu Siemens Computers success story and this deal is a natural extension of this strategy.”
Rob Bamforth, principal analyst at Quocirca, also said: “While many companies are looking to streamline their mobile operator relationships and simplify technology choices through closer integration, they also want to keep their options open as technology and services evolve.
“Embedding different forms of connectivity in the end-user device is attractive, but especially if there is no threat of operator h andcuffs.”
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