MANX Telecom has announced a major new partnership with O2 UK which will target the international traveller market.
The two telecoms providers have joined together to provide a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) which will provide services for international customers travelling to the UK.
The agreement will enable customers to purchase pre-paid SIM cards which offer competitive in-country rates.
In addition Manx Telecom will also act as a Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator – giving smaller niche MVNO companies access to the O2 network.
Chris Hall, Manx Telecom's managing director, said: "02 is one of the largest telecoms operators in the UK with 21.4 million mobile customers. It's also one of the most innovative in the world.
"The fact that we have been chosen by O2 to work with them on such a major initiative is a huge endorsement of Manx Telecom’s ability to compete in the global arena working in this instance with one of the major players."
MVNO's provide a mobile service to customers without themselves owning a mobile spectrum license or any mobile network infrastructure.
Tom Meageen, Manx Telecom's head of business development, said: "Over recent years, we've developed an excellent portfolio of mobile products which we market to international travellers.
"In 2009, we launched a very successful MVNO in the USA and this new partnership with O2 will enable us to further strengthen our market position by adding one of the leading networks in the UK to our portfolio."
Both 02 in the UK and Manx Telecom were part of the Telefonica group until June 2010 when it was announced that Manx Telecom had been acquired by CPS Partners.
At the time of the announcement both O2 UK and Manx Telecom said that they would seek opportunities to work together on new projects and the MVNO deal is the first of such initiatives.
Chris continued: "Manx Telecom is recognised throughout the global telecoms industry for our track record of innovation, our culture of partnership, and our ability to deliver on promises.
"Looking to the future, our priorities are to firstly continually improve the range and value of the services we deliver for our on-Island customers and secondly to expand and grow our off-Island business.
"Both objectives are complementary - a strong Manx Telecom using its skills and expertise in the global marketplace means that on-Island we can continue to offer leading edge products and services, provide jobs, and help keep the Island at the forefront of the eBusiness revolution.
"This deal – and others like it which will follow in the future – is the best possible news for both Manx Telecom and the Island’s economy."
O2 Business sales director, Ben Dowd, said: "We were always looking forward to continuing our relationship with Manx Telecom, and this deal opens up new opportunities for us.
"In the last 12 months alone we’ve worked hard to make sure we have exactly the right mix of partners to grow our share and more importantly our revenue in the MVNO market.
"O2 is home to two of the largest players, and the MVNA capability with Manx Telecom now gives us the opportunity to offer smaller companies access to the O2 network."
