“There are so many channels of distribution in the U.S. market,” said Mark Howell, Co-COO Brightpoint Inc., President Americas, the world’s largest independent distributor of handsets. Indeed, Howell should know, he oversees the distribution of cellphones from coast to coast, and provides products to carriers, MVNOs, enterprises, big-box retailers and others. A company with a wider reach in the handset distribution market is hard to find.
In an exclusive interview with RCR Wireless News, Howell discusses the pros and cons of Brightpoint’s various retail channels, and outlines what’s hot and what’s not.
“We have certainly seen in the U.S. an increase in the role that mass retail plays in wireless distribution,” Howell said, explaining that the rise of prepaid calling plans has benefited mass retailers like Best Buy and others.
Howell added: “What we see now is the fastest growing channel right now is the enterprise channel. We see enterprises themselves getting more involved in the purchasing of phones.”
In this complete audio interview with RCR Wireless News, Howell discusses Brightpoint’s international plays, the company’s efforts in the United States, and how Brightpoint is positioning for the coming years.
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In a new, monthly series of podcasts, RCR Wireless News will be investigating the distribution landscape for handsets. We’ll be interviewing executives from carriers, handset makers, retailers and others on their cellphone distribution strategies to see what works-and what doesn’t. How do carriers manage their inventories? How do retailers allocate precious shelf space? And how can new entrants take advantage of the situation?
Check back every month for the latest installment of RCR Wireless News’ Podcast series, Dialing in Distribution. |
