Tech Data’s (NASDAQ: TECD) TDMobility unit has added 4G tablet activation to its mobility platform through a newly signed agreement with Verizon (NYSE: VZ) as part of the carrier’s midmarket-focused overhaul of its channel partner program.
The deal allows Tech Data to extend Verizon’s 4G LTE services to its roster of solution providers, and authorizes the distributor to serve as the connecting agent for the carrier’s channel partners. A notable aspect of the deal for Tech Data is that it includes 4G tablet activation of Apple‘s (NSDQ: AAPL) iPad, among a host of other mobile devices.
“Verizon has really stepped up in the channel, enabling the activation of a complete portfolio of mobile tablet solutions, including the iPad, on the largest LTE network for the VAR community,” said Charles Kriete (pictured), TDMobility executive vice president. “TDMobility is focused on providing the best mobility services and solutions for our resellers, and partnering with Verizon is a natural extension of our commitment to simplifying the mobility space.”
TDMobility is a joint venture between Tech Data and Brightstar launched a little less than two years ago as an end-to-end mobile device services venture that includes hardware, software, service plans, activation and billing. Its flagship offerings are CellManage, a carrier account management service, and TDActivate, a device activation service.
Janet Schijns, Verizon enterprise solutions medium business and channels vice president, who joined Verizon in 2010 from Motorola to up the carrier’s channel presence and awareness, said Tech Data is a key player in opening new business for partners. “Tech Data will play a key role in helping us deliver powerful mobility solutions that create new business opportunities for our partners and customers,” she said.
TDMobility also maintains reselling service agreements with Sprint, AT&T, BlackBerry, MicroCorp and Fiberlink.
In addition to Tech Data, Telecom Brokerage, SOVA, General Datatech and CDW have signed on to Verizon’s new partner program. “Enterprise mobility involves a whole infrastructure and ecosystem beyond the device, and customers want to rely on a single, trusted partner for advice, design and implementation of a comprehensive solution,” said Andrea Bradshaw, CDW mobility solutions senior director.
