BigAir launches wholesale channel

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 30 August 2006 10:08

IT Industry - Strategy

Sydney-based broadband wireless network operator and reseller, BigAir Group (ASX: BGL) has launched a wholesale division in a move it claims will "energise the telecommunications and ICT industry [and] offer fierce competition to current market offerings."
What has BigAir all excited is an IDC forecast that the market for wireless broadband in Australia will grow to nearly 400,000 customers by 2009, a 70 percent compound growth rate, compared to the overall growth rate of 25 percent.

However given that there are around three million broadband subscribers in Australia and, according to ACCC figures, less than 300,000 on wireless, comparable growth rates are hardly to be expected.

BigAir says its channel programme will include:
- the capacity to provide new leads for channel partners
- 'Campaign in a box’ seminars for channels’ existing customers
- Funding for joint direct marketing/online programs to drive additional leads
- Customised brochures/sales packs
- Extensive sales and technical training.

BigAir owns and operates its own fixed wireless network covering the Sydney metro area (which it claims is easily upgradeable to WiMAX) and claims to be the largest provider of customer services on the iBurst mobile wireless network. It also resells services on the Unwired network that has coverage in Sydney and Melbourne.