Europe UK : Mobile operator 3 UK announced an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) wholesale contract with telecoms distributor Gamma Telecom.   Under the deal Gamma Telecom will offer an own-branded business mobile voice and data service using  the 3 network. 

The service will be targeted at small to medium-sized businesses (SME) and will be taken to m xarket via Gamma's channel of more than 300 independent resellers.

Bob Falconer ( above ), CEO, Gamma Telecom, said: "We looked at all the alternatives when it came to choosing a wholesale mobile partner and 3 was the clear choice in terms of quality, reliability and range of services.  Working with 3 we can deliver our partners a powerful and competitively priced mobile voice and data proposition."

The Gamma Telecom mobile service will make use of 3's voice and data network, offering SMEs not only great value for money but also access to mobile broadband through 3's nationwide 3G and HSDPA 'Turbo' data network. Subscribers will be able to access services such as mobile internet and mobile email on a selection of leading-edge 3G business handsets.   The Gamma own-brand business mobile service will complement  3's existing direct small business offer and represents a new route into the high-margin SME market for the operator.

Gamma Telecom is one of the UK's largest providers of voice services and voice applications, switching in excess of 8 billion minutes per annum and supplying service via its channel partners to over 100,000 UK businesses and over 400,000 residential customers.

Marc Allera, Sales Director, 3, said: "This is 3's first wholesale agreement and is a validation of the quality and reliability of the 3 network. Our ability to offer great coverage combined with high speed data services marks us out as the business network of choice."