Pre-pay SIM distributer GK Telecom recently celebrated ten years in the industry  and had double the reason to celebrate after securing a new distribution contract with T-Mobile.

The network’s significant appointment came following negotiations at the T-Mobile Independent Partner Conference at the Belfry in January.

GK Telecom is one of only four SIM-only UK distributors selling in excess of 100,000 SIMS per month across various networks. Having widened their portfolio last year to an element of post-paid connections, the company also supplies contract handsets to 3 Mobile and will soon unveil new revenue streams to the UK market including MagicKode, a short code proposition for international dialling.

T-Mobile have had a direct relationship with GK Telecom since 2007, but the award of post pay distribution was a significant step for a company that has not appointed a new dealership for several years.

It is a significant move as distribution decisions and contracts are not awarded lightly, said John Fannon, T-Mobile’s national sales manager for independent partners. He added:  The independent side of the business depends upon and is built upon relationships. These relationships are not established overnight but are built up over significant time periods by gaining trust and reputations for excellence. Without this essential ‘time-served’ aspect to a relationship, it is difficult to gain the trust of partners.

3 Mobile head of communications Paul Foley agrees, saying:  Trust is a big word - it really does have to be earned. At 3 we have invested hugely in channel managers that can add insight and tangible value to our relationships it’s clearly a two-way street and with GK we feel their approach is open, honest and that they have a culture in which we can become deeply engaged.

The last 10 years have had peaks and troughs in UK commerce - it says a lot for a player to be alive and kicking with an appetite for growth in 2010.

GK Telecom financial director Atul Patel added: GK prides itself on the service levels it gives to clients and the longevity of its relationships, assisted by good levels of customer service. Ten years is a significant length of time in the industry and we have worked hard to develop trust within relationships during that time. We are delighted with the T-Mobile connection, but equally proud of all of our dealings with networks and partners.

GK Telecom celebrated its birthday with a day out at Twickenham for the opening RBS Six nations clash between England and Wales, with several networks and partnerships on the guest list.

Our tenth birthday is a significant milestone that reflects our reputation of trust and reliability, said GK Telecom network director Debbie Young, who added that the Twickenham bash was the first of our 10-year celebrations.

'Many happy returns' are clearly on the cards for the Slough-based company.

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