Dongles taking more than 15% of contract pie

01 February 2008

Mobile broadband sticks prove ever more popular

Nearly a fifth of all 3 and T-Mobile contract sales are now made up of USB dongles. The two operators are now selling huge numbers of the mobile broadband sticks - upwards of 40% of all sales in some cases. And a senior retail source told Mobile that USB dongles now account for upwards of 15% of all T-Mobile and 3 contract subscriptions.

Such has been the success that 3 and T-Mobile have made USB modems a central part of their business plans after seeing higher than expected customer demand in recent months. And it is not just contracts that are selling well - pre-pay customers are also looking to snap up flexible broadband.

A 3 spokesman said: "USB dongles are certainly selling well. They will play a big part in our future.' Mobile approached several 3 and T-Mobile store managers and discovered some stores were seeing sales of USB dongles soaring way above 15%.

According to store managers the product is proving particularly popular with the likes of students who want access to flexible mobile broadband that does not restrict them to a fixed line service.

One 3 store manager said: "USB modems now account for 40% of our contract and pre-pay sales in our store.' Another added: ‘It is making a massive difference for us. We are selling absolutely loads. We have a lot of students in our catchment area and USB dongles are particularly popular with them.'

Meanwhile, a T-Mobile store boss said: ‘We can definitely put 15% or more of our sales down to USB dongles. ‘It is a fantastic product from our point of view.'