Dell has announced that they have struck a partnership with mobile provider Three and manufacturer of ‘white label’ broadband connectivity devices Macheen that will see pre-installed broadband services available on its laptops and tablet computer devices.
Macheen, a company based in Texas in the USA, will manufacture and provide the relevant technology, while Three will provide the network for the technology to operate on and all three companies will split the revenue that the venture generates. The deal will give those who purchase a tablet or laptop featuring the technology to simply sign up to a mobile broadband tariff that Three offers in order to access mobile broadband services. No need to plug a dongle into a USB port, or wait for their service to go live.
The agreement reached with Dell is the first Macheen has come to since it launched its unbranded mobile broadband software. President and CEO of Macheen Inc., Richard Schwartz said: “Device makers are looking to turn lower-margin hardware into constant customer connections-without the heavy lifting,” adding: “That transition begins with simple, seamless connections to the cloud, followed by on-going offers of new content and services. We are seeing a significant improvement in both the purchase and connection rates for device makers who build in connectivity into their devices.”
As it is the first deal of its kind, the companies involved hope it will provide a new revenue stream and pave the way for more deals between mobile broadband providers and computer manufacturers. Macheen is already in talks with other computer companies and mobile broadband providers in other countries.
However, industry commentators are unsure whether consumers will embrace this white label service or prefer to seek out mobile broadband coverage themselves. Mobile providers and computer manufacturers will be watching Dell’s sales figures closely once the products containing the technology are launched.