2degrees rebrands wholesale unit to 2degrees Network Partners

2degrees has announced a rebranding of its wholesale business unit, now known as 2degrees Network Partners, aligning with its modern, software-enabled services. This move away from traditional wholesale operations and towards digital-driven solutions aims to improve customers' access to the firm's substantial network infrastructure.

"The days of a traditional wholesale operation that is tacked onto a telco is a thing of the past for us," explained Chief Commercial Officer Paul Mathewson. "What we bring to the market now are telco-services underpinned by a world-class on-demand digital self-service portal we call Flex."

No minor player in the market, 2degrees carries a rich heritage in the wholesale sector. Following its 2022 merger, it now boasts 4600km of fibre and over 2000 mobile towers, servicing more than 1.7 million consumers, households, and businesses nationwide. In addition to strengthening its own capabilities, 2degrees collaborates with some of the world's largest technology firms, international telcos, and leading New Zealand utility brands.

"Whether it's working with household brands or new businesses to enter the mobile or fixed space, partnering with managed service providers, or sourcing, building and operating networks for some of the world's largest technology players, we are well positioned to be the best partner for network solutions in NZ," Mathewson stated.

2degrees stands out not only for its technological assets but also for the relationship it maintains with its partners. For instance, Michael O'Donnell, General Manager of Retail at Nova Energy, has noted that Nova's successful venture into the mobile market was, in part, due to 2degrees' supportive and collaborative approach. Similarly, Sky's Chief Customer Officer, Dan Kelly, applauded the open and transparent partnership with 2degrees, which he says significantly impacted Sky's customer value proposition positively.

The company's investment in the Flex platform is an attentive response to customer demands for easier access to telco services and increased control over the products offered to end-users. As Mathewson asserted, the goal is to empower customers through convenience, flexibility, and management of their network access.

The telecoms expert also discussed the current condition of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market in New Zealand: "The New Zealand MVNO market, in particular, lags behind international trends, but we expect this to change over the coming years. We are making it far easier to launch, operate, and grow a new telco business in New Zealand than it has ever been."

While technology is at its forefront, 2degrees has not overlooked the importance of a personal touch. A team of specialists, led by Charlie Boyd, the General Manager of Network Partners, provides services including world-class account management, solution design, and delivery, ensuring support at every stage of the customer lifecycle. As Boyd noted, "The scope of what the team does, and how they engage with our partners to deliver—is tremendous."