Job losses dampen BT's channel claims

Resellers question telco's partner strategy

Although two thirds of resellers claim to be satisfied with BT's indirect strategy, many feel that the telecoms giant still has a long way to go to get its partner strategy right.

In addition, many fear that the proposed cut of 4,000 jobs over the next six months from BT's retail division, in which the indirect arm sits, could adversely impact channel partners.

Despite having over 1,000 resellers on its books, the indirect division polled just 50 voice and data resellers for its half-yearly Partner Satisfaction Survey.

The survey claimed that 69 per cent of resellers interviewed were satisfied with its indirect strategy. However, some channel players are sceptical about the figures, and believe that all carriers need to improve their services.

"I would give BT six out of 10 and a 'could do better'. It is actually the best of a bad bunch," said Manny Pinon, sales and marketing director at distributor and BT premier partner Norwood Adam. "It's all about service delivery, and I think the first carrier to put in a service level agreement will succeed."

According to George Sanger, sales director at systems integrator Xpert Systems, BT should promote its partners more if it wants its indirect channel to be more successful.

"A lot of customers are not aware that BT has an indirect channel. It should let customers know there is a choice," he said.