O2 pledges support to partner 2e2 and affected customers

Carrier vows to ensure service continuity and support fallen rival as it goes through administration process

Carrier O2 has pledged to ensure customers of its joint venture with 2e2 do not suffer service disruption while pledging to "support 2e2 through a difficult time".

In a statement issued today (published in full below), the mobile operator expresses its sadness that its partner has succumbed to administration, while stressing that "our priority is our customers". O2 claims that, for services it has outsourced to the fallen integrator, "we are taking the right steps to ensure service continuity".

The joint venture – dubbed O2 Unify – was announced two years ago, with customers being offered services from the entirety of the two firms' portfolios, all essentially fulfilled by and billed to one entity. The tie-up began life with 30 dedicated staff, led by O2's Paul Osborne, with another 70 soon added. Unify could also lean on the network operator's 500-strong corporate salesforce.

The partnership was initially agreed for a five-year term, but in August 2012, 19 months into the deal, 2e2 revealed it was already planning on extending the agreement. The integrator claimed the JV had generated £18m sales during its first year, with 2012 revenue projected to nudge towards £100m.

It was revealed last night that numerous 2e2 UK entities have been placed into administration. Channel onlookers have been quick to express their dismay that the firm has hit the wall, although few seem surprised that it was ultimately dragged down by its high debt levels.

O2 statement
"We're really sorry that 2e2 has gone into administration. Our priority is our customers. We're focused on maintaining their service either direct or through our partners whilst supporting 2e2 through a difficult time.

"Like any IT business we use a number of third-party suppliers and vendors to deliver solutions for our customers. For the services that we have subcontracted to 2e2, we are taking the right steps to ensure service continuity. We operate a diverse and resilient supply chain to help manage risks in situations like this."