Banking chain AIB has signed a contract with O2 Ireland, which will provide 100pc of all mobile communications to the bank. The contract will involve voice, virtual private network and BlackBerry connectivity for more than 2,130 executives.
This is understood to be the first time that AIB has opted for a sole network provider. Up until recently, O2 held a 50pc share of the mobile communications business with AIB. The decision by O2 to ramp it up to 100pc came following a tender process last April.
According to the head of corporate and business sales at O2 Billy Darcy, the mobile operator has been providing AIB with mobile communications services since 1997.
As part of the agreement, O2 will supply more than 2,000 voice connections and 130 BlackBerry connections. Two corporate private network (CPN) connections have also been agreed. The CPNs will allow AIB to link its landlines and mobile phones seamlessly, enabling significant cost savings and more convenient numbering plans for mobiles calling back to the office and vice versa.
Paul Williams, head of cost management and procurement services at AIB, said: “At AIB, customer service is crucial to the continued growth and success of our group. Keeping in touch with our customers is key. We are increasingly contacting our customers by mobile phone.
“We reviewed costs thoroughly, sought competitive bids from the market and selected O2 following detailed analysis of submissions. O2’s flexible approach and its focus on competitive pricing meant it offered a cost-effective package that meets our specific business needs,” Williams added.
By John Kennedy
