HSC assured that O2's relationship is strong

Carphone Warehouse's airtime distribution division HSC has been invited by O2 to put dealers forward for the new 'O2 Approved' scheme.

HSC business manager Bob Sweetlove defended HSC's record with O2, maintaining it was still part of the network's Centre of Excellence and that it was meeting all the requirements for the scheme.

Sweetlove said HSC would be launching its O2 Approved club on July 21. Around 20 HSC dealers will be invited to attend an event on that date. It is to join Avenir and Fone Logistics, whose dealers are inaugural members of the club.

Sweetlove disputed widespread speculation within the market O2 is reviewing its partnership with HSC.

Sweetlove said: "We have not been cut by O2; we are still working closely with it and we remain part of its Centre of Excellence programme. We are in the best scheme there is and we are meeting the criteria set us.

"The new O2 Approved programme will be for dealers who want to commit the majority of their B2B connections through O2 and receive a range of benefits."