REDtone International Bhd, a tier-two telecommunications service provider, has entered into a partnership with Celcom Bhd to enhance its range of mobile phone services for enterprise customers in the postpaid segment.

The collaboration will see REDtone’s subsidiary REDtone Mobile Sdn Bhd leveraging on Celcom’s network to deliver services such as SMS, multimedia messaging service, general packet radio service and third-generation (3G). The services will be offered under REDtone’s brand name.

The initiative will see REDtone becoming the first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the country for enterprise customers. It also will mark the first time the company is tying up with a tier-one telco.

REDtone’s group managing director Wei Chuan Beng said REDtone Mobile, as an MVNO, will focus on postpaid enterprise customers, and this will help the company strengthen its position in the enterprise segment.

“We already have a solid reputation among enterprise customers where we have been offering services since 2001. The MVNO arrangement will enable REDtone operate specialised packages for the enterprise segment and provide value-added solutions and applications to our customers.”

The company plans to roll out the services in the first quarter of next year.

Long-term plans with Celcom, Wei said, include exploring content and application business partnerships. In addition, customers can expect more unique value-added solutions and applications in the future.

Wei pointed out that the partnership with Celcom is timely as the mobile segment in the area of value-added services is growing and presents a lot of opportunities. “In addition to voice, we are extending our services to include data, broadband and mobile. This will enable us to tap into the vast potential of these growth areas and enhance our revenue stream.”

REDtone customers, according to Celcom (M) Berhad’s chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly, will now be able to benefit from Celcom’s wide 2G and 3G coverage. They will also be able to enjoy the same quality of services as Celcom customers even in remote areas.

For Celcom, Shazalli said the collaboration will be a platform to attract the attention of REDtone’s huge customer base to its network.