T-Mobile Rolls Out Remote Work Portfolio, Enlists Dialpad

T-Mobile launched a new portfolio to enable remote work for businesses.

Consisting of three offerings, WFX Solutions use the T-Mobile 5G network in order to support a workforce that will remain largely remote even in the wake of COVID-19.

T-Mobile’s Mike Sievert

“The pandemic pushed the fast-forward button on the future of work, giving us a decade’s worth of progress in a year’s time. And it’s clear that work will never be the same,” T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said. “Tomorrow’s workplace won’t be anything like the old work-from-office world, and it won’t be like today’s work-from-home world. It’ll be something new: the work-from-anywhere world.”

The WFX offerings include:

• T-Mobile Home Office Internet, which provides a separate 4G/5G broadband connection for employees, using a dedicated router, enterprise-grade security and 24/7 support.
• T-Mobile Collaborate, a mobile-first system that provides video and voice conferencing. It also integrates with workplace applications like Microsoft Office 365.
• Enterprise Unlimited, which gives businesses unlimited data for a price that T-Mobile says is equal to or lower than Verizon’s and AT&T’s various plans and gives users mobile hotspot data.

The announcement includes a partnership with Dialpad to deliver the collaboration solution. In addition, T-Mobile Ventures made an equity investment in Dialpad. As a result, it earned an observer seat on Dialpad’s board of directors.

Analyst Reaction

Daryl Schoolar, who covers fixed and mobile infrastructure for Omdia, complimented T-Mobile’s vision for the new offerings.

Omdia’s Daryl Schoolar

“T-Mobile smartly recognizes that the pandemic will leave a lasting impact on how people work. 5G was designed to help operators better address enterprise needs,” Schoolar said.

Schoolar also credited WFX for its marketability.

“While this offering is not nearly as futuristic as many of the other applications I have seen talked about – like in manufacturing – WFX can actually be sold now,” he said. “And unlike many futuristic 5G applications, WFX is easily scalable.”

Partner Perspective

Chicago-based master agent TBI partners with T-Mobile. Mike Onystok, TBI’s senior vice president of operations, said the new T-Mobile offer comes at an important time. Moreover, he said a large demand exists for partners to help implement the portfolio.

TBI’s Mike Onystok

“Enterprises spent nearly $6 billion on telco infrastructure in 2019, most of which has now been abandoned, sitting in unused office spaces. Now organizations will need to update and upgrade services for the hybrid workforce and incorporate the most advanced technologies for optimized employee efficiency,” Onystok said. “Those in the channel industry should see this as an opportunity to further advise clients.”

Mike Katz, T-Mobile for Business’ executive vice president, said rival carriers are offering “a very expensive starvation diet of old technologies, old plans and hidden fees.”

T-Mobile’s Mike Katz

“We’re on a mission to loosen the carriers’ death grip on enterprise customers,” Katz said.

We wrote last month about T-Mobile’s new channel leader. Pat Watkins told us that she is working to establish a stronger connection between indirect and direct sales.

“At the end of the day, it’s removing the friction in the selling process so there can be far more collaboration,” she said.