Telstra strikes Brightstar mobile deal

Telstra has signed an exclusive deal with Miami-based mobile phone wholesaler Brightstar to look after the teleco’s mobile supply-chain management. According to Telstra the deal's worth is not up for discussion.

Brightstar, a wireless distribution and supply chain solutions company, will manage operations of Telstra's handset supply chain, including the retail fulfilment operation, and introduce a number of inventory management tools.

Telstra’s group managing director, product management, Holly Kramer said this end-to-end retail supply chain agreement followed the exclusive agreement with Brightstar in October to source and procure wireless devices from global suppliers.

Under the agreement, Brightstar will manage Telstra's inventory, continue the strategic sourcing agreement; enable supply chain processes, distribution and logistics management; plus advise the telco on product lifecycles and ranges, stock movements, performance measurement tools and packaging and customisation capabilities.

Brightstar will also implement an IT system to monitor and report real-time sales performance and product movement down to the store and products level, ensuring appropriate product placement and turnover. Telstra has also requested it to look at web-based returns and reverse logistics tools to reduce the company’s handling and asset recovery costs.

Telstra’s current suppliers Brightpoint and Roadhound have been left wondering why there was no formal tendering process or test market pricing, according to
telecommunications expert, Paul Budde, said.

“I can understand if these companies are angered but Telstra is under no obligation to put this deal out there," he said. "However with a contract worth this much money it would cause companies to be suspicious and wonder if there were any backroom deals made.”

Brightstar, Brightpoint, Roadhound and Telstra were not able to be reached.

More on this story to follow.