The decision to appoint D-Link as one of the predominant suppliers of broadband routers to TalkTalk and AOL Broadband comes after an exhaustive evaluation by them of the key broadband router suppliers in the UK market. This evaluation included a review of the performance and technical specification of each router as well as the company’s manufacturing and logistics capability, market credibility and technical support operation.
D-Link’s DSL-2640R, Wireless G broadband router has been selected under this initial contract, which will see first deliveries in September with D-Link branded product. In 2007, the combined home broadband subscriber base of TalkTalk and AOL Broadband grew by over 21 percent, reaching 2.6 million by the end of the year.
Commenting on the partnership, Chris Davies, General Manager D-Link UK & Ireland, said, “We are delighted that TalkTalk and AOL Broadband have chosen D-Link as one of their predominant broadband router suppliers. The decision is testament to D-Link’s ability to scale its award-winning wireless solutions.
Davies added, “The key driver for any ISP is for a manufacturer that will be cost-effective; delivering the best product offering to the customer at the right price. D-Link has demonstrated its ability to meet these requirements.”
Matt Bird, Senior Manager Future Technologies, AOL Broadband, said, “D-Link were able and willing to meet the strict quality and operational requirements for the supply of CPE to TalkTalk Group's Residential Telecoms division, including the TalkTalk and AOL Broadband ISP Brands.”
“Technical performance of the selected products exceeded our very high standards and clearly represented a strong value to the end user and our ISP Brands. From the start of the process, D-Link has shown commitment and dedication with clear support from the highest level.”
Bird added, “D-Link has demonstrated the highest commitment, we look forward to building on our successful start and making is easier for end users to make the Internet, easier, safer and faster. We very much look forward to working with our new partner.”
In addition, to further demonstrate D-Link’s commitment to its environmental responsibilities, accompanying every router bundle will be a free service provided by Netlink, offering to collect the customers’ old networking kit and recycle it accordingly.