Distributors nervously await outcome of Nokia deal

Distributors are nervously awaiting the outcome of the tender process for Nokia’s highly coveted handset and accessories distribution contracts.

Brightpoint, Brightstar, Fone Logistics, i2Mobile, Elite, 20:20 Mobile, Dextra, Clockwork, Kondor, Data Select, Shebang and Westcom started competing for the right to distribute Nokia’s products in May, with a solus accessories distribution deal up for grabs for the first time.

A Nokia spokeswoman said that the manufacturer was ‘open-minded’ about the number of partners it would do business with, but industry sources say they expect ‘the usual suspects’ to be chosen.

All of the big hitters, including Brightpoint, Brightstar, Fone Logistics, Dextra and Data Select, are thought to still be in the running.

A decision is expected next week.