Reflections on more than 20 years in the wireless industry
By Steve Cloetingh, The Signal

The Signal was formed in 1984 when cell phones were still about the size of a brick and one of the most popular mobile communications devices was a CB radio hanging off the dashboard of a truck. Then, as now, we saw the need for a low-cost handset protection program that would help wireless carriers provide superior service to their customers, reduce churn and improve profitability.

Since the inception of our companies, we have witnessed the incredible evolution of the wireless industry and the companies – including ours – that serve it.

Read the full article

AssureConnection®

Unique handset protection program that boosts attachment rates and enhances customer satisfaction.

AssureConnection offers wireless carriers a competitive edge in the marketplace. No other handset protection program in the industry has the power to drive incremental sales by empowering in-store associates. No other single-product offering provides comprehensive coverage to customers.

www.assureconnection.com

The Signal was formed in 1984 to offer a low-cost handset insurance program specifically targeted to cellular equipment that would help wireless carriers provide superior customer service, reduce churn and improve profitability.

Throughout its history, Signal Holdings has maintained a rigorous commitment to quality customer service, continuous product improvement and integrity in all its business relationships. As a company, it has continued to add capabilities in support of the ever-expanding requirements to provide fully integrated handset protection and logistics programs.

Learn More

Assurant Solutions businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, automobile dealers, utilities and other entities.

Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ.

AssureConnection is a registered service mark of Assurant, Inc. 

Case Study:
AssureConnection®, A Unique Handset Protection Offering

Press Release:
AssureConnection®

Service Model:
The Signal Integrated Wireless Handset Protection Model

Wireless Handset Protection Customer Satisfaction and Insight Survey

A research company sponsored by The Signal conducted a study in the fourth quarter of 2007 surveying wireless users on their satisfaction levels regarding handset protection products currently being offered in the marketplace. The survey consisted of 2,524 individual non-business wireless users.

The attached summary report includes information that emphasizes two key points:

• The value of handset protection to the end-user

• The need for improved marketing of the handset protection offering at the store level

Learn more

Analysis: Cell phones take aim at desktop Internet dominance

Cell phones have the potential to unseat desktop and laptop computers as the go-to device for Internet browsing, according to this article. "Many people, especially young adults, don't want to wait to get home or find an Internet hot spot to go online," said Tejas Rao, director of technology for Nokia Canada. "They want to take out their wireless phone and instantly update their social-networking site. The Edmonton Journal (Canada) (4/5)

Analysis: More mobile phones need to be recycled

As more people snap up the latest wireless gadgets, the need to recycle old handsets increases, according to this BusinessWeek analysis. ABI Research predicts that by 2012, shipments of recycled handsets will be more than 100 million units. According to industry statistics, 1 billion wireless handsets are shipped annually. BusinessWeek/Independent (London), The (12/27)

Apple aims for mobile dominance with iPhone 2.0

Apple planned iPhone upgrade will make the device even more computer like, opening up the iPhone to third-party developers and expanding its retail capabilities with its online Apps Store. To facilitate its strategy, Apple has secured backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, which created the $100 million iFund. The Guardian (3/16)

Cell phone insurance offers some parents peace of mind

Cell phone insurance plans are growing in popularity among cell phone users, including parents who are looking for a way to protect against their children losing or breaking their handsets. Every year, roughly a quarter of cell phone owners break or lose their phones, according to industry statistics. Consumers looking for insurance typically have several tiers of coverage to select from, with basic coverage protecting against electrical or mechanical malfunctions, and premium coverage giving users protection from loss, accidental damage and theft, as well as access to an extended warranty. The New York Times (12/9/2006)