Transatel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.png) | |
| Company type | Public limited company (Société Anonyme) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founders | Jacques Bonifay - CEO; Bertrand Salomon - Deputy CEO |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Jacques Bonifay - CEO; Bertrand Salomon - Deputy CEO |
| Products | Cellular connectivity; Internet of Things (IoT); Branded mobile services; MVNO / MVNE / MVNA |
Number of employees | 350 (2025) |
| Parent | NTT DATA |
| Website | www.transatel.com |
Transatel is a telecommunications company providing cellular connectivity solutions for both businesses and consumers.[1]
Founded in 2000, the company is led by its co-founders Jacques Bonifay (CEO) and Bertrand Salomon (Deputy CEO). Since 2019, Transatel has been a subsidiary of the NTT Group.[2]
Based in France, Transatel also has subsidiaries in the United Kingdom,[3] Switzerland, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.
Internet of Things
As a virtual mobile network operator (MVNO), Transatel provides global cellular connectivity services for M2M (machine-to-machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) applications across the automotive[4] and connected industry sectors, including aviation, transportation, energy, agriculture, and healthcare. Its ITU-assigned network code 901-37, combined with roaming agreements with over 300 mobile and satellite operators,[5] enables coverage in more than 200 countries and territories.
Transatel’s client portfolio includes BMW,[6] Airbus,[7] Worldline,[8] Cisco,[9] Stellantis (formerly FCA),[10] and Toyota.[11]
Expansion of Private Cellular Networks
In 2021, Transatel introduced a technology that allows SIM cards to connect to both private enterprise 4G and 5G networks and public mobile operator networks.[12] This innovation won multiple awards, including the IoT Awards 2021 (Ambitious Project)[13] and the IoT Breakthrough Awards 2021 (Public Safety Solution of the Year).[14] The solution was deployed by Toulouse Metropole during the Rugby World Cup to ensure connectivity for emergency services.[15]
Branded mobile services
As a MVNA / MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator / Enabler),[16] Transatel provides a platform that allows businesses and operators to resell mobile services under a white-label model. Since its establishment, Transatel has enabled more than 250 mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in France (on the Orange network[17]), Switzerland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom[18][19] (on the BT network[20]), including Ecotalk,[21] China Telecom,[22] Mozillion, Mega,[23] and many others.
In addition to wholesale activities, Transatel has operated several retail brands:
- Transatel Mobile (2001–2019)[24]
- Euro Keitai (2005–2015)[25]
- Le French Mobile (2010–2014)[26]
- Transatel DataSIM (2015–2025)[27]
- Bitebird with Air France–KLM (2016)[28]
- Ubigi (2017)[29]
Transatel is a founding member of MVNO Europe[30] and of the Alternative Télécom association,[31] where Jacques Bonifay serves as President and Vice-President, respectively.[32][33]
Ubigi
In 2017, Transatel introduced Ubigi as a brand providing international eSIM mobile plans for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.[34][35] The service has been made available through partnerships with Apple,[36] Android, Microsoft,[37] Fujitsu,[38] Dell, Toshiba, Vaio,[39] Asus,[40] Acer,[41] and Lenovo.[42]
Ubigi has also been adopted by automotive manufacturers including Jaguar Land Rover,[43] Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Fiat, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jeep),[44][45] BMW,[46] and MINI to deliver in-car connectivity for their customers.[47] In 2023, the service was extended to enterprises under the name Ubigi for Business.[48]
Key Dates
- 2000 – Creation of the company[49]
- 2001 – Launch of Transatel Mobile[50]
- 2004 – Launch of MVNE activity in France and Belgium
- 2005 – Launch of Euro Keitai[51]
- 2007 – Launch of MVNA activity in France (with Bouygues)[52][53]
- 2008 – Launch of MVNE activity in the UK and Switzerland (with Orange)[54]
- 2009 – Launch of MVNA activity in the United Kingdom (BT)
- 2010 – Launch of French Mobile[55]
- 2011 – Launch of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) activity
- 2014 – Assignment of code 901 37 by the ITU[56]
- 2014 – Launch of IoT activity[57]
- 2015 – Launch of Transatel Data SIM
- 2016 – Launch of Bitebird (with Air France)[58]
- 2017 – Launch of Ubigi[59]
- 2019 – Acquisition by NTT Group[60]
- 2023 – Launch of Ubigi for Business[61]
- 2024 – Opening of Transatel Brazil subsidiary[62]