James Williams, Managing Director, EMEA, PICS Telecom International, discussed with Telecom Review the role PICS plays in the industry being a leading provider of new and used surplus telecom and data equipment, investment recovery and recycling services.

The Company

A TL 9000 registered company, PICS Telecom International has been in the business for 20 years, specializing in the sale of new and used surplus telecommunications and data equipment. In the past 10 years the company has experienced rapid expansion in Europe, LATAM, and Asia Pac delivering the highest level of quality and customer service.

Talking about the company's profile, Williams said, "We are a leading provider of the most comprehensive asset management programs in the telecommunications industry. We redeploy, resell or recycle valuable excess or idle network assets. Our clients include many of the most successful, profit-driven, technologically advanced companies in the world."

According to Williams, the company was founded when they identified that there was a need for equipment with quick lead times or when OEM's had stopped manufacturing particular items. The idea of reselling and recycling equipment seemed the most sustainable solution, thus the concept for PICS was born.

In addition to this, PICS provide services including site surveys, asset valuations, de-installations, handling and packaging, logistics and transportation support, physical inventory reports, investment recovery, repair and green recycling services.

Key Differentiators

Williams said "What we have done is come up with a complete reverse logistics solution where carriers can store their surplus telecom equipment in our facilities. We then identify their assets, return what they need internally, market the items of value and advise on whether to resell or recycle the equipment in an environmentally useful way."

What really differentiates PICS Telecom is its ability to ensure that carriers make the most of their past investments while allowing them the time to focus on their core business. PICS Telecom's international facilities, experienced staff and marketing expertise help customers minimize their management time and maximize their return on investment.

The Footprint

PICS Telecom's head quarters is based in New York, United States, commented Williams, who added, "9 years ago we expanded our business to Europe. Buying and selling previously owned equipment came as a new concept to the major carriers throughout  the region. During the past 3 years, our business has grown phenomenally as customers realize the potential of their assets and want to ensure that old equipment is disposed of in a green way. Only last year we grew 40% and 2013 has blown away expectations with 60% growth YTD."

"We have an established presence in Asia, where we have an office in Hong Kong. Many Asian carriers, especially in China, are still running on older legacy networks. The OEMs have stopped manufacturing parts for these networks even though they are still in use. Carriers can't always financially or logistically switch all of their traffic into a newer platform easily. In such cases, our business model comes as the perfect solution."

"We first approached Middle Eastern companies during a conference held in the Unites States. The companies we approached hadn't heard of the "PICS concept" and were excited by our approach.  We see some booming opportunities in this region and the carriers we spoke with at GITEX in Dubai were enthusiastic to work with us."

Going Forward

PICS Telecom is determined to expand its footprint to the Middle East market. Williams commented, "We have already had some very interesting meetings with some of the major carriers here in Dubai and we are looking forward to providing green, sustainable solutions to the telecoms market and making money for them from assets sitting dormant in Warehouses. The future here in the Middle East is looking very promising."

© Telecom Review 2014