RAC and EE bring superfast connectivity to Britain's fleets

EE, the UK's most advanced communications company, is working with the RAC to bring superfast connectivity to the nation's car fleets through the creation of one of the most advanced and far reaching business telematics products on the UK market. The agreement underscores EE's intention to be the partner of choice for companies looking to transform their business through mobile connectivity.

The three year deal marks a significant step forward for RAC's in-car B2B telematics solution and will enable fleet managers and business owners to quickly and reliably track and monitor each vehicle within their fleet.

An EE SIM embedded within the telematics unit will allow each vehicle to be monitored remotely, opening up an extensive range of benefits for those managing vehicle fleets. For example, as well as being able to more easily track the location, mileage and fuel efficiency of each vehicle, it will also provide the potential to identify mechanical faults and diagnose the cause of breakdowns and collisions without having to send out a mechanic.

The service is initially rolling out on EE's 2G and 3G network, the biggest and best in the UK, with plans to provide 4G services in the near future. The connectivity provided through EE means that the RAC will also be able to communicate with customers directly and establish stronger relationships with them.

The in-car telematics system also gives insurers the ability to use data on driver behaviour, car condition and mileage to more accurately tailor premiums, and to help decide who is at fault in the event of a collision.

Gerry McQuade, Chief Marketing Officer, Non Consumer EE said: "The rapidly increasing connectivity in the UK is fuelling a boom in M2M telematics, and EE is leading the way in this space. There are endless possibilities for its application in the automotive sector, and this partnership will enable RAC to ensure its customers are the first to reap the rewards of superfast connectivity."

RAC Director of Business Services David Aldridge said: "The RAC is dedicated to developing technology and networks that make significant differences to a business, both on an operational level and to the bottom line.

"As the UK's largest mobile network provider and pioneers of the UK's first 4G service, EE is a natural partner of choice for RAC, delivering telematics right to the heart of businesses to make managing a fleet of vehicles easier and more cost-effective.

"Our telematics technology offers fleet tracking and can even reduce the risk of accidents by up to 30%, which means that we can keep businesses moving on the roads more efficiently than ever before."

The RAC has a wealth of experience in fleet management service and the telematics product launch is part of a wider suite of new business services being launched by the motoring brand in 2013.

The new service is available now. For more information visit:

http://www.rac.co.uk/business/fleet-telematics/

Ends

If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact:

EE Press office: ee@nelsonbostock.com or call 0845 373 7070

Sarah Rice – 01454 665562 / sarah.rice@rac.co.uk

Simon Williams – 01454 664123 / simon.williams@rac.co.uk

Notes to Editors

About EE

EE is the largest and most advanced digital communications company in Britain, delivering mobile and fixed communications services to consumers, businesses, government and the wholesale market.

With more than 15,000 employees and 600 retail stores, EE serves more than 27 million customers on EE, Orange and T-Mobile mobile and broadband plans.

EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, having introduced the UK's first and only superfast 4G mobile service in 2012. In July 2013 EE's 4G coverage reached nearly 60% of the UK population, with plans to cover 98% of the population by 2014. 2G and 3G coverage currently reaches more than 99% of the population. EE's superfast fibre broadband service reaches 13 million premises, and fixed broadband reaches 99% UK population.

EE has received extensive independent recognition including being ranked the UK's best overall network by RootMetrics, and Best Business Network at the Mobile Industry Awards 2013.

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About RAC

With around seven million customers, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC is able to meet drivers' needs.

The RAC is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its customers and ranked first for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates' UK Roadside Assistance Study 2006 to 2009. The RAC was also the top-named breakdown organisation in the July 2009, January 2010, July 2010 and July 2011 half-yearly UK Customer Satisfaction Index from the Institute of Customer Service.

RAC Insurance has been awarded the Best Overall Vehicle Insurance Provider 2010/11 by themoneypages.com and voted 'Best Online Motor Insurance Provider' at the Your Money 2012 awards.

The RAC supports FairFuelUK campaigning for fairer taxes on petrol and diesel. Show support and find out more at www.fairfueluk.com.

RAC press releases, news alerts and a wealth of motoring research is available from www.rac.co.uk/press-centre/.

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