Intel-backed wireless charging solution provider Chargifi has secured its first managed service partnership with Sheffield-based ITI Network Services, a comms, wireless and infrastructure provider.
The deal signposts the emerging wireless charging sector and also points to the future role of the ICT channel in Chargifi's expansion strategy for the UK and Europe.
Using Chargifi's patent-protected technology venues can smarten up wireless charging transmitters with intelligence to monitor their usage and performance, manage and improve the experience of users and accelerate their deployment when needed.
According to Chargifi's CEO and founder, Dan Bladen, the solution delivers 'free convenient power to people where and when they need it most'.
"The future is wireless and the power cord is being cut," he said. "Wireless charging in public places will become as widely adopted as Wi-Fi over the coming months and years."
Chargifi's wireless charging technology is now available to ITI's multi-national customer portfolio as a managed service.
Client projects include the 2012 Olympic stadium, the BT Tower, theme parks and entertainment attractions in the UK and Europe, MOD bases, shopping and city centres.
ITI recently scooped one of its biggest contracts in its 22-year history to design and install a wireless infrastructure. The company also secured an extension to its long running contract with BT Wi-Fi and BT Global.
Jason Denmark, CEO of ITI Network Services, said: "Wireless networks to access the Internet are ubiquitous in businesses, venues, and public spaces. Now the public is demanding more.
"The uptake of smartphones and other devices using wireless charging means venues and destinations are expected to offer wireless charging points.
"Places that offer 'power to the people' will be at an advantage over those that don't. So we are bringing Chargifi's solution to our client base."
Bladen added: "ITI will be able to offer customers wireless charging deployments at scale along with insights into their customers' behaviour, something that power blocks don't do, meaning added value for those businesses."