Arsenal Expands Global Coverage With New Deal

Arsenal has agreed a new partnership with Telkomsel which will see the Indonesian mobile phone operator the firm become the official mobile network of the Barclays Premier League club in the country.

Telkomsel will also support the club’s visit to Jakarta in July, where Arsenal will face the Indonesian national side. 

The company’s 125 million customers will be given exclusive access to purchase tickets for the match during a month-long sales period. 

In addition, Arsenal and Telkomsel will develop a number of co-marketing initiatives that focus mainly on the simPATI brand in the build-up to the game. 

The agreement a follows a trend of deals that have seen leading Premier League clubs sign national partnerships with telecommunications companies outside the UK. Last year Manchester United signed a deal with Bulgarian company GLOBUL, just days before neighbours and rivals Manchester City agreed a partnership with a Japanese mobile website.

Arsenal’s head of global partnerships, Vinai Venkatesham said: ‘Asia continues to be a major focus for Arsenal, and Indonesia is a particularly important market for the club with the huge following we have there. By taking our first team to play a match in Indonesia, and working with one of the country’s biggest brands, we look forward to engaging with our passionate fans in the run up to, during and after this summer’s visit.’

Marcella Dewi, head of the loyalty and lifestyle group for Telkomsel, added: ‘Telkomsel has always been respecting and supporting sport, and through our brand simPATI that targets the youth market, we showcase our commitment in customer loyalty and innovation. We strongly believe this partnership allows us to provide unique football experiences for our football passionate customers across Indonesia.’

Earlier this year, the Gunners posted a profit of £17.8 million, with cash reserves also up £7 million to £123.3million.