Jola Cloud Solutions' Blog

Cherie Howlett

Cherie has over 15 years’ experience in IT marketing and was promoted to Head of Marketing for MDNX post purchase of Griffin. She was Marketing Manager for 5 years and Head of Marketing for Griffin for 2 years setting up a marketing department and strategy for connectivity, data networks and cloud-hosted solutions. During her time at Griffin, the company won 7 Channel ISP of the year awards, 5 Sunday Times Tech Track 100 awards, 2 Deloitte Fast 500 EMEA awards, 1 Deloitte Fast 50 award and 1 Channel Expo award. Cherie built brand awareness in the channel from 0% to 95% using an integrated strategy consisting of online, print, electronic and face to face marketing. Cherie had previously spent 2 years in a Marketing Manager’s role at Pipemedia before it sold to Business Serve in 2006. At Pipemedia she built a VoIP brand called PipeCall using a combination of PR, direct marketing and an online ordering and provisioning portal with plug and play hardware and electronic point of sale units. Cherie’s early career was in International Marketing working for software house AceCad Software and IBM in the European sales division.

Recent Posts

IoT Vendors

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 27-Aug-2025 16:59:32

The best IoT vendor will be the one that’s as committed to helping you grow your IoT business as you are. Jola only sells through the channel and therefore only succeeds when our partners succeed.

Jola developed the first fully featured mobile data management portal within Mobile Manager, enabling Jola partners to provision and manage their connectivity as efficiently and profitably as possible. 

Jola launched MRGTM, the first mobile data Go To Market programme for the channel. Participants in this programme have transformed their businesses thanks to the resources that Jola commits to helping them train staff, develop processes, and identify and close IoT opportunities within their customer base.

Jola launched the first zero-touch IoT hardware solutions, enabling channel partners to deliver CPE to their customers with bespoke configurations and remote management that work first time, out of the box, without requiring any staging or configuration by their own engineers.

Jola operates independently of any single Mobile Network Operator (MNO). We offer solutions that work on any network, anywhere in the world, whether the requirement is public Internet access or a fully private secure cloud. Our products are designed to enable our partners to distinguish themselves and stand out from basic services often offered elsewhere.

You will always achieve greater success when you operate as a unique provider. Partnering with an MNO means that you’ll only offer the services they are capable of supplying. You might even find yourself competing with that very same MNO in many opportunities. Working with an independent channel-only IoT provider such as Jola means that you’ll stand out from the crowd and be able to offer truly differentiated solutions that meet all your customers' requirements.

Read More

Topics: IoT

Making Money from Mobile Data

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 14-Aug-2025 16:15:25

How to get involved

Look for a channel-only supplier with:

  • A wide range of differentiated SIMs that stand out against vanilla MNO offerings
  • Differentiated hardware devices that are easy to sell, deploy and support
  • Ready-made solutions for common use cases such as PSTN replacement
  • OPEX and CAPEX financial models on hardware
  • A real-time, fully automated, API-enabled, white-label portal that connects to every mobile network in the world
  • Best-in-class network security as standard
  • A go-to-market programme to help you find and win mobile data opportunities

Products  

Our ability to innovate is one of our success stories at Jola. We continually innovate to help partners win deals. We offer a wide range of differentiated solutions from single-network SIMs for phones, tablets and mobile broadband solutions to multi-network QR eSIMs, M2M and IoT SIMs, fixed IP SIMs for WiFi, ticketing systems, monitoring devices and CCTV cameras. We provide innovative PSTN replacement solutions with battery back-up, suitable for lifts in shopping centres. We recently launched intelligent Teltonika routers, which arrive plug-and-play for digital signage solutions in supermarkets.

Portals

We were the first to market with a real-time automated portal, and we continue to lead and innovate in this area. MSPs and resellers do not want multiple supplier portals to deal with; they want the ability to order a wide range of technologies from multiple network operators in a single portal. They also want direct access to activate SIMs, add bolt-ons, and share data across accounts.

Security

Jola has a fully redundant and highly scalable IP edge network specifically designed to deliver high-performance and secure mobile data services. Our partners’ critical services now operate over the Cloudflare network. Cloudflare’s 121 Tbps global network blocks an average of 86 billion threats each day, including some of the largest DDoS attacks in history.

MRG™

Jola is assisting channel partners in identifying prospects with immediate needs for mobile data SIMs through our six-step Mobile-data Revenue Generator™ (MRG) programme. We develop unique solutions that partners cannot obtain elsewhere, at competitive prices, ensuring a healthy margin. As a channel-only provider, partners can rely on us to assist them in pitching and closing deals.

To find out more request our partner pack.

Request our partner pack

Read More

Topics: mobile data

Network Expansion

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 14-Aug-2025 16:12:32

Rollouts

There has been significant progress with 5G.  We’ve seen the 5G footprint improve across all the networks.  However, the big news is that we’ve also seen 5G standalone deployed by EE, O2 and Vodafone in the last 12 months.

Standalone 5G delivers on the full promise of 5G with lower latency, higher data speeds, better efficiency, improved reliability and support for large-scale IoT.

Further progress

2025 will continue to see both the 5G footprint and 5G capabilities improve.  2025 has also seen the merger of Three UK and Vodafone which should provide improvements for customers of both networks.

PSTN Switch-off

The PSTN switch-off will have a huge impact on the channel. For Jola, it has been the underlying reason for the majority of the growth we’ve experienced over the last 12 months. This compelling event leads businesses to reevaluate how they use telecom services to meet their business needs.  The conclusion in many cases has been that 4G and 5G services can do more for less without complex or time-consuming installation of replacement fixed lines.

Satellite

Satellite has the potential to have a significant impact on the channel.  Most resellers will be familiar with the need to deliver solutions to multi-branch businesses.  These businesses could be offices, retail locations, petrol forecourts, schools, EV charging stations etc.  The reality is that a single operator is unlikely to be able to deliver the right service, on-time and on budget to all these locations.  5G and satellite are an ideal solution being able to be installed rapidly and provide fibre-like performance either as a precursor to fibre being installed or as the permanent solution.

We recently worked on a large retail rollout where satellite was chosen as the standard delivery mechanism and alternatives chosen only where satellite couldn’t be installed due to landlord restrictions.

Read More

Topics: PSTN Replacement

Jola launches a range of Intelligent Teltonika Routers

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 14-Aug-2025 16:09:29

Jola launches new, affordable intelligent 4G and 5G routers for the channel. Teltonika routers from Jola feature unique capabilities that aren’t available elsewhere. 

Jola partners can order the new routers in Mobile Manager with a choice of SIM options to suit every requirement. Devices arrive with the Jola custom firmware installed, providing zero-touch auto-configuration saving resellers time and money. They also come with RMS for remote management access and VPN services. 

“Our new range of intelligent routers are built in Europe and have the e-mark meaning partners can create super-fast, reliable, smart solutions in buses, trains and coaches. Primary and secondary failover solutions can be designed for digital signage and POS systems in shops, car parks and offices. Jola partners can manage connected devices as well as estates of SIMs within our real-time portal Mobile Manager. Our devices are reliable, cost-effective and easy to manage. Our partners are winning more bids as they can save their customers thousands of pounds on-site surveys and engineers.” Adrian Sunderland CEO. 

Read More

Topics: mobile data

What technologies are in demand in transport and logistics?

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 14-Aug-2025 16:05:43

Whilst the tracking of assets remains crucial, smart transport networks are now delivering substantial benefits to passengers, operators, and local authorities. Urban services are becoming more efficient, effective, and safe.

End-to-end solutions within the industry leverage advanced technologies like 4G routers and cameras. Tracking systems for trams, buses, and trains are becoming more sophisticated, accurately estimating and advertising arrival times while factoring in potential delays. These solutions often rely on 4G data SIMs, some with a fixed IP or delivered via a secure Private APN.

Warehouses are increasingly adopting these solutions not only to stay competitive but also to realise significant benefits in terms of manpower savings and cost reductions. The advent of 5G is further empowering companies, even in rural locations, to adopt new technologies that streamline and enhance workflow tracking.

What do MSPs need from suppliers in this sector?

In serving the evolving needs of the transport and logistics sector, resellers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) need to offer choice and control. A wholesale supplier with a diverse range of connectivity options, from single to multi-network to Fixed IP, is essential. Many MSPs have established robust relationships within this sector, understanding the challenges faced and proposing customised solutions.

End-users require continuous connectivity and control over their data usage to prevent data overage charges. Jola’s partners play a crucial role in managing global SIM estates through Mobile Manager, providing real-time data usage insights, alerts bolt-ons, and data pools. These tools enable efficient monitoring of usage, preventing bill shock. Additionally, the use of mobile data networks expedites start-up processes, eliminating delays associated with lengthy fixed-line installations.

What are the key challenges for MSPs in this market?

Service providers, without the assistance of an intelligent aggregator, encounter several challenges in the 4G landscape. Firstly, varying network strengths in specific locations necessitate relationships with multiple network providers. Secondly, the absence of data usage tracking leaves devices susceptible to high overage charges when exceeding monthly allowances. Thirdly, there is a crucial need for a secure channel for transmitting financial data.

Cost-effective multi-network SIMs, coupled with an online ordering and management portal, address these challenges. Portals which facilitate data usage tracking, enable the setup of usage alerts, and allow for the retroactive application of bolt-ons ensure data costs are controlled. Data pools provide the flexibility of sharing data across multiple SIMs, while buffer pools eliminate high data overage charges. Furthermore, the utilisation of Private APN networks enhances security by facilitating the encrypted transmission of data across a private mobile network.

Read More

Topics: M2M

Become the local expert

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 02-Jul-2025 10:30:39

Education

The channel educates businesses to adopt new technologies and find smarter ways to solve problems. We highlight products being switched off, such as 3G and PSTN, to help companies prepare with improved, more cost-effective solutions.

New Technologies

With technologies being switched off and the current economic climate, demand for cost-effective, managed mobile data solutions from the channel has never been as high. We are seeing an exponential rise in demand for SIMs, not only for use in 5G/4G routers, pre-Ethernet connectivity and Ethernet back-up but also for digital signage, monitoring and smart devices.  Resellers, manufacturers and service companies are finding new uses for mobile data daily, and as we accelerate towards 5G, this is unlikely to slow down.

Marketing is key

Companies need to know their target audience, requirements, buying habits, competition and unique selling points. Businesses need a multi-touch marketing strategy to reflect common problems and highlight unique solutions. It is important to be visible on and offline. Your website needs to be visible in searches for your audience, your content should be clear, and your call to action should be easy. Be where your buyers are. By joining local trade associations, winning and promoting opportunities won in the local area and delivering a constantly reliable and excellent service.

The Channel

Our partners pride themselves on excellence and trusted relationships with their customers. They understand their unique requirements and deliver what they say they will when they say they will. Being local, they can spend time with customers face-to-face in their offices, offering personalised support that the competition cannot compete with.

MSPs and resellers partner with aggregators and experts in their fields to allow them to deliver the widest range of solutions at the best possible prices. They look for partners with automated portals so they can retain control of their customer experience.

Suppliers

Channel-only suppliers are only successful if their resellers are successful. As a result, the best channel-only suppliers will have a tried-and-tested go-to-market programme to help resellers be successful as quickly as possible. Jola partners benefit from our MRG™ programme, a proven process for targeting and closing opportunities, maximising customer satisfaction.

Read More

Topics: mobile data

Hybrid Working

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 24-Jun-2025 14:11:21

During lock-down businesses were forced to make remote working available for all employees very quickly. Jola helped partners supply mobile data solutions to suit every requirement. Since then, we have seen a rise in the use of cloud-based, collaborative software, such as Microsoft Teams for seamless hybrid working. A focus on communication and collaboration is required to support this. 

Hybrid working has many benefits. For employees, they don’t need to battle the traffic every day and can manage their workload effectively.

Many of our employees work in the office a couple of days a week to facilitate wellbeing, social lunches and informal meetings. This encourages cross-departmental team building and problem solving. We are conscious of employee burn out and encourage regular coffee breaks and lunchtime walks wherever they work.

Being in the same room for key meetings is also useful to ensure every participant is fully engaged and not distracted by someone at the door or urgent emails coming in.

New starters can feel a little isolated. It is useful when starting a new job to be in the office to build relationships with key departments to know who to go to with any issues and who can support them in their role. Corporate culture is hard to learn remotely when you are not living and breathing it in the same office as your colleagues.

At Jola, we work with with our partners to build differentiated propositions to facilitate hybrid working. We help partners to create a compelling proposition, highlighting how it uniquely solves the problem and the current and future benefits.

Read More

Topics: mobile data

The Jola Team shoots and scores in the Big Goal Tournament

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 18-Jun-2025 14:12:44

Jola is a founding member of the Big Goal, an initiative dedicated to addressing youth homelessness through the transformative power of football. The Street Soccer Foundation, a nationally acclaimed charity, are tackling youth homelessness with the support of clubs across the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) by equipping individuals with the skills they need for a brighter future.

The Big Goal, known for its holistic approach to youth development, aligns with Jola's commitment to fostering positive change and community well-being. By supporting the Big Goal, Jola aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. This month Jola’s football team took part in a charity football tournament in Derby.  They played well, showing great teamwork and spirit but missed out on qualifying for the national finals.

Rob Stevens, Jola’s COO, commented “Football is a big part of my family life, providing a fantastic way to engage with young people in the local community. The Channel has a responsibility to help overcome challenges faced by our young people, and the Big Goal was set up for that purpose. We focus on imparting valuable skills, aiding in education, upskilling, inspiring, and ultimately changing lives for the better.”

Read More

Topics: Business

The importance of a good company culture

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 11-Jun-2025 15:25:31

Good company culture comes from the top. It’s a shared belief system that everyone works to, is recognised for and rewarded against. It is a shared ethos, absorbed and replicated by the team. Culture is consistent and managed like every other aspect of the business.

At Jola, we built the business from the ground up. The founders had all worked together previously with a shared ethos. We put our partners first. We do what we say we will do and hold each other accountable, to build trusted relationships. We set challenging goals and plan to exceed them. We respect our employees, partners and suppliers.

Issues can be easy to spot if you measure employee and partner satisfaction. Understanding the values and how they relate to the success of the business, is key.

Challenges to consistent corporate culture

Working from home has impacted the speed of culture adoption. In the office, you see how the team interacts and solves problems. New employees get the chance to adopt the same behaviours. Remote working has made managing culture more challenging. Clear communication, positive feedback and mentoring have helped our culture to grow with the business.

About Jola

Jola is an award-winning, channel-only supplier of business communications, specialising in mobile data SIMs. We are a global eSIM MVNO, providing innovative IoT and mobile data solutions to MSPs, ISPs, IT support companies and telecommunications resellers.

Read More

Topics: Business

Jola received a ‘great’ NPS score from partners

Posted by Cherie Howlett on 04-Jun-2025 16:49:11

In the annual partner satisfaction survey, Jola scored a Net Promoter Score of 63 up from 55 last year. This score is categorised as ‘great’, with 48% of Jola partners giving them 10/10 and 93% scoring them 7 or higher. In the comments, Jola partners praised Jola’s wide portfolio of differentiated products, new ultra-competitive pricing, real-time portals, helpful people and professional service.

Adrian Sunderland, Jola’s CEO, commented, ‘I am delighted with our NPS score and the feedback we have received from partners. We have over 1500 resellers choosing Jola as their preferred mobile connectivity supplier. Our relentless product development continues with a list of unique products you can’t buy from anyone else, designed to help partners differentiate and win bigger deals. We continue to grow and invest in people, products, platforms and processes. We have a fantastic team dedicated to supporting our growing partner base and it was great to see so many of them named in the survey.”

Read More

Topics: mobile data

Learn about the latest business communication technologies.

Find out what is available in your area.

This blog contains articles, reviews and interviews about the latest communications technologies for business.Sign up to this blog:

  • Become an expert in business cloud communications
  • Learn about the latest technologies
  • Understand how they can benefit your business

 

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts