T-MOBILE

So , from a supply chain management perspective , how are the lessons learned being implemented now , in a consistently volatile , almost-post-pandemic world ?

“ At the end of the day , supply chain is a game of certainty , and you need that certainty to operate . When you are getting hit by an event like the pandemic , the certainty that ’ s essential to operate isn ’ t there ,” Caballero-Vieyra outlines .

“ Then you start thinking : if we ' re not going to be receiving the products when we expect them , what do we need to do in terms of safety stock to be able to mitigate those risks ? So we started leveraging our network of supplier relationships to find alternative supply sources and protect our value proposition . That gives you options to begin making decisions , or start adjusting what you were thinking originally , based on the new information coming in day-to-day .”

Caballero-Vieyra explains how one of the critical lessons learned from this situation was the need to constantly rethink diversifying to avoid risk .

“ Supplier diversity becomes crucial in minimising those unexpected events . So we implemented that across every step of the process – from the moment we are designing a portfolio of products , we start thinking , ‘ What would happen if we go through a repeat of 2020 and 2021 ?’.

“ When you go through a shock to the system like the pandemic , it brings supplier partnerships and risk management to the forefront of your thinking .”

Challenges of the American mobile market According to Caballero-Vieyra , the main way T-Mobile differentiates from its competitors is by offering America ’ s leading 5G network .

“ We have always been a value leader : we have fantastic prices , and the best value for those prices . And now , we also have an incredible network to match our incredible value .

“ We offer amazing content to our customers and , with respect to devices or accessories , we give them tons of options . We also ensure that we design a portfolio

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