Our history

Dectel was founded on June 20, 1991. Although a young company at first sight, Dectel has a rich history for it was the result of a management buy-out from the Benelux operations of Uniden, the Japanese telecommunications manufacturer. Including the Uniden period, Dectel has been on the Belgian market since 1985 and as such, it is one of the oldest independent telecommunications distributors in Belgium.

Dectel is one hundred percent owned by its Belgian shareholders. Over the years, it has considerably expanded its range of products and services. While in the early days its product portfolio was primarily based on the Uniden cordless telephones, in 1993 the company introduced its first Dectel branded product (Dectel CarryPhone, a mobile car phone). In that very same year, Dectel expanded its portfolio to include the distribution of GSM handsets, and in 1995 Dectel’s own range of GSM accessories hit the market.

Over the last couple of years, Dectel has also become an industry reference for developing services and solutions which provide a distinct added value to the customer. From 1997 onward, the company has been offering private brand labelling solutions to its customers. In 1998 and 1999, Dectel invested in a fully automated warehouse, which tripled its shipping capacity. On top of that, an automated ordering system was set up in 2001, Dectel online (Internet based ordering and shipment tracking) which gives customers 24-hour access and allows them to check the level of the stock, order goods, check on invoices and backorders, and browse our complete product catalogue.
 

The dectel Team

Dealer Login

Blazoenstraat 34

B-9000 Gent - Belgium

20th June 1991
Dectel is founded after a management buy-out at Uniden Benelux. Dectel launches the first approved cordless device in Belgium and distributes 9,600 products in six months.
 

1993
Dectel introduces the Carryphone, the smallest mobile telephone at 450 Mhz. In one year, the number of devices sold triples from 22,500 to 67,628.
 

1994
Dectel launches its first series of cellular phones and accessories. As Dectel invests in packing materials and logistics that year as well, the number of pieces that are distributed continues to rise to 71,191.
 

1996
Dectel extends its range of accessories. The commercial impact is huge: distribution increases from 89,178 devices in 1995 to 130,648, a growth of almost 50%.
 

1998
Dectel keeps on growing and moves from Ternat to new and more spacious premises in Ghent. In one year, the number of devices sold doubles from 229,302 to 427,265.
 

1999
Dectel starts using the fully automated logistics system of the Knapp company. Once again a huge success as the distribution reaches record heights : 773,184 pieces.

2000
Dectel switches to a new ERP system from the SAP company. Another instant hit with an increase of the distribution to 968,679 pieces.
 

2001
Dectel puts the finishing touch to its automation efforts by introducing Dectel online. The number of devices sold exceeds one million : 1,050,053.
 

2002
Dectel introduces a complete range of PDA accessories and starts with the distribution of memory cards and mobile I/O peripherals for PDA.
 

2003
Due to the increasing demand for PDA navigation, dectel becomes one of the major distributors of mobile navigation systems for PDA. Dectel adds new functions to the dectel online ordering system for resellers and introduces an online accessory finder for resellers and end-users.
 

2004
dectel creates a distinct profile for being the market leader of ‘products for people on the move’ and expands its range of products with high-tech mobile products. Moreover, dectel expands its services by providing its logistic backoffice systems to a number of American and Asian manufacturers and e-retailers active in Europe.
 

2008

The services to manufacturers are extended. Complete E-business solutions can be proposed now and Intershop becomes the new platform for this.

2009

Dectel profiles to the market as the company who is always looking for new innovative brands, and then also launches them on the market.  Dectel keeps distributing major brands in navigation, communication, audio, gaming and accessory market.

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