When we talk about communication, it should be (by default) “open”. De Bono said the same thing in his book. Our telco godfathers around the globe translated that in much better way — they made it possible for people to connect with each other, regardless of numbers (mobile numbers, landline numbers) and devices (cellphones, landline phones).
Unfortunately, when over-the-top (OTT) communication providers came in — they created their own “network” where users must join (download > install > create account) for them to use the services. Interestingly, richer features which used to be nice-to-have luxury such as share meme images, other people’s contact and location made people forgot about the true nature of communication — open. We only can connect with others as long as they are in the same ecosystem. Communication no longer by default — open. Few OTT communication providers did well in term of interoperability where they provided API. But for the rest of them — it’s about creating their own bubble of ownership.
Consumerism (Telco Subscribers) : Needs & Issues
Needs :
Call people in home country while studying / working / travelling abroad
- Call people abroad for personal & business purpose
- Call landline & mobile number for various purposes
Issues :
- Expensive roaming charges
- Expensive international direct dial (IDD)
- Need to buy new sim card while travelling
- Expensive rates to call to landline
Why OTT Cross Network Communication is What We Need?
- State of the receiver side : landlines and non-smartphone (feature phone). Report shows that around 6.4 million landlines subscription in Malaysia.
- Infrastructure / facilities i.e internet penetration. SEA only has 63% penetration rate while another 37% — represent people who are underserved, left outside of the digital ecosystem.
- Social and culture background i.e technology literacy and income.
- Unit economics benefit for all ecosystem stakeholders i.e cheaper fee for consumers.
With that all in mind, we aim to return the right to have real communication to people by providing cross network services through our product. We help them to reach anyone through landlines and mobile numbers.
