In the VAS space, we have to look beyond infotainment

Comment

Digg

Del.icio.us

How do you foresee the VAS market in the aftermath of 3G and WiMax?
It has been a long wait for us; and finally it seems to be over. After 3G and WiMax, VAS market will certainly get a huge boost. It will be possible to deliver rich media content and services with a 'wow' experience. Data services should see a surge in adoption and usage. The video streaming over CS will open up a lot of possibilities of innovative VAS. It will really be interesting to watch the WiMax proliferation. It could really change lot of rules of mobile /VAS game.

What VAS verticals are you focusing on?
While we are providing complete bouquet of services across technologies and delivery channels, we are focusing more on innovative data services for advent of 3G /WiMax networks in India. At the same time, I would say that we are focusing more on the customer segment rather than product centric approach. We have chosen to focus on two segments, first the discerning youth and second, customers at the bottom of the pyramid.

How can VAS reach beyond infotainment and serve in increasing usage and ARPU?
I agree that all the while focus of VAS has been on infotainment only. There is nothing wrong with this as the early adoption is seen in this space only. We have to look beyond infotainment. We are working on all such areas, where it can make difference to the customer's life-whether it is about making the customer more productive, or about living healthier life, or enhancing social status. Some of the emerging areas that we are bullish on are mobile healthcare, mobile education, personal productivity, mobile transactions, and mobile governance.

What are the latest trends that are dominating the VAS market?
Location based services and mobile advertising are in vogue. Potentially every service can be location enabled, and be supported with mobile advertising, even something like news. Rich media and local content will be another trend, more so with the advent of 3G. And one of the most important trends I observe is the 'touch-wave' pioneered by iPhone. Every device and application is adapting to touch interface.

What are the latest services that Aegis plans to come up with?
We are working on multiple segments and technologies. In fact we have created a pipeline of products and services. They are at different stages of deployment, testing, trials, etc. If I have to talk about products specifically, I would say we are focusing on rich-media applications. We are also working on a whole lot of enterprise applications.

Archana Singh
archanasi@cybermedia.co.in