Where do you see the next wave of growth for your company?
At this point, our target handsets are operating system based. Essentially,
this means that we are going for handsets which have the power to process data
and present them to the user. It is important to note that new entrants are
changing the game. Customers with simple OS handsets, in terms of processing
power also require services. Keeping this in mind, we are now working to develop
applications for low-end handsets which are voice driven and use SMS as a data
bearer. This enables us to provide data, content, games, and applications to
simple OS handsets as well.
Will MNP impact service operators' outlook towards VAS providers?
Mobile number portability asks the biggest question, 'who owns the
customer?' Network providers have traditionally believed that the customer is
owned by them. In India, the network provider owns them. MNP will change that.
The customer will be owned by network providers, pricing, and quality. Other
aspects that will play a pivotal role are the handset manufacturer, operating
system vendor, and the services offered. As handsets and OS will be the same
with all network providers (as users will end up using the same handsets on
Airtel or Vodafone) and the price/quality will have to be at par-or one of the
network providers will get out of the market-the 'services' space becomes very
important. The VAS provider will occupy an increasingly important space, and
exclusive tie-ups will become the mantra of the future with network providers
seeking quality VAS providers for customer retention.
How is the delay in 3G spectrum allocation
impacting the VAS industry?
The delay is not causing a major dent in the VAS industry. It is in some way
good, as it is giving us time to prepare with the slew of release of handsets.
In the last few months, the range of smartphones is doubling, and the advent of
Android is making everyone rethink the strategy on how to crack this market.
Android devices have Google Apps already pre-built, so differentiation is of key
importance. If we are looking at a delay of spetrum for over six more months,
then there is a chance of a lost opportunity.
What is in the pipeline for the Indian market?
We are developing a range of rural applications which can run without GPRS/3G.
It aims to equip the rural market with the latest information on agricultural
products. We are also increasing the depth of our reach by catering to more
business and enterprise users with our services which are to be released over
the next three months.
Heena Jhingan
heenaj@cybermedia.co.in
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