Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Confidential Page 1
New Patterns in Global Mobile Telephony
A Comparative Review of Webtel.mobi
and
Growth in the International Mobile Market
Prepared by Frost & Sullivan
May - June 2009
Confidential Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
1. Market Challenges .......................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Industry Dynamics– Substitute Products ....................................................................................................... 6
3 Webtel.mobi – Overview and Assessment .................................................................................................. 11
4 Webtel.mobi – Market Valuation ................................................................................................................. 38
5 Insights on Mobile Communications Market Growth .................................................................................. 42
6 Directions of Growth for the Mobile Industry ............................................................................................. 49
7 Analysis of Target Demographics ................................................................................................................. 50
APPENDIX A............................................................................................................................................................ 53
Comparative Analysis Case Studies ....................................................................................................................... 53
APPENDIX B .......................................................................................................................................................... 120
About Frost & Sullivan ......................................................................................................................................... 120
Confidential Page 3
PREAMBLE
The objective of this document is to provide an in-depth analysis of new patterns in global mobile telephony, with a
focus on the key groups of service providers.
Against this landscape and based on a market approach valuation, Frost & Sullivan will also assess Webtel.mobi‟s
potential value.
The evaluation is an indicative measure of Webtel.mobi‟s value in the context of current market factors and
economic condition based on Frost & Sullivan‟s analysis.
Confidential Page 4
Section A
Review of
the Specialized Mobile Provider
Webtel.mobi
Confidential Page 5
1. Market Challenges
There are two key challenges to further growth in the mobile market. The first one relates to the supply side
and the other is related to the demand side, discussed in turn below.
1.1 Mobile Network Operator (MNO) Incumbencies
Given the historic dominance of MNOs the mobile industry has often seen incidences of anti-competitive
behaviour. These practices – which the European Commission has sometimes described as predatory -
take different shapes and forms. The incumbent MNO stance long espoused by several mobile operators
can also be detrimental to this market as this prohibits collaboration across the value chain. The
incumbency has also led to a limited understanding of user behaviour and demand.
This situation is gradually becoming more and more topical, as pressure groups such as “Terminate the
Rate” http://www.terminatetherate.org/Pages/Homepage.aspx try to bring pressure to bear in an effort to
force down MNO prices. To date, particularly due to the MNOs strong positions in this market, little has
been achieved by such pressure groups, and even the European Commission only achieved partial
victory and concessions from the European mobile industry, despite several years of intense action at
very significant cost.
The silver lining to the cloud, however, is the rise of challenger products. New alternative providers in the
form of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and specialized mobile providers (SMPs) have
entered into the foray and are today, giving the mobile operators a run for their money.
These new players through innovative business models and services are offering more competitive and
compelling services to the end users. Such competition is forcing operators to slowly open up and
collaborate. Operators are also beginning to accept the potential commoditisation of voice and SMS
services.
Hence, focus areas for operators are primarily on competitive tariffs and value-added services. In both
areas, the new players seem to have greater agility and a competitive edge, as they are not encumbered
by legacy networks and obsolete skill sets.
Confidential Page 6
2 Industry Dynamics– Substitute Products
The provision of voice and messaging traffic in recent times has not only been carried out by mobile network
operators. New players/participants are today also able to offer voice and messaging solutions. The current
landscape of mobile voice and text providers can, therefore, be described through the four primary categories
of participants, namely:
- Mobile network operators
- Mobile virtual network operators
- Mobile IP-based providers (mobile VoIP providers)
- Specialized mobile providers (SMPs)
The comparative case studies between Webtel.mobi and well-known MNOs as appended (please refer to
Appendix A) provide the reader with strong insights into the differential operational and pricing strategies
between the mobile network operators and a Specialized Mobile Provider.
As a global Specialized Mobile Provider, Webtel.mobi is positioned to compete directly with MNOs
internationally, and the primary comparisons have, therefore, been against incumbent MNOs in the leading
international markets.
However, in order to provide and illustrate the positioning of Webtel.mobi in relation to all products in the
international mobile telephony market, this chapter will focus on the other three categories, namely Mobile
Virtual Network Operators, mobile VoIP providers, and other Specialized Mobile Providers.
The aim is to illustrate the industry sphere and the position of Webtel.mobi‟s proposition within the total landscape. Five main criteria are used to analyse these providers namely: methodology of service delivery,
quality of service, price, coverage, and specific user requirements if needed.
2.1 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
MVNOs provide mobile services and applications without owning the access rights to the spectrum.
Consequently, MVNOs acquire those rights from MNOs (that is, the MVNO uses the infrastructure and
services of an MNO together with its own MVNO branding).
However, the agreement between MNO and MVNO can vary based on the network components owned
by the MVNO. It is possible to set up an MVNO having a certain control on the network infrastructure,
because the organization has some skills and knowledge on mobile technologies. This could be the case
of fixed-telecommunication providers that want to enter into the mobile market.
On the other hand, it is possible to have organizations without any skill of mobile networks, which rely
completely on the MNO. This is the case of supermarket chains, media companies, and banking
institutions, just to mention a few examples.
Confidential Page 7
Considering their dependence on sponsoring mobile network operators, MVNOs can be seen as an
extension of MNOs. An MVNO offers voice and text via an MNO‟s network. Its coverage is linked to the
MNO‟s coverage. In most of the cases MVNOs tend to be national operators. The quality of service
depends on the agreement between the MVNO and the MNO. Price has been historically the key
element of differentiation for an MVNO. The strategy was to enter the mobile voice and text market with
aggressive price plans.
The concept of MVNOs initially grew in North America and Europe. Virgin Mobile UK was amongst the
first European MVNOs, established in 1999. With the Directive 2002/21/EC, the European Union pushed
the establishment of MVNOs across its member states with the aim to open the European mobile market
to competition. However, the phenomenon of MVNOs is gaining momentum in other regional markets, as
illustrated by the chart below.
Currently, price still remains a strong strategic factor for MVNOs. However, there is the need to re-design
strategies, particularly in Europe and North America. Diversifying the offer by introducing mobile value-
added services is a common practice. Virgin Mobile UK, Universal Mobile in France, Poste Mobile in Italy
and Mobilefunk in Germany are examples of MVNOs with a combined offer of voice, messaging, and
innovative services.
Other MVNOs design their strategies around aggressive price plans for specific social groups. These can
be clientele, for example in the case of supermarket and banks and groups of people with common
interests. This is the case of the ethnic MVNOs. An ethnic MVNO is an MVNO that focuses on minority
communities and offer them advantageous packages in terms of voice and messaging.
Global MVNO Subscribers by Region
-
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
Su
bs
cri
be
rs, b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Confidential Page 8
The main focus is to offer limited specific advantageous tariffs to promote communications with friends
and relatives in their country of origin. Lebara Mobile in the United Kingdom, Mobisud in France, Ay
Yildiz in Germany and Belgium are some examples of ethnic MVNOs. Tracfone in the United States
provides migrant communities with special offers.
2.2 Mobile VoIP Providers
Mobile VoIP refers to a delivery method of mobile voice traffic via transportation of IP packets. Examples
of mobile VoIP providers are Skype mobile, Truephone, Fring, and similar products.
The key difference from the traditional method used over the cellular network is the use of the data
protocol IP and the packet switched data networks of the mobile operators. A recent development of
mobile VoIP is the use of Wi-Fi networks, also known as voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi).
As discussed in the „Global Mobile Market Overview‟ report, mobile VoIP has experienced difficulties in
attracting the attention and the adoption of critical mass of mobile users. This is due to three main factors
discussed below.
i. Costs for Consumers
Mobile VoIP has tried to transfer the Internet-based VoIP model into the mobile space. The objective
being to try to offer VoIP services for calls over the mobile device at a lower rate than that offered by
mobile network operators.
However, the use of VoIP over mobile requires a data package. Consequently, the user has to pay the
call tariff to the VoIP provider and the data tariff to the mobile network operators.
Mobile data tariffs are high (in the case of roaming, these are much higher than standard mobile call
costs) and, in many cases, the pricing mechanisms are not transparent to the user.
ii. Quality of Service
Being an IP-based service, the quality of service depends on the latency, which, in turn, depends on the
bandwidth of the connection and the prioritization routing policies. In many cases, the existing packet
switching data networks of mobile operators do not perform well in terms of latency and routing priorities.
This can result in unsatisfactory call quality.
Confidential Page 9
iii. User Interface
Although mobile VoIP user interfaces have improved in the last two years, the mobile VoIP software
installation, settings, and features are often still not user-friendly.
Despite these three challenges to face, there are many mobile VoIP providers in the market all
competing to seize market share from the same niche market group, but without mainstream success
despite years of attempting to do so and tie-ups with some MNOs.
This does not seem set to improve in the foreseeable future, particularly when one takes the
(enforceable) anti Mobile VoIP approaches by MNOs into account, examples of which are detailed on the
following links:
http://help.vodafone.co.uk/system/selfservice.controller?CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=72318&PARTITI
ON_ID=1&CONFIGURATION=1000&CURRENT_CMD=BROWSE_TOPIC&SIDE_LINK_TOPIC_ID=1009&SIDE
_LINK_SUB_TOPIC_ID=5975&SIDE_LINK_TOPIC_INDEX=null&SIDE_LINK_SUB_TOPIC_INDEX=null
http://www.iphonefreak.com/2009/04/t-mobile-germany-bans-skype-on-the-iphone.html
http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/tmobile-blocks-voip-again.asp
2.3 Specialized Mobile Providers (SMP)
In the „Global Mobile Market Overview‟ report, the rise of Specialized Mobile Providers in the mobile
voice and messaging markets was highlighted.
These providers adopt innovative telephony switching technologies to allow high-quality call-back
solutions. Unlike MVNOs, they are not linked to mobile network operators. Calls are not IP-based and,
consequently, high mobile data tariffs are not a barrier for users.
The key competitive advantage of Specialized Mobile Providers lies on the quality of the technology
adopted, that, in turn, ensures the quality of the call, the usability of the user interface of the service, and
the ability to offer aggressive pricing plans, particularly for international traffic. In fact, the borderless
nature of Specialized Mobile Providers makes them well suited for this kind of traffic.
This new generation of mobile voice and messaging products is gaining momentum in the mobile arena.
Webtel.mobi is located in Europe, and is a pioneer Specialized Mobile Provider, which is specifically
structured to operate globally and provide full-spectrum voice and SMS services in the same manner as
an MNO (that is, to allow. local, international, and roaming calls and texts from mobile to mobile as well
as mobile to landline)..
Confidential Page 10
In North America there are other Specialized Mobile Providers such as Jajah, GlobalTel, Actelephone
and Telequant – but unlike Webtel.mobi they still combine mobile VoIP with their Specialized Mobile
Provider activities, (so do not compete directly with MNOs), and are more focussed on national markets
than on global operations.
Confidential Page 11
3 Webtel.mobi – Overview and Assessment
Webtel.mobi is a Specialized Mobile Provider that offers low-cost and high-quality voice and messaging services
to any Internet-enabled mobile users anytime and wherever they are in the world.
Users do not need to download any software in order to enable the service. A user just needs a basic WAP
connection in order to access Webtel.mobi.
The service does not include data transfer and, consequently, the users are not charged for data traffic. The
service does not include roaming costs, because Webtel.mobi‟s system architecture avoids any form of roaming.
3.1 Webtel.mobi– System Architecture
The core of the Webtel.mobi‟s system architecture is a Next Generation Switch that routes calls and
texts. The data entered by the caller i.e. recipient‟s number is routed toward secure servers which, in turn,
pass the data to the Next Generation Switch. The switch, then, enables the connection.
The chart below shows the system architecture and how it works in the cases of calling and text
messaging services.
Next
Generation
Switch
Caller enters the
recipient’s number, and then clicks “Call”
Secure servers and the next generation switch route the call
The next generation switch
connects the caller and the
recipient over a secure line
Calling
1
2
3 3
OR
Secure servers
Confidential Page 12
Source: Webtel.mobi. Graphics: Frost & Sullivan
3.2 Webtel.mobi – Method of Operation Comparison
The layout and method of operation of the Webtel.mobi handset interface for making calls or sending
texts are structured to closely replicate a standard MNO mobile phone‟s handset interface. The
Webtel.mobi handset interface for other frequently used functions is structured to be easier to use
than a standard MNO mobile phone‟s handset interface. A descriptive comparison is shown over the
page.
Texter enters the
recipient‘s number, types the message, and clicks on
“Send”
The next generation switch
sends the message to the
recipient
Text messaging
1
2
Next
Generation
Switch
Secure SMS servers and the next generation switch route the call
Secure servers
Confidential Page 13
Webtel.mobi Handset Interface Standard MNO Handset Interface Making a call Making a call User enters the number to call, clicks User enters the number to call, presses
on the “Call” button. the “Call” button.
Sending a text Sending a text User enters the number to text, clicks User selects the “Menu” option, selects on “Text” button, types text, clicks on the “Messages” option, selects the the “Send” button. “Create Message” option, types text,
selects the “Options” or “Select Number” button, enters the number to text,
selects the “OK” or “Send” button.
Selecting a contact Selecting a contact User clicks on the “Choose Contact” User selects the “Menu” option, selects
button, selects the contact, and clicks the “Contacts” option, selects the on the “Choose Contact” button. “Search Contacts” option, selects the
contact, selects the “Options” option, selects either the “Call” option or the “Text” option.
Adding a contact Adding a contact User clicks on the “Add Contact” User selects the “Menu” option, selects
button, inserts the contact, and the “Contacts” option, selects the clicks on the “Add Contact” button. “Add Contact” option, inserts the
contact, selects the “Options” option, selects the “Save” option.
Deleting a contact Deleting a contact User clicks on the “Delete Contact” User selects the “Menu” option, selects
button, selects the contact, and clicks the “Contacts” option, selects the on the “Delete Contact” button. “Delete Contact” option, selects the
contact, selects the “Delete?” or “Confirm Delete” option.
Checking call history Checking call history User clicks on the “Call History” button. User selects the “Menu” option, selects
the “Call Register” or “Logs” option, selects the “Dialled Numbers” option.
Checking call cost history Checking call cost history User clicks on the “Call History” button. Not possible with prepaid contracts.
With post-paid contracts, user selects the “Menu” option, selects the “Settings” option, selects the “Cost Settings” option, selects the “Call Costs” option.
Confidential Page 14
Checking text history Checking text history User clicks on the “Text History” button. Not possible on prepaid contracts. Not possible on post-paid contracts.
Checking text cost history Checking text cost history User clicks on the “Text History” button. Not possible on prepaid contracts. Not possible on post-paid contracts.
Checking call credit Checking call credit
User clicks on the “Call Credit” button. Not applicable on post-paid contracts. On prepaid contracts, user dials the Topup number, waits for prompt, selects
an appropriate number for a credit balance prompt. Alternatively, user texts a code number and the balance shows on the handset. Not possible while roaming.
Checking text credit Checking text credit
User clicks on the “Text Credit” button. Not possible on prepaid contracts. Not possible on post-paid contracts.
Other than the above, additional unique attributes with regards to the Webtel.mobi Handset Interface
is that the user can alter his or her own phone number for calls and texts, as follows:-
If a user has multiple mobile phones and numbers: The user can verify several numbers,
and – from his or her same Webtel.mobi account and handset interface - select which one to
use as the “From” number when initiating a call or sending a text. His call or text will then
originate from the phone and phone number which he / she has chosen for a particular call or
text.
If a user rents a local mobile phone in a new country when travelling: The user can then
verify the number, and then enjoy even greater savings on international calls and texts – from
his or her same Webtel.mobi account and handset interface – as these calls will then be
international calls and texts as opposed to roaming calls and texts. The user can also do this
without verifying the number if he / she wants to use the mobile only for calls and not for
texts.
For mobile-initiated landline to landline calls between direct landline numbers: If
travelling or at the office or home, a user can enter his or her landline number in the “From”
section, and can then initiate a call from a landline number via his or her same Webtel.mobi
account and handset interface.
Confidential Page 15
For mobile-initiated landline to landline calls from an switchboard / hotel landline: If
travelling or at an hotel where the call to the hotel will go to the reception and not directly to
the user‟s room, the user can enter the number that he or she wishes to call to in the “From”
section (i.e. his or her home or office number) – meaning that the call will first ring at that
number. That person can then ask for the user by name when the call is put through to the
hotel reception. This can all be done via his or her same Webtel.mobi account and handset
interface.
These features thereby provides a handset interface that is completely flexible, and which also facilitates the
use of multiple numbers from the same account for regular and ad-hoc / one-off additional mobile and
landline numbers.
3.3 Webtel.mobi – Geographic Reach and Pricing
Webtel.mobi can be defined as a global Specialized Mobile Provider. The concept of local operations
does not apply to Webtel.mobi‟s model. Any user can call from any part of the world and the terms and
conditions of the service do not change.
Webtel.mobi at present has a larger collective geographic footprint than any mobile provider worldwide.
Due to the global coverage, Webtel.mobi‟s users are able to use the service at the same costs wherever
they are in the world. They also do not incur any roaming cost, which makes the offer particularly
appealing for mobile users who often incur high and non-transparent costs for international and roaming
calls.
Additionally, as already mentioned, Webtel.mobi does not use data traffic in the same way as mobile
VoIP providers. Consequently, users do not incur very high data tariffs and roaming data tariffs when
making calls or sending texts. The only data cost for using Webtel.mobi is approximately 1 Euro cent for
the connection to http://www.webtel.mobi
It is also very important to highlight that the Webtel.mobi calling time is charged per second, and not
rounded off to the next minute or 30-second increment even if a fraction of a second is used– which is the
standard charging structure for MNOs. This means that a user pays only for the exact time he or she
used the Webtel.mobi service – and this is a significant additional cost-saver. Appendix A illustrates the
clear competitiveness of Webtel.mobi‟s tariffs. Further tariff information can be found on
http://www.webtel.mobi/pc/rates.html.
Confidential Page 16
3.4 Webtel.mobi - Target Market and End-user Segmentation
Webtel.mobi‟s “Affiliate Programme”– aptly known as the Virtual Specialized Mobile Provider (VSMP)
programme is a bespoke ability which Webtel.mobi has developed in order to directly and accurately
target specific customer segments across different geographic regions.
The Webtel.mobi product cuts across all target demographics in terms of its value-proposition. However,
the VSMP programme enables Webtel.mobi to nevertheless tailor its product offering to highly specific
target market sectors in a manner which is unable, at this time, to be replicated by any other mobile
provider internationally.
The VSMP programme is discussed in more detail in the section of this document entitled “Webtel.mobi –
The Virtual Specialized Mobile Provider (VSMP) Programme”.
3.5 Webtel.mobi - Satisfaction of Required Criteria
Webtel.mobi satisfies the criteria of usability, quality of service, and low service costs. This implies that it
has the ideal conditions to address groups of users with specific needs, particularly in terms of costs and
service interface. In addition to that the solution can be customized for serving specific social groups.
3.6 Webtel.mobi – Management
Webtel.mobi has an extremely strong management team, which includes former board members of
leading multinational companies, a senior partner of a major firm of attorneys, a senior executive from a
major international media group, chartered accountants, and a former Minister of Finance of a G8 country
(since deceased).
3.7 Webtel.mobi – Corporate Structure
Currently, Webtel.mobi is a division of the company Worldbizonline.com Limited, which is domiciled in
and operating from the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Channel Islands. It is in the process of being de-merged
into its own company– Webtel.mobi Limited– also domiciled in and operating from the Bailiwick of
Guernsey, Channel Islands. Further details on Webtel.mobi‟s corporate structuring are in the paragraph
below entitled “Unique Corporate Structure Attributes”.
Confidential Page 17
3.8 Webtel.mobi – Product Upgrades and Enhancements
As part of the de-merger process, the Webtel.mobi technical platform has been replicated in a stand-
alone platform, separate from the Worldbizonline.com Limited technical platform. This process is almost
complete.
The replicated platform is also being translated into 18 additional languages, which are German, French,
Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Arabic, Turkish, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia,
Japanese, Hindi, Korean, Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
3.9 Webtel.mobi – Unique Corporate Structure Attribute
Webtel.mobi has achieved success in implementing a working and proven 21st Century decentralised
corporate structure, whereby the requirement for fixed assets, premises, and personnel has been
minimised through the utilisation of contracting personnel, leasing of equipment or premises, and
application of modern communication technology for corporate communication. As a result, the company
and its personnel are able to operate with minimal costs from diverse multinational locations, while still
maintaining professional corporate structure and management to a high level.
3.10 Webtel.mobi- Market Positioning
From the mobile users‟ point of view, Webtel.mobi is an international provider of reference for low-cost
local, international, and roaming mobile calls and texts.
In these market sectors, Webtel.mobi competes directly with MNOs, as shown in Appendix A.
However, in order to fully examine the positioning of Webtel.mobi in the international mobile telephony
marketplace, the following part of this study will illustrate Webtel.mobi‟s positioning with the other primary
categories within the international mobile telephony sector, namely MVNOs, mobile VoIP providers
(MVPs) and other SMPs, by means of case studies on primary example companies within these sub-
sectors.
Confidential Page 18
3.11 Comparative Case Studies – Webtel.mobi versus MNOs
Four comparative case studies between Webtel.mobi and the following operators are presented in
Appendix A.
Bharti Airtel – India (Asia)
Verizon Wireless – USA (North America)
Vodafone UK – UK (Europe)
Vodacom – South Africa (Africa)
These case studies demonstrate Webtel.mobi‟s commercial, operational, and geographic competitive
advantages over MNOs in all major international markets.
Confidential Page 19
3.12 Webtel.mobi versus MVNOs
3.12.1 Virgin Mobile UK
Virgin Mobile UK is currently the most successful MVNO in Europe and the fifth largest mobile
operator in the United Kingdom, with almost 6 million subscribers. It not only offers simple voice and
text plan, but also bundled services that include mobile value-added services. In terms of
international voice traffic, Virgin Mobile‟s offers vary from 15 pence per minute to 80 pence per
minute. The chart below shows a comparison between Virgin Mobile‟s international tariffs and
Webtel.mobi‟s tariffs for calls from the United Kingdom to other countries in the world.
0,0
10,0
20,0
30,0
40,0
50,0
60,0
70,0
80,0
Eu
ro c
en
ts p
er
min
ute
Call from UK
International Calls Comparison
Webtel.mobi Virgin Mobile UK
Source: Webtel.mobi and Virgin Mobile UK.
Webtel.mobi‟s international call offering is more attractive than that of Virgin Mobile by 5.3 to 247.8
percent. The same is the case in respect of international text messaging: with Virgin Mobile‟s cost
averaging 20 pence per text, and Webtel.mobi‟s cost averaging 5 pence per text.
Webtel.mobi also presents more attractive pricing than Virgin Mobile in terms of:
Roaming calls and texts
Local calls to other networks and landlines
Local texts
Webtel.mobi‟s coverage in the United Kingdom is also significantly wider than that of Virgin Mobile,
and it satisfies all criteria for usability, quality of service, and low service costs.
Consequently, Webtel.mobi offers a better value-proposition than Virgin Mobile UK.
Confidential Page 20
3.12.2 TracFone Wireless
TracFone is currently one the largest mobile virtual network operators in the United States. At the end
of 2008, TracFone had 11,192,000 subscribers. TracFone users have to buy and activate a Tracfone
cell phone and a Tracfone “Plan” in order to activate and use the service. The activation can go
through a number transfer if the user subscribes to another operator. Alternatively, the user
subscribes to the service via the TracFone Website. He or she creates an account, sets up the phone
and activates the service. Once the service is activated, the user can buy airtime. Airtime can be
bought via TracFone‟s Website, via the mobile phone or subscribing to monthly plans. Prepaid
wireless phones and prepaid wireless airtime cards are also available at over 70,000 retailers
throughout the United States. Tracfone advertises itself as offering the lowest cost mobile rates in the
United States.
The salient points when comparing Tracfone and Webtel.mobi are:
Tracfone‟s geographic coverage only covers certain areas of the United States– not the whole
country. Webtel.mobi‟s geographic coverage in the United States is 100 percent- far more
extensive.
Tracfone‟s call costs within the United States average Euro 0.15 cents to Euro 0.30 cents per
minute– charged per minute. Webtel.mobi‟s costs are Euro 0.035 cents per minute– charged per
second.
Tracfone only allows international calls to limited destinations, and mostly only to landlines.
Webtel.mobi provides unrestricted international calls texts to mobiles or landlines.
Tracfone does not allow international text messaging. Webtel.mobi allows unrestricted
international text messaging.
Tracfone does not allow international roaming. Webtel.mobi allows unrestricted international
roaming.
Users have to buy a Tracfone handset to use the Tracfone service. (various models and prices
on their site).
Tracfone $9.99 Plan allows 50 minutes talk. Webtel.mobi $9.99 Plan allows 203 minutes talk.
Tracfone $19.99 Plan allows 100 minutes talk. Webtel.mobi $19.99 Plan allows 407 minutes talk.
Webtel.mobi‟s international offer is much more extensive than that of Tracfone‟s. The Tracfone service
is limited in coverage and service both locally and internationally, and is more expensive than
Webtel.mobi.
Consequently, Webtel.mobi offers a better value-proposition than Tracfone.
Confidential Page 21
3.12.3 Lebara Mobile Group
Lebara Mobile Group offers mobile services as an MVNO specialized in international traffic in the
United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and
Australia.
The strategic focus is to offer convenient domestic bundles and aggressive international traffic plans to
these communities. The chart below shows Lebara Mobile UK‟s tariffs for mobile-to-mobile traffic
between the United Kingdom and China, India, and Poland. These three countries have been chosen
because there are large groups of Chinese, Indian, and Polish expatriates in the United Kingdom.
Lebara Mobile UK is a challenging competitor for Webtel.mobi in relation to specific expatriate
communities‟ traffic from the United Kingdom to the countries selected above. However, Webtel.mobi is
more attractive in pricing for:-
Traffic from those countries to the United Kingdom
International roaming calls
Text messaging
Confidential Page 22
Overall, in terms of overall flexibility and breadth of use, as well as in terms of pricing for roaming and text
messaging costs, Webtel.mobi offers a better value-proposition than Lebara mobile.
In summary, these case studies demonstrate Webtel.mobi‟s commercial, operational, product and geographic
competitive advantages over MVNOs.
3.13 Webtel.mobi versus Mobile VoIP Providers
As covered in the „Global Mobile Market Overview‟ report and chapter 2.2 of this document, Mobile VoIP
providers at present are not fully capable of competing in the mainstream international telephony market. As
such, they cannot be considered as mainstream competitors to Webtel.mobi (or to MNOs, MVNOs or SMPs
in general), and are, therefore, not listed or described in detail in this document.
Confidential Page 23
3.14 Webtel.mobi versus other SMPs
3.14.1 Jajah
Jajah is used as the comparative SMP to Webtel.mobi, as they are very similar in terms of service
propositioning. Jajah is financed by Sequoia Capital, Intel Capital, Deutsche Telekom and Globespan
Capital Partners.
Jajah was launched in March 2006, with the aim of providing an “easy-to-use Web-activated calling”1
solution allowing consumers with Internet access to make phone calls. The company claims to have 15
million users worldwide.
Jajah works anywhere there is an Internet connection. It works on most handsets and it does not
require any software installation. The provision of low-cost telephony tariff remains Jajah‟s core
business.
Jajah‟s tariffs have been compared in the graph below with Webtel.mobi‟s for international calls
between Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC), South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Source: Jajah and Webtel.mobi. Note: Data Elaboration by Frost & Sullivan. Note: Jajah prices are included of VAT
The chart shows that Webtel.mobi provides lower pricing than Jajah, particularly in the case of BRIC
countries. Webtel.mobi also offers also a lower cost text messaging service to Jajah. The following
aspects are also of particular relevance in a comparison between Jajah and Webtel.mobi.
1http://www.jajah.com/corporate/story/
Confidential Page 24
VoIP Numbers
In order to provide low international call rates to its users, Jajah provides its users with a “local” (that
is, the United States) VoIP number for their international contacts.
If a user wants to call a person in Japan, Jajah will provide the user with a local USA VoIP number to
call.
The user then calls the “local” VoIP number, and the call is switched over VoIP to the international
number.
This system restricts the ability of the user to use the “local” number when roaming, as it is no longer
a “local” number.
The mixing of Mobile VoIP aspects in a specialised mobile provider offering dilutes its SMP offering.
Geographic Coverage
According to Jajah‟s call pricing list, there are 91 countries which are not represented, (most in
emerging market countries), and therefore, in those countries the Jajah service cannot be used.
In Jajah‟s previous website, it was stated that users phoning from these countries would have to pay
generally over one and a half Euros per minute. In Jajah‟s current website, no reference has been
made to this, and no explanation for the countries not being serviced has been provided.
Webtel.mobi provides its services to and from all of the countries not covered by Jajah, and does so
at clearly reflected rates.
Webtel.mobi, therefore, has much wider international geographic coverage than Jajah, and provides
transparency as to call costs.
Call Costs
On Jajah‟s previous Website it stated – “Applicable rates are displayed during the call and may vary
depending on the operator”. and “Rate comparisons are based on JAJAH surveys of typical call costs
… Data was gathered from publicly available websites of representative carriers in the specific
countries. Savings for the JAJAH community worldwide is calculated using typical JAJAH savings in
major countries”.
Although these comments have been removed from Jajah‟s current website, its illustrated and actual
pricing models have not changed.
The pricing reflected on the Jajah site does not include VAT and other taxes, and does not state
whether the costs reflected are for desktop-initiated calls, VoIP calls, or whether the charges include
both legs of a mobile-initiated call or only the one leg (that is, half the cost).
On Jajah‟s current Website, its own “Sample Rate Comparison” charges conflict with its own “Rates”
charges.
Therefore, the actual costs for a Jajah mobile-initiated call remain unclear from the illustrated
charges, and can only be ascertained when calling.
Confidential Page 25
Text messaging Length and Cost
Jajah text messages have a variable character limit per text – from 124 characters to 145 or 148
characters (depending on the country to which it is sent).
A standard and universally-accepted norm for a single text message length is 160 characters per
SMS (that is 29 percent more text messaging space).
Jajah does not provide details of its text messaging costs, stating that “The price for sending the SMS
varies, depending on the destination”.
For recipients being able to reply to a text message sent from Jajah‟s platform, Jajah states that “If the
recipient of the message will reply to the SMS, you won’t get it”.
The Jajah text messaging service is, therefore, not transparent enough to comment on, but clearly
does not apply generally accepted norms in respect of text messaging, and is possibly a text
messaging or instant messaging hybrid.
Webtel.mobi provides clear pricing for its text messaging service, 160 character text messages, to all
destinations, to which recipients can reply. In tests done to date, Webtel.mobi has also provided
these text message services at consistently lower costs than that of Jajah.
Webtel.mobi‟s service is more transparent than that of Jajah, has more competitive pricing, a wider
range of calling and text messaging service, wider geographic coverage, and does not mix mobile VoIP
with SMP services.
As such, Webtel.mobi has a commercial, pricing, product and geographic competitive advantages over
Jajah, and an overall better value-proposition.
Confidential Page 26
3.15 Webtel.mobi – Unique Selling Points
3.15.1 Market Dominance in terms of international Geographic footprint.
It has the widest international footprint, with the same low operational costs, providing the same
rates, on all makes and models of mobile phones, and the ability to market in, and do business in,
any country
.
3.15.2 Lowest call and text cost of any provider internationally.
Its call and text rates together average 80 percent less than any other provider internationally.
3.15.3 Lowest operational costs versus revenues ratio within the mobile industry.
With operational costs versus revenues ratio of 0.07 percent (average) per country, as opposed to 70
to 80 percent for other MNOs, it presents an undisputed saving (and value) of 70 to 80 percent of
revenues per country.
3.15.4 No requirement for licence fees.
With licence costs per country varying from several billion Euros to tens or hundreds of millions of
Euros, its non-requirement of license fees represents a saving (and/or value) of 195 countries‟
potential licence fees.
3.15.5 No requirement for masts
Non-requirement of masts results in additional savings (or value)
3.15.6 No requirement for retail outlets/premises/staff
In addition, a saving of hundreds (or thousands) of retail outlets - with accompanying infrastructure
and staff to man and administrate this structure - results in significant saving (and/or value).
3.15.7 No requirement to provide or subsidise/Non-requirement of providing or subsidizing handsets
(or provide SIM cards or contracts)
Again without having to provide or subsidise handsets significant savings are achieved
3.15.8 Unique VSMP implementation ability
It has the ability to obtain captive client bases at no cost, with a seven to fourteen day turnaround
time for implementation, and the follow-on advantage that the affiliate markets the product under its
own name to take advantage of its brand/client loyalty (thereby allowing for the most effective user-
targeted marketing possible).
Confidential Page 27
3.15.9 Ability to position for signature international events at no cost
Due to its structure, Webtel.mobi can establish VSMPs for stand-alone events (for example, the
Olympic Games, the FIFA Soccer World Cup, etc) without having to pay the prohibitive fees usually
required, and can access the attendants of such events and accrue the value of having a bespoke
service associated with or tailored to the event.
3.15.10 Further financial benefits
No requirement to charge VAT to end users; therefore, it has the ability to pass further cost
savings on to end users
No requirement to pay corporate tax
3.16 Webtel.mobi – Virtual Specialized Mobile Provider (VSMP) Programme
3.16.1 Introduction to the VSMP Programme
The flexible structure of Webtel.mobi‟s solution allows the company to appoint and activate VSMP
affiliates internationally and at will. Through this capability, Webtel.mobi has achieved not only a
larger coverage than any mobile provider internationally, but also:
The capability to become the largest mobile provider in the world in terms of the number of local,
national and international mobile providers (VSMPs) operating under its auspices
Direct access to the largest pool of potential clients in the world, of any mobile operator, through
worldwide and sector-wide VSMPs that have existing and direct relationships with their own client
bases.
The capability to appoint and own VSMPs internationally is currently unique to Webtel.mobi, and is
possible only due to Webtel.mobi‟s corporate structuring being planned from inception to be able to
implement this programme. This structuring cannot at present be replicated by any other mobile
provider due to administrative, structuring, legal, technical, and other restrictions. This places
Webtel.mobi in the unique position of having no direct competitors at this stage.
It is estimated that the time required for this capability of Webtel.mobi to be replicated would require a
minimum of 18 months to two years for development and structuring, and would cost in excess of
Euros 400 million.
Confidential Page 28
3.16.2 VSMP Programme Description
The concept of MVNOs is already established and well known. As discussed earlier, MVNOs have
proven to be extremely effective in the international mobile marketplace, but have the following
restrictions:
They require a long time to structure and implement.
They are extremely expensive to set up.
Currently they operate off the infrastructure of MNOs, they have as a legacy all of the restrictions
of an MNO operation versus an SMP operation in terms of licence fee requirements, and huge
infrastructure and personnel requirements and expense.
The VSMP programme operates in the same manner as an MVNO programme, with the following
strategic differences:
The only entity in the international mobile market that currently has the capability to implement a
VSMP programme is Webtel.mobi.
Webtel.mobi is able to set up a VSMP in totality, anywhere in the world, within two weeks, at no
significant cost to either Webtel.mobi or the VSMP.
The VSMP is able to provide its services to its client base in the same borderless manner as
Webtel.mobi, and has (and passes on to its users) all of the various USPs and advantages
inherent in the Webtel.mobi service.
3.16.3 Method of Implementation
Due to the structure of Webtel.mobi, the implementation of a VSMP programme is an efficient and
rapid process, as described below:
A potential VSMP is identified and approached.
Upon agreement, Webtel.mobi constructs the bespoke VSMP sites and service. The technical
and other requirements for this have been streamlined, so implementation takes only two weeks
from inception to completion.
The VSMP service is tested, and then made live.
Webtel.mobi is responsible for technical support.
The VSMP is responsible for administrative support, user liaison, and marketing of the service to
its existing user base. This is usually merely a continuation of the VSMP‟s established activities,
as they often have their own established user base that they already support/communicate with.
The VSMP receives a percent of all calls and text messaging spend via its service. This is a
lucrative alternative source of revenues with minimal capital outlay.
Confidential Page 29
Entities which have become, and can become, VSMPs include:
Universities and tertiary/other educational institutions
Consumer organisations
Retail and wholesale organisations
Trade and professional member organisations
International social networking entities
Medium and large corporations
Significant businesses or entities in local, regional, or national context
3.16.4 VSMP Unique Attributes
The VSMP programme has unique attributes, which can only be implemented by means of the
Webtel.mobi VSMP Programme, as discussed below.
The programme provides the ability to effectively engage directly with extremely specific user
groupings. MNOs and MVNOs have, for many years, been attempting to engage with specific
potential user groups, but have not been able to do due to the general coverage or nature of
their service offering. However, by appointing a specific organisation which already has an
existing membership base of, and direct relationship with, a very specific user group,
Webtel.mobi gains direct bespoke access to an extremely targeted user group. Other than this, it
also gains the existing brand loyalty and support which the VSMP already enjoys among its
existing user/member base, which will influence its users‟ usage of a service which is their own,
and for their/their organisation‟s own benefit (as well as providing lower rates). This constitutes a
breakthrough in the quest for direct access to extremely targeted user bases.
The programme provides the ability to appoint one or more national VSMPs in any country
internationally
The programme provides the ability to appoint VSMPs for bespoke organisations within a
country, or bespoke international organisations.
The programme provides the ability to provide bespoke structuring packages to suit the specific
requirements of specific VSMPs or their unique user bases.
The programme provides the ability to be the only entity at present, which can appoint and
implement as many and as varied a number of VSMPs, as required, at no considerable cost, in
any country in the world which not only markets to their own established membership bases. It
also provides these membership bases with a product that lowers their calling and text
messaging rates by an average of 80 percent - while still generating a high percent of revenues
for the VSMP.
Confidential Page 30
3.16.5 Current Implementation of the VSMP Programme
The VSMP programme was initiated according to a three phase approach, as described below.
Phase 1 was the initial appointment of regional organisations with localised member bases
Phase 2 involved the appointment of medium sized national and international organisations with
national or international member bases.
Phase 3, which is also currently in process, is the appointment of large multinational
organisations, with large member bases spread throughout the world.
Phase 1 has seen the appointment of eight VSMPs with a combined membership base in excess
of 2.3 million persons.
Phase 2 has resulted in the progressing of discussions with 11 potential VSMPs, which are at
the stage where they await a final decision from their boards to implement. Their combined
membership is in excess of 30 million persons.
Phase 3 has seen the progression of discussions with two potential VSMPs with a combined
membership of 180 million persons.
To date, there has been a 99 percent success rate of entities, which are offered a VSMP
appointment taking up the appointment.
The VSMP programme has resulted in appointment of, finalisation of discussions with, or
progression of discussions with, entities in more than 40 countries, which have a combined total
membership of 212 million persons– all within 60 days of the initiation of the VSMP programme.
3.16.6 Special Event VSMPs
As a result of the VSMP capability which Webtel.mobi has created, it is also able to establish Special
Event VSMPs internationally, which are able to provide calling and text messaging services to captive
markets during special events.
Examples of such special events are:
2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver
2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa
2012 Olympic Games in London
As well as all similar sporting and other international and national events.
Confidential Page 31
The VSMPs set up for these special events can be set up by Webtel.mobi at no cost, and without the
requirement to pay sponsorship fees. They can be set up within two to three weeks, either under the
direct control of Webtel.mobi, or managed by a local entity of substance, which will be appointed as a
VSMP for the specific event.
They will be branded for each event, and bespoke pricing and/or packages for persons visiting the
event will be provided per event.
Webtel.mobi has already established the URLs for more than 75 special event and national VSMPs.
3.17 Webtel.mobi – Unique Marketing Programmes
3.17.1 Introduction to Webtel.mobi’s Unique Marketing Programmes
“Success is a direct result of knowing how to market a brand and having the right people
representing the brand” Greg Norman
“Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing
the right thing” John D. Rockefeller
The quotes mentioned above clearly reflect the need for good marketing.
Webtel.mobi has strategically focused its initial unique marketing efforts on both user signup and
creating brand awareness through leveraging of unusual and creative marketing strategies based on
sound marketing principles that will achieve exponential worldwide marketing benefit at minimal cost
to company.
The unique marketing strategies for user signup are the VSMP and Special Event VSMP
programmes, as described in the previous section. This section describes two unique marketing
programmes aimed primarily to promote global brand awareness, with user signup as a secondary
consideration.
Confidential Page 32
3.17.2 International Viral Video Competition
The aim of this strategy is to brand the name and activities of Webtel.mobi (primarily in the 18 to 35
year old demographic group), in a manner which is cost-effective, targeted, international, and geared
toward obtaining a positive view of the brand name among the target demographic market.
Generally speaking, the customary manner to achieve this would be a combined of a television and
print media advertising campaigns, spread over multiple countries, in ad-breaks on television
programmes airing in prime time, and in youth-oriented magazines. This would have to be done
simultaneously in multiple countries in multiple languages. The cost of such international campaigns
typically starts at US$100 million.
To achieve a similar result, but in a unique manner, Webtel.mobi has:
Appointed two leading brand companies in the viral video marketing sector: Unruly Media
(http://www.unrulymedia.com/) and Zooppa (http://www.zooppa.com/)
Implemented an international viral video competition to create videos on the advantages of
Webtel.mobi in respect of its primary services (that is,. local calling and text messaging,
international calling and text messaging, roaming calling and text messaging, geographic
footprint and ease-of-use)
With one of the highest levels of prize money in the history of the Internet, valued at £50 000
(which is the same cost for producing one bottom-end marketing video)
The above activities have resulted in:
What the experienced viral marketing companies predict will be an extremely high number of
international entrants in a viral video competition
A positive reaction toward Webtel.mobi from the 18 to 35 year old demographic internationally
Entrants from more than 11 countries
Discussion of this competition among Zooppa 40 000 members and their friends, above 1,000
video production entities, online and offline media, and an overwhelming positive view of the
company‟s progressive approach
A projected 50 to 100 video entries, which represents either a saving or a gain of £5 million to
£10 million, as one video would cost the company between £50,000 and £100,000 to produce
Guaranteed and ongoing publicity for the two months of the competition and beyond
Thereafter a guaranteed viewing of the winning video by 500,000 persons, and a projected
viewing of the winning video by 2.5 million persons
Thereby achieving branding coverage, marketing and that is worth a large sum of money.
Confidential Page 33
A synopsis of the viral marketing competition campaign is provided below:
The aim of this marketing strategy is product branding of Webtel.mobi, according to the terms of
the Competition Brief, which can be seen at: http://zooppa.com/contests/webtelmobi
The projected number of entrants ranges from 50 to 100
The number of persons exposed to the competition (and the brand to date) is a combination of
Zooppa members, production teams contacted by Unruly Media, and persons who have viewed
press releases, media reports, and blog postings on the competition. This is, estimated to total
about 30 000 persons, in 11 countries
The guaranteed (by Unruly Media) number of views of the winning video is 500 000
The projected (by Unruly Media) number of views of the winning video within three months is 2.5
million
The campaign primarily targets the 18 to 35 year old demographic group
Unruly Media runs the International viral top 20, (http://viralvideochart.unrulymedia.com/) and is
considered one of the leaders in the Viral Video marketing sector.
The campaign is proving to be extremely successful. There are international discussions on the
competition in multiple languages. Additionally, even though video advertisements are usually only
placed in the last two weeks of the two month period, several initial video advertisements have
already been placed - see: http://www.zooppa.com/ads/webtelmobi
Webtel.mobi will be awarding the prizes for the best video advertisements at the “Webtel.mobi
Cannes Viral Film Festival”, which Webtel.mobi has set up by itself. It is projected that this award
ceremony itself will result in international media exposure and goodwill towards the Webtel.mobi
brand from the 18 to 35 year old demographic, which value and exposure will far exceed the cost
thereof.
Confidential Page 34
3.17.3 Global Media Event
The aim of this strategy is to achieve the blanket/saturation branding the name and activities of
Webtel.mobi internationally to the levels of household brands like Coca Cola and Microsoft
This is done through international and multilingual television advertising in prime time in all countries.
Typically, this would be very challenging to achieve, as it would usually require an international TV
advertisement campaign that would:
Be interesting to a wide range of age and income groups
Be contextually different advertisements per country and culture
Require multilingual dubbing for the advertisements
Need to obtain local or international TV/big screen/television or film stars to guarantee interest
and viewing across all countries/cultures/ages/income groups
Have to allow repeated prime time airing of the advertisements in all countries internationally and
simultaneously
All of which would cost in excess of US$1.5 billion to US$2 billion
In order to achieve the same result, but without incurring a hefty outlay, Webtel.mobi has structured a
Global Media Event that will achieve all of the above, over a period of four days, at a cost of
approximately £250,000. It will also, as a subsidiary activity, result in driving user signup to
Webtel.mobi. The challenges are:
To generate an international television insert which in and by itself will be so unusual, interesting
and exciting that it will guarantee the generation of sufficient interest across
national/cultural/demographic boundaries to ensure maximum viewership worldwide.
To ensure that coverage of this event will be broadcast on more than 500 television channels, in
all countries worldwide, in multilingual format, in prime time without paying for it
Webtel.mobi is addressing these challenges by:
Staging the first man-powered intercontinental flight in history, with a person exiting an aircraft
over Africa and flying across the Atlantic Ocean with wings on his back to land in Europe
Having the entire event Webtel.mobi blanket-branded, including the aircraft, wings, helmet,
jumpsuit, helmet, and landing zone
Entering into an agreement with the Associated Press Television News (http://www.aptn.com), to
telecast the event to more than 500 television channels internationally (with syndicated channels
quadrupling the number of channels that will broadcast it)
Confidential Page 35
The event will be aired globally across all countries and in all languages, as editorial during prime
time news. This means, the event will be viewed by an international audience, in excess of 1 billion
viewers globally
In addition to the television coverage, the event will be reported on by almost every print media
medium in the world on the day after the event. It will also be covered/reported on by several hundred
online forums, blogs, and publications both before and after the event.
The event is expected to obtain international saturation media coverage to a value exceeding US$1.5
billion.
Furthermore and equally importantly, videos and photos of the event will be available for viewing and
downloading free-of-cost from the webtel.mobi/pc site, but only to members of Webtel.mobi. This will
result in driving additional user signup.
3.18 Webtel.mobi – Strategic Marketing Strategy
The strategic marketing strategy adopted by Webtel.mobi calls for the extension of its strategic global
reach by means of VSMP establishment, prior to the implementation of marketing programmes to
increase individual user numbers on the Webtel.mobi of VSMP platforms.
This required strategy for driving up individual user numbers is a matter of well-established process and
well-known marketing methodologies, being the bespoke structuring of particular “text packs” or “talk
packs” which bundle a predetermined number of either text messaging or talking minutes into a pack, for
a specified monthly payment.
These packages – structured to cater for the varying potential markets - along with corresponding
marketing campaigns in print, electronic or internet media, are standard operating procedures for
increasing user bases in the global mobile market. The only major variable between mobile companies in
respect of these campaigns is the price differential between providers.
As Webtel.mobi has a global competitive advantage in several calling and text messaging brackets, and
as mobile users are agnostic in respect of provider and are driven primarily by cost considerations, the
result of standard marketing campaigns by Webtel.mobi would be a steady increase in client levels
according to historical market norms.
Confidential Page 36
However, as the formulation and implementation of these strategies require as much - if not more – time
than the securing or establishing of VSMPs, Webtel.mobi‟s First Phase marketing strategy is to
concentrate on securing or establishing VSMPs as opposed to driving up individual user numbers.
This strategy has been adopted as securing a national (or large) VSMP by Webtel.mobi is in their
assessment the same as a MNO securing a national licence. As a comparison, for a national license to
be secured by an MNO, the following applies:-
The payment of the license to national authorities in order to be able to provide the service in the
country, to access potential clients.
The establishment of a national retail and mast infrastructure in order to be able to provide its
services directly to users.
The employment of personnel, and the purchase of handsets through which to provide potential
users with access to the MNOs SIM cards and network.
The differences between Webtel.mobi securing a national VSMP and an MNO securing a national
license are as follows:-
Neither the national VSMP nor Webtel.mobi has to pay a national license fee in order to be able
to provide the service in the country, to access potential clients.
Neither the national VSMP nor Webtel.mobi have to establish a national retail and mast
infrastructure in order to be able to provide its services directly to users.
Neither the national VSMP nor Webtel.mobi have to employ personnel, or purchase handsets,
through which to provide potential users with access to the national VSMPs service and network.
The similarities between Webtel.mobi securing a national VSMP and an MNO securing a national licence
are as follows:-
Securing a national VSMP which is an established national company or entity with a national reach
secures the same advantages and possibilities as a national license for an MNO. That is,
Webtel.mobi – through the national VSMP - has access to a marketplace where it can provide its
essential service to users. It is therefore a given that Webtel.mobi – through the national VSMP - will
increase its user base steadily provided that it remains competitive in price and service delivery.
The most important marketing consideration then, for Webtel.mobi, is to secure national (and Special
Event & other large) VSMPs, as all other marketing campaigns thereafter are well-known and proven
marketing processes, as in the first paragraphs of this section.
Confidential Page 37
Added considerations for Webtel.mobi‟s decision to first secure multiple national, special event and other
VSMPs prior to concentrating on driving up individual user numbers are as follow:-
Webtel.mobi is at this time able to roll out the VSMP programme globally, and wishes to capitalise
on this market dominance to the maximum prior to any other competitors altering their own
business models to try to replicate it.
Many VSMPs will already be competent in marketing, and will be able to effectively market their
services without the requirement for Webtel.mobi to either assist them or to implement marketing
on their behalf. For example, many industry-specific VSMPs already have a user-base with which
they currently communicate regularly.
It is, in this first phase of marketing, of far higher value for Webtel.mobi as a brand to establish
many VSMPs with lower initial user numbers than to have fewer VSMPs with higher user
numbers.
The time and effort taken to drive up user numbers within one VSMP is far better utilised to secure
many VSMPs with much higher potential user numbers, which user numbers can be steadily
increased through the implementation of standard marketing campaigns in the second phase of
marketing.
Webtel.mobi initiated the VSMP programme by establishing VSMPs with smaller organisations such as
universities and industry-specific entities, in order to prove and refine the VSMP concept.
It has since progressed to national and special event VSMPs, and has established its first national VSMP,
and is in discussions with others.
It is currently in discussions with potential special event VSMPs for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and
similar international events, and is also in negotiations with online companies that have very large
existing client bases.
Confidential Page 38
4 Webtel.mobi – Market Valuation
Frost & Sullivan has a strong standing as an independent research and consulting company, whose brand
name is widely recognised and respected as a global leader in this area. Our 800 analysts continually track
the global and regional markets to identify emerging technologies, and monitor country specific economics
and demographic factors
We have expertise and experience in developing quantitative databases to track and gauge key industry
metrics. Frost & Sullivan provides extensive research coverage of the European fixed and mobile industries,
and has expertise and experience in conducting benchmarking and best practice analysis.
Frost & Sullivan is able to field a multi-national team of consultants and analysts with extensive knowledge of
the local markets and hands-on experience from working with many of the operators included in the scope.
We are also able to interact with most of the operators.
Confidential Page 39
Frost & Sullivan has extensive experience, over an extended period, of providing market and product
valuations and assessments, and M&A services, on both buy side and sell side, within the international ICT
sector.
Based on Webtel.mobi‟s unique selling propositions (USPs) and B2B2C business model, Frost & Sullivan
sees great potential and opportunity for the company‟s international growth. Particularly in the current global
downturn, there is tremendous demand for lower cost services (on the consumer side) and alternative
revenue streams (on the business side).
At this pre-commercial launch stage, Frost & Sullivan‟s indicative valuation of Webtel.mobi as a uniquely
placed global SMP is within the range of US$6.2 billion to US$8.2 billion.
The range reflects a low to high annual growth variance. The valuation is derived based on a ten-year net
present value assessment of projected cash flow based on the following key assumptions:
An initial ARPU average in the first year of US$13.00, declining by US$0.30 annually
A staggered subscriber take up with a conservative initial take up range of 2 to 10 percent in the first year
of total VSMP addressable market
An annual average subscriber growth of rate of 27 percent
A declining profit margin from 45 to 28 percent over ten years (reflecting market realities, product life
cycle and increase in competition)
The primary sources of our evaluation are:
Relevant Webtel.mobi USPs according to the Guideline Companies‟ Approach
Parallel industry participants‟ growth rates
Recent industry M&A transactions
Global average ARPUs based on Frost & Sullivan‟s research
Webtel.mobi‟s three-year indicative financial projections
A good analogy to the situation of Webtel.mobi is the overwhelming international success and proliferation of
GMail/Yahoo Mail/Hotmail over the original regional or national ISP or server based e-mail services. These
global Web-based e-mail services have several billion e-mail account holders and users, without having to
invest in primary connectivity infrastructure. The fact that these Web-based services are free to join, and are
low or zero cost compared to the original ISP-based e-mail services, led to exponential international growth,
and international market dominance in terms of user numbers and growth, over regional or national traditional
ISP-based e-mail services.
As users, especially in the age group of 18 to 35 years, are already used to initiating online services via a
mobile phone interface, and can become rapidly accustomed to initiating calls via an Internet interface,
Webtel.mobi‟s competitive tariffs and innovative marketing campaigns will certainly attract a strong subscriber
base.
Confidential Page 40
The ability to ride on any telecommunications infrastructure through a basic IP connection provides
Webtel.mobi with significant cost and operational advantage, as well as immediate market dominance in
global reach.
In conclusion, Frost & Sullivan sees Webtel.mobi as a potential sector-influencer in the international mobile
space. Through a global service which is highly competitive in price, reliable, easily accessible, contract free,
and which currently holds international market dominance in terms of its geographic coverage and VSMP
programme, Webtel.mobi is able to proliferate its SMP services worldwide at little or no cost.
Its remarkably low operational cost base, decentralised yet effective corporate structure, and other market-
first USPs set it apart from current competing entities in the international mobile market.
Confidential Page 41
Section B
Growth in the
International Mobile Market
Confidential Page 42
5 Insights on Mobile Communications Market Growth
Our regional analysis of the mobile communications markets2 has shown sharp differences of market
behaviour and technology adoption across the five continents. These varied market conditions impact
business opportunities in different ways. As different regional areas are in different stages of market
development, the room for growth for mobile network operators (MNOs), mobile virtual network operators
(MVNOs), mobile content providers, mobile service providers, mobile technology providers, and other players
vary accordingly.
Despite the differences, the global mobile ecosystem can be divided in two key areas of development in
terms of mobile communications. If mobile penetration and usage of value-added services are used as
indicators of development stages, the area that includes Western Europe, North America, Australia, Japan
and South Korea can be considered in an advanced stage of development. Latin America, Africa, Middle
East, and the rest of Asia on the other hand can be considered in a catching-up stage of development. The
next two chapters will analyze these two macro areas in terms of the market participants‟ growth, mainly in
relation to MNOs and MVNOs. It is important to keep in mind that differences are present within these two
macro areas.
5.1 Revenues Growth Analysis – Markets in Advanced Stage of Development
Market areas that are developed display two common features. The first one is the mobile penetration, which,
in many cases, largely exceeds 100 percent. The second one is the availability of value-added services and
mobile devices that enable a multimedia mobile experience3. In this context, MNOs are designing strategies
where the core is not anymore voice and text, but multimedia services and value-added services for
consumers and enterprises. The main aim of these strategies is to counterbalance the decrease in revenues
from voice and text, with new source of revenues from innovative services. In the long term, revenues from
innovative services will increase; becoming more relevant for MNOs.
2 Refer to „A Global Mobile Market Overview – trends, challenges and new players‟ by Frost & Sullivan, May 2009
3 These two features cannot be fully met in some geographical areas. For example, some Eastern European countries present
some delays, particularly in terms of adoption of mobile value-added services.
Confidential Page 43
The charts below forecast the mobile voice ARPU and the mobile non-voice ARPU for the top five European
markets.
Source: Frost & Sullivan, 2009
Despite these trends, voice and text still remain the cash cow for mobile network operators. Having said that,
revenues are beginning to decrease, as competition becomes stronger. Innovative and low tariff solutions are
challenging existing packages and solutions. Emerging market participants such as MVNOs, mobile VoIP
providers, and specialized mobile providers (SMPs) such as Webtel.mobi are becoming a real threat to the
dominant role of MNOs.
Confidential Page 44
The chart below shows the increasing importance of MVNOs in Europe and North America4.
Global MVNO Subscribers by Region
-
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
Su
bs
cri
be
rs, b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
The charts below illustrate the stagnating market situation, where revenues from voice in the advanced stage
development areas begin to taper, while revenues from SMS will experience slight growth in the period 2009
to 2017.
Global Mobile Voice Traffic Revenue by Region
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
4 Regulation has also impact on voice and text revenues. This aspect is particularly relevant in Europe, where the European
Commission has decisively pushed reduction in roaming charges for voice and SMS. However, regulation will be addressed in a specific paragraph of this study.
Confidential Page 45
Global SMS Revenue by Region
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
In terms of traffic volume, the charts below illustrate that revenues from domestic traffic will remain flat and
revenues from international traffic will grow. SMS revenues, on the other hand, will continue to grow
domestically and internationally. This difference is also due to the fact that SMS is used for other types of
services and applications.
Global Mobile Domestic Voice Traffic Revenue by Region
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Confidential Page 46
Global Mobile International Voice Traffic Revenue by Region
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Global Domestic SMS Revenue by Region
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Confidential Page 47
Global International SMS Revenue by Region
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
5.2 Revenue Growth Analysis – Catching-up Stage of Development Markets
Mobile penetration in development markets is below 100 percent and therefore, the main strategic focus is
subscriber additions. Consequently MNOs‟ strategies are designed around voice and text packages.
However, because of the poor status of telecommunications infrastructures, value-added services are being
developed in parallel to voice and text services. For example, mobile payments solutions have a relevant
development in these areas. The case of M-Pesa in Kenya is a successful example. Mobile Internet is also
having an unprecedented diffusion in these areas. The mobile device becomes the main, in some cases the
only access point for the Internet.
Confidential Page 48
The chart below illustrates this growth in Asia in particular.
Global Internet Data Revenue by Region
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
From the point of view of revenues from voice and text, these markets will see growth over the period 2009 to
2017. The chart below shows the growth in voice revenues in Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
Revenues from domestic and international traffic are expected to grow as well. A similar analysis can be
applied for revenues from SMS.
Global Mobile Voice Traffic Revenue by Region
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017
US
$ b
illio
ns
NA LA Europe Africa AP
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Confidential Page 49
6 Directions of Growth for the Mobile Industry
Mobile communications is experiencing a paradigm shift. Users‟ mobile experience was largely based around
voice and messaging communications based on GSM technologies and other technologies not designed for
IP traffic. MNOs were then the almost exclusive owner of the mobile communications market.
At present, users‟ mobile experience is changing. Mobile phones do not mean only voice and text
communications. Mobile phones are intelligent devices able to offer a variety of services from traditional voice
and text to multimedia and productivity applications. In addition, the advent of innovative technologies and the
implementation of anti-competitive regulation have opened the once MNOs‟ exclusive domain to other
participants.
Voice and text can be offered by a variety of players with different technological background. The future of the
mobile industry is made of a convergent experience of value-added services, communications services, and
multimedia services offered by a variety of players that form a network of diverse players. This scenario also
requires new business models and new sources of revenues.
This paradigm shift is driven by the following main factors.
The diffusion of mobile and wireless technologies (3G, 3.5G and beyond) and intelligent switching and
routing technologies that allow high speed connectivity and, in turn, the efficient use of the Internet on
the mobile
The availability of smart devices with increasing intelligence and capacity
The large adoption of mobile Internet that will also push the implementation of value-added services for
mobile devices over the Internet
The rise of social networking and mobile communities that will push a new set of services designed
around users and social groups of users
Increasing openness of mobile platforms to allow developers‟ creativity; the phenomenon of the
Applications Stores is an example
The advent of advertising as a lucrative business model for the industry
This paradigm shift is happening at different speeds in different markets because of the regional differences
discussed in previous chapters.
Confidential Page 50
7 Analysis of Target Demographics
Identifying specific segments of consumers with specific needs is a strategic task in highly competitive mobile
communications markets. In these markets, the competition does not just lie in the ability to reach large mass
of consumers, but also into the capacity to deconstruct the mass of consumers into segments that have
specific communication behavior and needs.
Consequently, mobile voice and messaging providers have to be able to design an offer flexible enough to
meet requirements of different social groups of users. This chapter will discuss this issue in detail.
7.1 Mobile Users Segmentation
The usage patterns of mobile voice and messaging services can reflect user behaviour beyond
communication trends. It can identify communities of users that share common interests, needs, and
beliefs, i.e. homogenous groups. For the purpose of this analysis, mobile users are classified in three
main social groups, as discussed below.
- Business-oriented users. These could be professionals that use mobile communications frequently
and in different places for the fulfilment of their job function. These could also be SME employees. An
SME can be considered as a business community of users with particular needs in terms of mobile
communications.
- Community groups. These are social groups that share beliefs, provenience, ways of living, and
traditions. These could be ethnic minorities, temporary migrants, students, and local community groups.
- Special interest groups. These are social groups that share common interests such as football fans,
frequent travellers to specific places, magazine readers, and affiliates to organizations.
7.2 User Requirements
The consumption behaviour of the social groups depends on four fundamental requirements, as
discussed below.
- Service costs. The lower the cost of service, the more appealing it becomes for the users. This is
mandatory for community groups. Most of them do not have high disposable incomes, therefore the
low tariff is essential for them to be able to afford the service. Service costs are also important for
business-oriented and interest groups. However, they are likely to pay more in return of high-quality
and specific features.
Confidential Page 51
- Usability of the service. Ease of use is fundamental to adoption. This is valid for all the groups. An
easy access interface from anywhere at anytime is essential. Calling should require just two simple
and easy steps: insert the destination number and call. Additional steps can only irritate the user.
Additional functionality can be added if required, and have to be easy to perform. The initialization of
the service should be immediate. Downloading applications and then setting up the software can
discourage some groups of users.
- Quality of the service. This is obviously essential for all groups, while some segments may have
higher tolerance levels.
- Social group-oriented features. While the previous three criteria can be considered essential for the
uptake of the service, this criterion can further differentiate the service. The idea is to offer specific
features that meet specific social groups‟ needs. An example is to provide a special offer for intra
group calls/SMS to members of a social group.
Webtel.mobi satisfies the three criteria offering a low-cost service at high usability ensuring quality of
service. Through the VSMP Programme, Webtel.mobi also provides special packages for specific
social groups.
7.3 End-user Education
The void of supply and demand interaction in previous years has contributed to the mismatch between
services offered and end-user requirements. At present, several operators have invested in analytics
and end-user forums to better understand their target market. However, such efforts are still in its
nascence. Messages pertaining to new produces and services are still fairly poor. A strong example is
the difference in quality of service between VoIP and traditional mobile voice services. Many users
have signed up with various discounted VoIP providers only to find very poor quality of services. Hidden
costs are also endemic of such services. As operators begin to realise the value of clear and relevant
communication, end users today have a better understanding of the different types of services. The
growth of the Internet has also made information more widely accessible.
Confidential Page 52
7.4 EU Legislation on the Mobile Voice and Messaging Services
During the last three years, the main objective of the European Commission in the area of mobile voice
and messaging services has been the reduction of tariffs and additional costs for European end users.
During 2008, the European Commissioner for Information Society and Media transformed this motive
into formal action with the reduction of roaming costs for voice and SMS. This action was driven by two
main reasons. The first reason was to ensure transparency and low roaming cost for end users. The
second one related to the vision of a single European information space, where services and
applications are harmonized in order to meet the needs of all European users. The other areas of
intervention were data tariffs and roaming data costs. On March 24, 2009, the European Parliament
reached an agreement with the Council Presidency for the following measures.
7.5 Reducing Roaming Tariffs
The directive does not force roaming tariffs to comply with rates set by the EU, but sets ceilings
beneath which mobile operators could compete by offering lower prices. The text stipulates that home
operators may charge their customers for roaming phone call:
From July 1, 2009: a maximum of €0.43 per minute (excluding VAT) for outgoing and a maximum
of €0.19 per minute (excluding VAT) for incoming roaming calls;
From July 1, 2010: a maximum of €0.39 per minute (excluding VAT) for outgoing and a maximum
of €0.15 per minute (excluding VAT) for incoming roaming calls;
From July 1, 2011: a maximum of €0.35 per minute (excluding VAT) for outgoing and a maximum
of €0.11 per minute (excluding VAT) for incoming roaming calls.
From July 1, 2009, operators would have to charge their customers by the second but can apply an
initial minimum charging period of 30 seconds.
Lower-cost Data Roaming Services
MEPs and the Council Presidency agreed with the Commission that a text message (SMS) sent while
roaming should cost a maximum of €0.11 (excluding VAT) from July 1, 2009. Other data roaming
services (such as sending emails and pictures or web-browsing from mobile phones or laptops) will be
regulated at wholesale level, that is, there will be a price cap for the rates the host operator charges a
roaming customer‟s home operator, calculated on a kilobyte basis:
From July 1, 2009: a maximum of €1.00 per megabyte (excluding VAT); From July 1, 2010: a maximum of €0.80 per megabyte (excluding VAT); From July 1 2011: a maximum of €0.50 per megabyte (excluding VAT).”5
The third area pertains to mobile termination rates. Measures have been postponed to 2012.
5 European Parliament Press Release 20090324. “Mobile Roaming: MEPs reach political agreement with Council Presidency”
Confidential Page 53
APPENDIX A
Comparative Analysis Case Studies
These case studies demonstrate Webtel.mobi‟s commercial, operational and geographic competitive
advantages over MNOs in all major international markets.
Bharti Airtel – India (Asia)
Verizon Wireless – USA (North America)
Vodafone UK – UK (Europe)
Vodacom – South Africa (Africa)
These comparative analyses are based on a combination of service provider websites and reports, publicly available information as at May and June 2009, well as primary data obtained from the respective service providers.
Confidential Page 54
CASE STUDY I - INDIA
WEBTEL.MOBI vs. BHARTI AIRTEL Bharti Airtel Introduction Bharti Airtel Limited, a group company of Bharti Enterprises, is Asia‟s leading integrated telecom services provider with operations in India, Sri Lanka, the Seychelles and the Channel islands with an aggregate of 100 million customers. Bharti Airtel‟s mobile business provides mobile services across 22 telecom circles in India, with many of the country‟s lowest calling and text messaging rates. Bharti Airtel was the first private company to achieve this coverage in India. It has taken the company 14 years (since establishment in 1995) and in excess of 10 Billion Euro (cumulative annual costs / expenditure since 1999) to reach this point. Webtel.mobi Introduction Webtel.mobi is a Specialized Mobile Provider that is in the process of launching its low-cost mobile voice and text services in all countries internationally. It provides a hybrid internet-initiated mobile calling and text messaging service. This enables it to provide ultra low cost mobile voice and text services to all web-enabled mobile phones worldwide, at rates of Operational Efficiency which are unparalleled in the mobile market. Due to the fact that its service is available to all internet-enabled mobile phones on all networks worldwide, it maps on to the combined international coverage of all mobile providers.
A. Bharti Airtel’s Voice and SMS Revenues, and Market Capitalisation
Voice Revenues 2008-2009 – 4.283 Billion Euro
SMS Revenues 2008-2009 – 181 million Euro
Market Capitalization as of May 2009 – 21.4 Billion Euro
Operating costs 2008-2009 – 4.164 Billion Euro
Confidential Page 55
B. Service Availability 1. National Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Bharti Airtel
Percentage of Coverage within India
Webtel.mobi‟s national geographic coverage fully overlaps all 23 telecom circles within India. 2. International Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Bharti Airtel
Number of countries in which the companies have their own operation
Webtel.mobi has a significant international geographic footprint compared to Bharti Airtel – Webtel.mobi in 195 countries, and Bharti Airtel in 4 countries. The Webtel.mobi service is available in all countries internationally, on all web-enabled mobile phone makes and models. This vast disparity gives Webtel.mobi a competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel in terms of international geographic coverage.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Webtel.mobi
Bharti Airtel
0
50
100
150
200
250
Webtel.mobi Bharti Airtel
Confidential Page 56
C. Operational Efficiency 1. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Global) vs. Bharti Airtel (Country)
Financial analysts study operating cost as a percentage of revenue to judge the operational performance of the business and also for comparison between companies. It is noted that higher the operating costs, the lower the profitability of the company. As shown as percentage of revenues, Bharti Airtel operating costs are 80 percent higher than those of Webtel.mobi. Therefore, on a relative cost scale, Webtel.mobi has a competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel.
2. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue Webtel.mobi (Country) vs. Bharti Airtel (Country)
The operating cost per country is derived by dividing the total operating cost by the geographic presence (provision of own-brand services). Bharti Airtel provides its service in 4 countries. Hence, the operating costs of Bharti Airtel per country is 18 percent (72 percent divided by 4 countries). Webtel.mobi provides its services in 195 countries. Hence, the operating costs of Webtel.mobi per country is 0.07 percent (13.7 percent divided by 195 countries). Therefore, again on a relative cost scale, Webtel.mobi has a competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Webtel.mobi Bharti Airtel
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
Webtel.mobi Bharti Airtel
Confidential Page 57
D. Webtel.mobi Unique Selling Points vs Bharti Airtel / Indian market 1. Widest coverage in India Webtel.mobi is available to all web-enabled mobile phones on all networks in India. 2. No requirement for licence fees Due to it being internet-initiated telephony, Webtel.mobi currently does not have to pay licence fees in
India. 3. No requirement for masts As the Webtel.mobi service is internet-initiated, it is not necessary for it to erect masts. 4. No start-up costs, infrastructure, staff or premises As the Webtel.mobi service is accessed via the internet, it does not need retail outlets, premises or
staff to deliver its service to users. Certain countries/operators however may choose to block access to selected websites. Such practices are non-competitive and typically subject to legislative review/action.
5. No Requirement for handset subsidising or SIM cards As Webtel.mobi is accessed from all existing internet-enabled mobile phones, it does not have to
subsidise and distribute handsets and SIM cards in order to provide users with its service. 6. No Requirement to charge VAT to end-users As Webtel.mobi provides its services from Guernsey – where neither local or non-resident company
are charged VAT or required to charge VAT – it is able to provide its services to end-users without charging them VAT.
7. Unique Affiliate marketing strategy and ability Due to Webtel.mobi‟s structure, it is able to provide local companies with their own branded
Specialized Mobile Provider product, with only seven days lead time to full operation. 8. Extremely significant reduction of costs for calls & texts Webtel.mobi enables users to enjoy extremely significant cost savings on International and Roaming
calls and texts. 9. Webtel.mobi can be used from all handsets and networks internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is able to be used from web-enabled mobile phones on all Mobile Providers‟
networks when roaming. 10. Webtel.mobi has the same cost structure internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is available at the same cost in all countries, so there is no disruption or change
in cost or charging whether in the local country or travelling / roaming.
Confidential Page 58
11. Webtel.mobi has easily obtainable and clear price lists Unlike Bharti Airtel, Webtel.mobi‟s price lists are clear. 12. Users can join and use the Webtel.mobi service free of charge Users can join Webtel.mobi free of charge – and obtain limited free credit to test the service when
joining. There are no costs to use the service other than the costs of calls. 13. Webtel.mobi end users do not have to enter into a contract Users do not have to enter into a contract to use Webtel.mobi, and can join and use it, or not use it, or
leave it, at their choice. 14. Webtel.mobi’s service can be used on “Locked” handsets Webtel.mobi is able to be used on “Network Locked” handsets, at no extra cost to the user. 15. Webtel.mobi facilitates international calling on blocked handsets Webtel.mobi empowers users whose handsets are blocked for international calling to make
international calls – at no extra cost to the end-user. 16. Webtel.mobi facilitates international calling on blocked handsets Webtel.mobi empowers Bharti Airtel Pre-Paid users to use their phones for International Roaming
Calls (calls activated by browser / laptop / netbook). 17. Webtel.mobi’s call charges remain the same regardless of time or day WM‟s service does not have “Peak” or “Off Peak” times during the day with varying cost levels, or a
different cost over weekends or during the week. The same low rates are applicable 24/7. 18. Webtel.mobi’s call charges are “per second” not “per minute” WM‟s call charges are per second, and not “per minute or part thereof”. This represents a further
significant cost saving for clients, and also means that they really only pay for the calls that they make / texts that they send.
19. Webtel.mobi’s call charges and records are available in real time All Webtel.mobi call records and charges are able to be accessed by the user in real time without any
waiting period.
Confidential Page 59
E. Tariff Comparisons The charts below illustrate the differences in voice and SMS tariffs between Webtel.mobi and Bharti Airtel. A point worth highlighting is that voice calls made via Webtel.mobi are charged by the second in comparison to Bharti Airtel who charges per minute or part thereof. Charges per second translate into highly significant savings for users, translating into being charged for a full minute of calling even if one only uses one second of a minute when calling. Note : The tariff calculations below takes into account the following:
The Webtel.mobi WAP sites are optimised to render at less than 0.020MB (20KB) in size. Conservatively, we have included 25KB of GPRS traffic to interact with Webtel.mobi's voice platform, with mobile operators typically charging 0.88 Euro cents for 100KB of GPRS traffic and 1.5 Euro cents per minute for every incoming call (while roaming) within India.
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/ minute) tariffs include all surcharges by the mobile operator for roaming GPRS traffic per minute, roaming incoming call charges and call charges levied by Webtel.mobi.
Bharti Airtel’s tariffs include service tax, surcharges and CESS of 35 percent.
Bharti users are typically charged approximately 25 Euro cents for 25 KB while travelling abroad. This has been added to the Webtel.mobi cost for the first minute.
Confidential Page 60
1. International Voice Calls within local network: 1.a) Mobile to Mobile
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Indi
a to
USA
Indi
a to
Can
ada
Indi
a to
Rus
sia
Indi
a to
Chi
na
Indi
a to
Hon
g Kon
g
Indi
a to
Cos
ta R
ica
Indi
a to
Kor
ea
Indi
a to
UK
Indi
a to
Aus
tralia
Indi
a to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Airtel(Euro cents/minute)
For most international calls terminating on a mobile network, Webtel.mobi‟s tariffs are more competitive. Calls made to China and Canada for example cost 76 percent less than those made over Bharti’s cellular network. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for most International Mobile to Mobile calls. 1.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Indi
a to
USA
Indi
a to
Can
ada
Indi
a to
Rus
sia
Indi
a to
Chi
na
Indi
a to
Hon
g Kon
g
Indi
a to
Cos
ta R
ica
Indi
a to
Kor
ea
Indi
a to
UK
Indi
a to
Aus
tralia
Indi
a to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Airtel(Euro cents/minute)
Except for calls made to UAE and certain Middle East countries, Webtel.mobi‟s voice solution is the ideal economical platform for international voice calls terminating on a fixed line network. Though mobile terminating calls to the UK and Australia were costlier using Webtel.mobi as observed in the previous chart, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi voice calls terminating on a fixed line to the UK and Australia were found to be more than 21 percent lower than Bharti Airtel. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost between 21 to 76 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for most International Mobile to Fixed line calls.
Confidential Page 61
1.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
India to U
SA
India to C
anad
a
India to R
ussia
India to C
hina
India to H
ong Kon
g
India to C
osta
Rica
India to K
orea
India to U
K
India to A
ustra
lia
India to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Airtel (Eurocents/minute)
Other than calls to UAE, Webtel.mobi‟s tariffs are more competitive. Further, Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Bharti Airtel), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to an international fixed line so as to avoid paying incoming roaming charges to a large extent. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 21 to 76 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a strong competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for most Mobile Initiated Fixed Line to Fixed Line calls.
Confidential Page 62
2. International Voice Calls while Roaming Domestically: 2.a) Mobile to Mobile
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Indi
a to
USA
Indi
a to
Can
ada
Indi
a to
Rus
sia
Indi
a to
Chi
na
Indi
a to
Hon
g Kon
g
Indi
a to
Cos
ta R
ica
Indi
a to
Kor
ea
Indi
a to
UK
Indi
a to
Aus
tralia
Indi
a to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Aitel(Euro cents/minute)
For most domestic roaming international calls terminating on a mobile network, Webtel.mobi costs are nearly 80 percent less than Bharti Airtel for calls made to China and Canada. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for most International Mobile to Mobile calls. 2.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Indi
a to
USA
Indi
a to
Can
ada
Indi
a to
Rus
sia
Indi
a to
Chi
na
Indi
a to
Hon
g Kon
g
Indi
a to
Cos
ta R
ica
Indi
a to
Kor
ea
Indi
a to
UK
Indi
a to
Aus
tralia
Indi
a to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Aitel(Euro cents/minute)
Domestic roaming voice calls terminating on a fixed line to the UK and Australia made via Webtel.mobi were found to be more than 28 percent lower than Bharti Airtel. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 28 to 80 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for most International Mobile to Fixed line calls.
Confidential Page 63
2.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Other than calls to UAE, Webtel.mobi‟s tariffs are more competitive. Further, Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Bharti Airtel), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to an international fixed line so as to avoid paying incoming roaming charges to a large extent. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 21 to 76 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for most Mobile Initiated Fixed Line to Fixed Line calls.
3. International Roaming: 3.a) Mobile to Mobile With regard to international roaming mobile-mobile voice calls, it is quite evident from the chart above that Webtel.mobi not only provides significant cost savings of up to 75 percent in comparison to Bharti Airtel during the first minute of the call, but also provides further savings if the call continues for longer than 1 minute.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Aitel (Euro cents/minute)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
USA to In
dia
Canada
to In
dia
Russia
to In
dia
China
to In
dia
Hong K
ong to
Indi
a
Costa
Rica to
Indi
a
Korea
to In
dia
UK to In
dia
Austra
lia to
Indi
a
UAE to In
dia
Webtel.mobi 2nd minute & more(Euro cents/minute)
Webtel.mobi 1st minute (Eurocents/minute)
Postpaid Bharti Airtel (Eurocents/minute)
Confidential Page 64
Additionally, Bharti Airtel does not enable its prepaid users to make outgoing calls while travelling abroad, but Webtel.mobi enables them to do so from the Webtel.mobi platform – thereby outperforming Bharti Airtel‟s own service offering to its own clients off its own system.(with the call initiation taking place from a browser / laptop / netbook/ PC). Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for Mobile to Mobile calls. 3.b) Mobile to Fixed Line International roaming voice call costs terminating on a mobile number in India is almost similar to the costs charged for voice calls terminating on a fixed line as indicated in the chart above for both Webtel.mobi and Bharti Airtel post paid subscribers. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost up to 79 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for Mobile to Fixed Line calls.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Webtel.mobi 2nd minute & more (Euro cents/minute)
Webtel.mobi 1st minute (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Bharti Airtel (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 65
3.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line Based on the above chart, cost savings offered by Webtel.mobi to a number of countries are up to 500 percent in comparison to international roaming voice calls made over Bharti Airtel‟s network. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for Mobile Initiated Fixed Line to Fixed Line calls. 4. International Mobile-to-Mobile SMS
4.a) Within Domestic Network Standard international SMS‟ for Bharti Airtel users is 8.5 Euro cents for most countries. Standard International SMS‟ for Webtel.mobi users is 4.5 Euro cents for most countries –which is significantly lower (88%). The above chart takes into account of the mobile user (for Webtel.mobi site) connecting through a GPRS/EDGE network and not via a Wi-Fi network. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s texts cost at
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
USA to In
dia
Canada
to In
dia
Russia to
India
China
to In
dia
Hong K
ong to
India
Costa
Rica to
India
Korea
to In
dia
UK to In
dia
Austra
lia to
India
UAE to In
dia
Webtel.mobi 2nd and more (Eurocents/minute)
Webtel.mobi 1st minute (Eurocents/minute)
Postpaid Bharti Airtel (Eurocents/minute)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Indi
a to
USA
Indi
a to
Can
ada
Indi
a to
Rus
sia
Indi
a to
Chi
na
Indi
a to
Hon
g Kon
g
Indi
a to
Cos
ta R
ica
Indi
a to
Kor
ea
Indi
a to
UK
Indi
a to
Aus
tralia
Indi
a to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Airtel(Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 66
least 88 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for International Text / SMS sending.
4.b) Domestic Roaming Domestic roaming international SMS charges for both Webtel.mobi and Bharti Airtel are similar to standard international SMS costs when the user is not roaming within India. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi‟s texts cost at least 88 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for International Text / SMS sending.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
India
to U
SA
India
to C
anada
India
to R
ussia
India
to C
hina
India
to H
ong K
ong
India
to C
osta R
ica
India
to K
orea
India
to U
K
India
to A
ustra
lia
India
to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid & Postpaid Bharti Airtel(Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 67
4.c) International Roaming
International roaming subscribers using Webtel.mobi have a cost saving of more than 987 percent when compared to Bharti Airtel pre-paid users in sending an international roaming SMS back to India and a cost saving of more than 500percent(from most countries) over Bharti Airtel post-paid users. Based on the above chart, Webtel.mobi’s texts cost from 500 to 987 percent less than Bharti Airtel. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel for International Roaming Text / SMS sending.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
USA to In
dia
Canada
to In
dia
Russia to
India
China
to In
dia
Hong K
ong to
India
Costa
Rica to
India
Korea
to In
dia
UK to In
dia
Austra
lia to
India
UAE to In
dia
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Bharti Airtel (Eurocents/minute)
Postpaid Bharti Airtel (Eurocents/minute)
Confidential Page 68
F. Ease of Registration Comparison of Service Utilisation Requirements:
Bharti Airtel Pre-paid Bharti Airtel Post-paid Webtel.mobi
Self-Attested Photograph Self-Attested Photograph Internet enabled mobile phone
Identity Proof Identity Proof Working mobile phone number
Proof of Address Proof of Address Sign up online for free
Activation Charges of average Euro 0.75 for the starter pack (One-time)
Activation Charges of average Euro 4.6 (One-time)
No Activation Charges. Must have a prepaid or postpaid contract with a mobile provider
No monthly contract charges Monthly Contract Charges of average Euro 2.5 per month - excluding call and text costs (No security deposit required for inter-state roaming within India)
No monthly contract charges
Mobile users buy recharge coupons to top up their card. Alternatively the dealer can directly recharge the user‟s prepaid card using his/her mobile. On doing so, both the user and the dealer will receive an SMS in a few seconds confirming the recharge
Mobile users pay their monthly contract charges and monthly call charges in arrears by debit order
Load credit on Webtel.mobi‟s website
Once users top up their card, they are obliged to exhaust the credit anywhere between 30 to 90 days. Some life-time validity vouchers require users to charge the card every six months
Calls are post-paid Credit purchased does not expire
Security deposit of 110 Euro to activate international roaming.
Monthly charge of Euro 2.3 for activating international roaming
Security deposit of 110 Euro to activate international roaming
International roaming available to all users at no cost
Confidential Page 69
G. Summary
Webtel.mobi‟s services in and from India are reliable and provide optimum quality for voice and text messaging services.
Webtel.mobi enjoys a strong competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel in terms of the majority of voice services and text / SMS services.
Given that Webtel.mobi is available on all networks, it enjoys a competitive advantage over Bharti
Airtel in terms of Service Availability for National and International Geographic coverage.
Further, relatively speaking, Webtel.mobi enjoys a competitive advantage over Bharti Airtel in terms of Operational Efficiency for National and International Operating Costs.
Webtel.mobi‟s service provides ease of user registration and clear tariffs. Webtel.mobi is extremely well positioned to make a significant impact on the mobile voice and text
market in India.
Confidential Page 70
CASE STUDY II - USA
WEBTEL.MOBI vs. VERIZON WIRELESS
Verizon Wireless Introduction Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone, is the largest mobile operator in terms of revenues and customers in the US market. Verizon Wireless constitutes nearly 57 percent of the consolidated revenue in Verizon and currently has more than 86.6 million customers (March 2009) subscribed to its services. Verizon Wireless recently completed its acquisition of Alltel Wireless in a deal valued at $28.1 billion and is aggressively working on completely integrating Alltel‟s network operations and billing systems. Verizon Wireless has been one of the key enablers in the adoption of CDMA and EVDO technology worldwide and is currently conducting 3G LTE field trials with Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent. The firm intends to commercially launch the world‟s first and largest 3G LTE services having an aggressive roadmap of commercially launching the service in 20 to 30 US markets during the second half of 2010. Webtel.mobi Introduction Webtel.mobi is a Specialized Mobile Provider that is in the process of launching its low-cost mobile voice and text services in all countries internationally. It provides a hybrid internet-initiated mobile calling and text messaging service. This enables it to provide ultra low cost mobile voice and text services to all web-enabled mobile phones worldwide, at rates of Operational Efficiency which are unparalleled in the mobile market. Due to the fact that its service is available to all internet-enabled mobile phones on all networks worldwide, it maps on to the combined international coverage of all mobile providers.
A. Verizon Wireless’ US Service and Data Revenues, and Market Capitalisation
Service Revenues 2008-2009 – 32.21 Billion Euro
Data Revenues 2008-2009 - 8.98 Billion Euro
Non-Messaging Service Revenue 2008-2009 - 5.21 Billion Euro
Market Capitalization of Verizon as of June 2009 – 58.76 Billion Euro
Operating costs 2008-2009 – 26.7 Billion Euro
Confidential Page 71
B. Service Availability
1. National Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Verizon Wireless
Percentage of Coverage within the US
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Webtel.mobi Verizon Wireless
Webtel.mobi‟s national geographic coverage is in par with Verizon Wireless having more than 90% population coverage.
2. International Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Verizon Wireless
Number of countries in which the companies have their own operation
0
50
100
150
200
250
Webtel.mobi Verizon Wireless
Webtel.mobi has a significant international geographic footprint compared to Verizon Wireless – Webtel.mobi in 195 countries, and Verizon Wireless in 1 country. The Webtel.mobi service is available in all countries internationally, on all web-enabled mobile phone makes and models. This vast disparity gives Webtel.mobi a competitive advantage over Verizon Wireless in terms of international geographic coverage.
Confidential Page 72
C. Operational Efficiency 1. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Global) vs. Verizon Wireless (Global)
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
Webtel.mobi Verizon Wireless
In terms of operating costs as a percentage of revenues, Verizon Wireless‟ operating costs are substantially higher than those of Webtel.mobi. Therefore, Webtel.mobi has generated, on a relative cost scale, positive returns for the investors.
2. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Country) vs. Verizon Wireless (Country)
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
Webtel.mobi Verizon Wireless
As Verizon Wireless has network operations only in one country worldwide, its operating cost as a percentage of revenue is 71.6 percent. Webtel.mobi provides its services in 195 countries. Hence, the operating cost of Webtel.mobi per country is 0.07 percent (13.7 percent divided by 195 countries). Therefore, again on a relative cost scale, Webtel.mobi has operated with far more efficiency than Verizon Wireless in the US as well.
Confidential Page 73
D. Webtel.mobi Unique Selling Points vs. Verizon Wireless USA 1. Widest coverage in the US
Webtel.mobi is available to all web-enabled mobile phones on all networks in the US. 2. No requirement for licence fees
Due to it being Internet-initiated telephony, Webtel.mobi currently does not have to pay licence fees in the US.
3. No requirement for masts
As the Webtel.mobi service is internet-initiated, it is not necessary for it to erect masts. 4. No start-up costs, infrastructure, staff or premises
As the Webtel.mobi service is accessed via the internet, it does not need retail outlets, premises or staff to deliver its service to users. Certain countries/operators however may choose to block access to selected websites. Such practices are non-competitive and typically subject to legislative review/action.
5. No Requirement for handset subsidising or SIM cards
As Webtel.mobi is accessed from all existing internet-enabled mobile phones, it does not have to subsidise and distribute handsets and SIM cards in order to provide users with its service.
6. No Requirement to charge VAT to end-users
As Webtel.mobi provides its services from Guernsey – where neither local or non-resident company are charged VAT or required to charge VAT – it is able to provide its services to end-users without charging them VAT.
7. Unique Affiliate marketing strategy and ability
Due to Webtel.mobi‟s structure, it is able to provide local companies with their own branded Specialized Mobile Provider product, with only seven days lead time to full operation.
8. Extremely significant reduction of costs for calls & texts
Webtel.mobi enables users to enjoy extremely significant cost savings on International and Roaming calls and texts.
9. Webtel.mobi can be used from all handsets and networks internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is able to be used from web-enabled mobile phones on all Mobile Providers‟
networks when roaming. 10. Webtel.mobi has the same cost structure internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is available at the same cost in all countries, so there is no disruption or change
in cost or charging whether in the local country or travelling / roaming.
Confidential Page 74
11. Webtel.mobi has easily obtainable and clear price lists Unlike Verizon Wireless, Webtel.mobi‟s price lists are clear and have no hidden costs. 12. Users can join and use the Webtel.mobi service free of charge Users can join Webtel.mobi free of charge – and obtain limited free credit to test the service when
joining. There are no costs to use the service other than the costs of calls. 13. Webtel.mobi end users do not have to enter into a contract Users do not have to enter into a contract to use Webtel.mobi, and can join and use it, or not use it, or
leave it, at their choice. 14. Webtel.mobi’s service can be used on “Locked” handsets Webtel.mobi is able to be used on “Network Locked” handsets, at no extra cost to the user. 15. Webtel.mobi facilitates international calling on blocked handsets Webtel.mobi empowers users whose handsets are blocked for international calling to make
international calls – at no extra cost to the end-user. 16. Webtel.mobi’s call charges remain the same regardless of time or day WM‟s service does not have “Peak” or “Off Peak” times during the day with varying cost levels, or a
different cost over weekends or during the week. The same low rates are applicable 24/7. 17. Webtel.mobi’s call charges and records are available in real time All Webtel.mobi call records and charges are able to be accessed by the user in real time without any
waiting period. 18. Webtel.mobi provides its users to stay connected in several international countries
Webtel.mobi‟s services can be used in more than 195 countries worldwide in comparison to Verizon Wireless, which can be used only in 40 countries worldwide.
Confidential Page 75
E. Tariff Comparisons
The charts below illustrate the differences in voice and SMS tariffs between Webtel.mobi and Verizon Wireless.
Note:
An average of 25% is taken into consideration for total taxes on top of the monthly bill as some states such as New York charge 33% on top of the monthly bill.
Existing standard rates per message/call taken into account. Promotion offers and value plans not considered. We have included 25KB of EVDO traffic to interact with Webtel.mobi's voice/SMS platform
accruing an average cost of 4.28 Euro cents for Verizon Wireless postpaid subscribers. Verizon Wireless charges $1.99 per MB for its postpaid subscribers for Mobile Web.
We have included 25KB of EVDO traffic to interact with Webtel.mobi's voice/SMS platform accruing an average cost of 84.49 Euro cents for Verizon Wireless prepaid subscribers. Verizon Wireless charges its prepaid subscribers $0.99 for Mobile Web per day (not on a pro-rata basis).
For international roaming, approximately 45% is taken into consideration for total taxes and international roaming surcharges.
For international roaming, we have included 25KB of data traffic to interact with Webtel.mobi's voice/SMS platform accruing an average roaming cost of 5.2 Euro cents in Canada, 13 Euro cents in Mexico and for the rest of the world at 52 Euro cents. This is only applicable for Verizon Wireless postpaid subscribers having a monthly mobile broadband subscription.
Verizon Wireless does not provide its prepaid users mobile broadband/Web while roaming internationally. Hence for prepaid users to make calls using Webtel.mobi, it would require call initiation from a browser / laptop / netbook using an alternative network such as Wi-Fi.
Webtel.mobi charges per second. Verizon Wireless charges per minute or part thereof. Webtel's one-off charge of 5 Euro cents to connect calls is not taken into consideration.
Confidential Page 76
1. International Voice Calls within local network:
1.a) Mobile to Mobile
Except for calls made to Canada, Webtel.mobi‟s voice solution is the ideal economical platform for international voice calls terminating on a mobile network. Calls made to China and Hong Kong for example cost between 1695 to 1707 percent less than those made over Verizon Wireless’ network. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Verizon Wireless for most International Mobile to Mobile calls.
Verizon Wireless charges an average cost of 84.49 Euro cents for its prepaid subscribers to access 25KB of EVDO traffic for interacting with Webtel.mobi's voice platform. On the other hand, Verizon postpaid subscribers are charged 4.28 Euro cents to access 25KB of EVDO traffic for interacting with Webtel.mobi's voice platform.
1.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
It is noticed that for Verizon prepaid subscribers using Webtel.mobi, costs for international calls terminating on a fixed line in Canada are far higher than using Verizon Wireless‟ cellular network. Comparatively for calls made to other international countries terminating on a fixed line, Webtel.mobi‟s call costs between 411 to 1678 percent less than Verizon Wireless.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Webtel.mobi used by Verizon Postpaid users (Euro cents/minute)
Webtel.mobi used by Verizon Prepaid users (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid and Postpaid Verizon (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Webtel.mobi used by Verizon Postpaid users (Euro cents/minute)
Webtel.mobi used by Verizon Prepaid users (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid and Postpaid Verizon (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 77
2. International Roaming:
2.a) Mobile to Mobile
With regard to international roaming mobile-mobile voice calls, it is quite evident from the chart above that Webtel.mobi call costs between 15.7 to 61.2 percent less than Verizon Wireless towards calls made from several international countries.
2.b) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Verizon Wireless), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line so as to avoid paying incoming roaming charges to a large extent. Webtel.mobi‟s mobile initiated – fixed line to fixed line service negates incoming roaming charges on the mobile phone and thus provides tremendous cost savings up to 733 percent over Verizon Wireless services from several international countries.
0
50
100
150
200
250
Brazil to
USA
Canada
to U
SA
China
to U
SA
Japa
n to U
SA
South
Kore
a to
USA
New Zea
land
to U
SA
Thaila
nd to U
SA
Mex
ico to
USA
Isra
el to
USA
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid and Postpaid Verizon(Euro cents/minute)
0
50
100
150
200
250
Brazil to
USA
Canada
to U
SA
China
to U
SA
Japa
n to U
SA
South
Kore
a to
USA
New Zea
land
to U
SA
Thaila
nd to U
SA
Mex
ico to
USA
Isra
el to
USA
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid and Postpaid Verizon(Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 78
3. International Mobile-to-Mobile SMS within Local Network
3.a) International Countries
Standard international SMS costs for Verizon Wireless postpaid and prepaid users are 22 Euro cents to most international countries from the US. Whereas, standard international SMS‟ for Webtel.mobi users with a Verizon post-paid mobile subscription is 8.78 Euro cents to most countries and Verizon prepaid subscribers using Webtel.mobi are charged an average of 88.99 Euro cents to most countries. The huge cost is attributed to the fact that Verizon Wireless charges an average cost of 84.49 Euro cents for its prepaid subscribers to access 25KB of EVDO traffic for interacting with Webtel.mobi's SMS platform. On the other hand, Verizon postpaid subscribers are charged 4.28 Euro cents to access 25KB of EVDO traffic for interacting with Webtel.mobi's SMS platform.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
USA to U
K
USA to C
anada
USA to R
ussia
USA to C
hina
USA to H
ong K
ong
USA to C
osta
Rica
USA to K
orea
USA to In
dia
USA to A
ustra
lia
USA to U
AE
Webtel.mobi used by Verizon Postpaid
users (Euro cents/msg)
Webtel.mobi used by Verizon Prepaid
users (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid Verizon (Euro
cents/msg)
Confidential Page 79
4. International Roaming Mobile-to-Mobile SMS
4.a) International Countries
Except for SMS‟ made from Canada and Mexico back to the US, Webtel.mobi is a costly proposition for sending SMS to the US from several international countries when roaming.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Brazil to
USA
Canada
to U
SA
China
to U
SA
Japa
n to U
SA
South
Kore
a to
USA
New Zea
land
to U
SA
Thaila
nd to U
SA
Mex
ico to
USA
Isra
el to
USA
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid Verizon(Euro cents/msg)
Confidential Page 80
F. Ease of Registration Comparison of Service Utilisation Requirements:
Verizon Wireless Pre-paid Verizon Wireless Post-paid Webtel.mobi
No ID proof required when purchasing online.
Identity Proof required All that is required is an Internet enabled mobile phone with a working phone number
No address proof required when purchasing online.
Proof of Address required Sign up online for free
A 17.67 Euro activation fee may apply. Prepaid phones also cost from 13.43 Euro to 106 Euro.
Initial device charges may apply. 24.74 Euro activation fee could be waved off for large accounts or businesses.
No Activation Charges. Must have a prepaid or postpaid contract with a mobile provider
No credit checks, long-term contracts or deposits.
Monthly Contract Charges can vary from 28.27 Euro to 98.97 Euro (Unlimited Everything)
No monthly contract charges
Mobile users can recharge their phones online, at Verizon Wireless shops, or at other partner retailers.
Mobile users pay their monthly contract charges and monthly call charges.
Load credit on Webtel.mobi‟s website.
Prepaid stored value expires in 30 days to one year. If balance expires, unused portion is forfeited.
Calls are post-paid. Credit purchased does not expire.
Domestic roaming per minute rate is 14 Euro cents. International roaming for SMS is 35 Euro cents per sent SMS and 3.5 Euro cents per received SMS.
No domestic roaming charge. International SMS generally costs 17.67 Euro cents to send and 14 Euro cents to receive.
International roaming available to all users at no cost.
Confidential Page 81
G. Summary
Webtel.mobi‟s services in and from the US are reliable and provide optimum quality for voice and text messaging services.
Webtel.mobi‟s services can be used in more than 195 countries worldwide in comparison to Verizon
Wireless, which can be used only in 40 countries worldwide.
Webtel.mobi enjoys a strong competitive advantage over Verizon Wireless in terms of the majority of voice services and text / SMS services.
Webtel.mobi‟s mobile-initiated fixed –fixed line service provides its users huge cost savings than
Verizon Wireless for voice calls when roaming internationally.
Webtel.mobi‟s service provides ease of user registration and clear tariffs.
Webtel.mobi is extremely well positioned to make a significant impact on the mobile voice and text market in the US and provide even further cost savings to its users once Verizon Wireless and other US mobile operators alike reduce the cost of using mobile web.
Confidential Page 82
CASE STUDY III - UK
WEBTEL.MOBI VS. VODAFONE UK Vodafone Introduction Vodafone Group, founded in 1985, is the world‟s largest mobile operator in terms of total revenue (46.0 Billion Euro) with equity interests in 27 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the United States. As of 31 March 2009, Vodafone had approximately 302.6 million proportionate customers worldwide and as part of its growth strategy it will continue investing in markets within APAC, Africa and the Middle East -thereby enabling it to be the world‟s largest mobile operator in terms of total customers as well. The UK mobile market is almost equally divided amongst four operators -Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange and O2, with Vodafone UK having approximately 18.7 million customers and a 26.0% market share. By virtue of its relative network rollout, Three UK has had a constant market share of approximately 5.0% in the last five years. As a summer promotion offer, from 1 June until the end of August 2009, Vodafone Passport UK users will not need to pay roaming charges for text and voice services in 35 European countries and also to countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Webtel.mobi Introduction Webtel.mobi is a Specialized Mobile Provider that is in the process of launching its low-cost mobile voice and text services in all countries internationally. It provides a hybrid internet-initiated mobile calling and text messaging service. This enables it to provide ultra low cost mobile voice and text services to all web-enabled mobile phones worldwide, at rates of Operational Efficiency which are unparalleled in the mobile market. Due to the fact that its service is available to all internet-enabled mobile phones on all networks worldwide, it maps on to the combined international coverage of all mobile providers.
A. Vodafone UK’s Voice and SMS Revenues, and Market Capitalisation
a. Vodafone UK Voice Revenues 2008-2009 – 3.6 Billion Euro
b. Vodafone UK SMS Revenues 2008-2009 – 1.0 Billion Euro
c. Market Capitalization of Vodafone Group as of June 2009 – 71.34 Billion Euro
d. Vodafone UK Operating costs 2008-2009 – 5.9 Billion Euro
Confidential Page 83
B. Service Availability 1. National Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Vodafone
Percentage of Coverage within UK
Webtel.mobi‟s national geographic coverage is in par with most UK operators having more than 99% population coverage. 2. International Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Vodafone
Number of countries in which the companies have their own operation
0
50
100
150
200
250
Webtel.mobi Vodafone
Webtel.mobi has a significant international geographic footprint compared to Vodafone – Webtel.mobi in 195 countries, and Vodafone in 27 countries. The Webtel.mobi service is available in all countries internationally, on all web-enabled mobile phone makes and models. This vast disparity gives Webtel.mobi a competitive advantage over Vodafone in terms of international geographic coverage.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Webtel.mobi
Vodafone
Confidential Page 84
C. Operational Efficiency 1. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Global) vs. Vodafone (Global)
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
Webtel.mobi Vodafone Group
In terms of operating costs as a percentage of revenues, Vodafone‟s operating costs are substantially higher than those of Webtel.mobi. Therefore, Webtel.mobi has generated, on a relative cost scale, positive returns for the investors.
2. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Country) vs. Vodafone UK (Country)
0.0%
20.0%
40.0%
60.0%
80.0%
100.0%
120.0%
Webtel.mobi Vodafone UK
Vodafone Group's total operating cost as a percentage of revenue is 85.7%. Taking into account only Vodafone UK operations we arrive at an operating cost of 95.6%. Webtel.mobi provides its services in 195 countries. Hence, the operating cost of Webtel.mobi per country is 0.07 percent (13.7 percent divided by 195 countries). Therefore, again on a relative cost scale, Webtel.mobi has operated with far more efficiency than Vodafone UK.
Confidential Page 85
D. Webtel.mobi Unique Selling Points vs. Vodafone / UK market 1. Widest coverage in the UK
Webtel.mobi is available to all web-enabled mobile phones on all networks in the UK. 2. No requirement for licence fees
Due to it being internet-initiated telephony, Webtel.mobi currently does not have to pay licence fees in the UK.
3. No requirement for masts
As the Webtel.mobi service is internet-initiated, it is not necessary for it to erect masts. 4. No start-up costs, infrastructure, staff or premises
As the Webtel.mobi service is accessed via the internet, it does not need retail outlets, premises or staff to deliver its service to users. Certain countries/operators however may choose to block access to selected websites. Such practices are non-competitive and typically subject to legislative review/action.
5. No Requirement for handset subsidising or SIM cards
As Webtel.mobi is accessed from all existing internet-enabled mobile phones, it does not have to subsidise and distribute handsets and SIM cards in order to provide users with its service.
6. No Requirement to charge VAT to end-users
As Webtel.mobi provides its services from Guernsey – where neither local or non-resident company are charged VAT or required to charge VAT – it is able to provide its services to end-users without charging them VAT.
7. Unique Affiliate marketing strategy and ability
Due to Webtel.mobi‟s structure, it is able to provide local companies with their own branded Specialized Mobile Provider product, with only seven days lead time to full operation.
8. Extremely significant reduction of costs for calls & texts
Webtel.mobi enables users to enjoy extremely significant cost savings on International and Roaming calls and texts.
9. Webtel.mobi can be used from all handsets and networks internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is able to be used from web-enabled mobile phones on all Mobile Providers‟
networks when roaming. 10. Webtel.mobi has the same cost structure internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is available at the same cost in all countries, so there is no disruption or change
in cost or charging whether in the local country or travelling / roaming.
Confidential Page 86
11. Webtel.mobi has easily obtainable and clear price lists Unlike Vodafone, Webtel.mobi‟s price lists are clear and have no hidden costs. 12. Users can join and use the Webtel.mobi service free of charge Users can join Webtel.mobi free of charge – and obtain limited free credit to test the service when
joining. There are no costs to use the service other than the costs of calls. 13. Webtel.mobi end users do not have to enter into a contract Users do not have to enter into a contract to use Webtel.mobi, and can join and use it, or not use it, or
leave it, at their choice. 14. Webtel.mobi’s service can be used on “Locked” handsets Webtel.mobi is able to be used on “Network Locked” handsets, at no extra cost to the user. 15. Webtel.mobi facilitates international calling on blocked handsets Webtel.mobi empowers users whose handsets are blocked for international calling to make
international calls – at no extra cost to the end-user. 16. Webtel.mobi’s call charges remain the same regardless of time or day WM‟s service does not have “Peak” or “Off Peak” times during the day with varying cost levels, or a
different cost over weekends or during the week. The same low rates are applicable 24/7. 17. Webtel.mobi’s call charges and records are available in real time All Webtel.mobi call records and charges are able to be accessed by the user in real time without any
waiting period.
Confidential Page 87
E. Tariff Comparisons The charts below illustrate the differences in voice and SMS tariffs between Webtel.mobi and Vodafone UK.
Note
15% VAT taken into account for Vodafone's standard rate per minute for both post-paid and pre-paid services.
Existing standard rates per minute taken into account for both post-paid and pre-paid services.
Promotion offers, Vodafone International, Vodafone Passport and International Call Saver are not taken into account as it is not included in all price plans (or/and) is an opt-in service (or/and) is limited to a particular time period.
The above data takes into account of the mobile user (for webtel.mobi site) connecting through a GPRS/EDGE network and not via a Wi-Fi network.
GPRS traffic of 25KB has been considered to interact with Webtel.mobi's voice platform. The Webtel.mobi WAP site is "made-for-mobile" optimised to render at less than 0.020MB (20KB) in size.
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/ minute) costs include: - All surcharges by the mobile operator for GPRS traffic per minute + Incoming Mobile calls + Call charges levied by Webtel.mobi.
Webtel.mobi charges per second. Vodafone UK charges by the second only after charging a minimum call charge of 17 Euro cents.
Webtel.mobi's one-off charge of 5 Euro cents to connect calls is not taken into consideration.
Confidential Page 88
1. Local Voice Calls in the United Kingdom: 1.a) Mobile to Fixed Line and Mobile to Mobile (Non-Vodafone Networks)
It is noticed that for mobile to fixed line calls within the UK, Webtel.mobi provides cost savings up to 12 percent over Vodafone post-paid and prepaid subscribers. For mobile calls made to non-Vodafone networks, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides cost savings up to 6.2 percent over Vodafone post-paid subscribers.
Note: * The comparisons above are only valid for:-
Users who do not take out a package which includes bundled free texts or calls. Users who have taken out a package which includes bundled free texts or calls, and who
have exceeded their free text or call limit.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Mobile to Fixed
line
Mobile to Mobile
(Non-Vodafone
Netw orks)
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Vodafone Prepaid (Euro cents/minute)
Vodafone Postpaid (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 89
2. International Voice Calls within local network: 2.a) Mobile to Mobile
For most international calls terminating on a mobile network, Webtel.mobi‟s calling costs are far more competitive. Calls made to China and Canada for example cost 731 percent less than those made over Vodafone’s network. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Vodafone for most International Mobile to Mobile calls.
2.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
It is noticed that for Vodafone prepaid users, costs for international calls terminating on a fixed line in Russia, China, India and Hong Kong are lower than Webtel.mobi. However, Vodafone UK‟s prepaid charges are set to increase from July 3rd 2009 onwards and will have the same price points of Vodafone post-paid users as indicated in the chart above. Comparatively for calls made to other international countries, Webtel.mobi‟s call costs between 335 to 723 percent less than Vodafone.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
UK to U
SA
UK to C
anad
a
UK to R
ussia
UK to C
hina
UK to H
ong
Kong
UK to C
osta
Rica
UK to K
orea
UK to In
dia
UK to A
ustra
lia
UK to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
UK to U
SA
UK to C
anad
a
UK to R
ussia
UK to C
hina
UK to H
ong
Kong
UK to C
osta
Rica
UK to K
orea
UK to In
dia
UK to A
ustra
lia
UK to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 90
2.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Other than calls made to India, Webtel.mobi‟s charges are far more competitive than Vodafone prepaid users to several international countries. As indicated in the chart above, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 335 to 723 percent less than Vodafone (both prepaid and postpaid) to most international countries. Webtel.mobi has a strong competitive advantage over Vodafone for most Mobile Initiated Fixed Line to Fixed Line calls.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
UK to U
SA
UK to C
anad
a
UK to R
ussia
UK to C
hina
UK to H
ong
Kong
UK to C
osta
Rica
UK to K
orea
UK to In
dia
UK to A
ustra
lia
UK to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 91
3. International Voice Calls within local network (From July 3rd 2009 onwards): 3.a) Mobile to Mobile
From July 3rd 2009, Vodafone will be charging both its prepaid and post-paid subscribers 170 Euro cents per minute for all international calls to non-European countries. As indicated in the chart above, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 341 to 735 percent less than Vodafone (both prepaid and postpaid) to several international countries. Hence, Webtel.mobi will have a significant competitive advantage over Vodafone for most International Mobile to Mobile calls from July 3rd onwards.
3.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
As indicated in the chart above, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 335 to 731 percent less than Vodafone (both prepaid and postpaid) to several international countries terminating on a fixed line. Hence, Webtel.mobi will have a significant competitive advantage over Vodafone for most International Mobile to fixed line calls from July 3rd onwards.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
UK to
USA
UK to
Can
ada
UK to
Rus
sia
UK to
China
UK to
Hon
g Kon
g
UK to
Cos
ta R
ica
UK to
Kor
ea
UK to
India
UK to
Aus
tralia
UK to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
UK to
USA
UK to
Can
ada
UK to
Rus
sia
UK to
China
UK to
Hon
g Kon
g
UK to
Cos
ta R
ica
UK to
Kor
ea
UK to
India
UK to
Aus
tralia
UK to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 92
3.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
As indicated in the chart above, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 685 to 5473 percent less than Vodafone (both prepaid and postpaid) to several international countries. Hence, Webtel.mobi has a strong competitive advantage over Vodafone for most Mobile Initiated Fixed Line to Fixed Line calls.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
UK to
USA
UK to
Can
ada
UK to
Rus
sia
UK to
China
UK to
Hon
g Kon
g
UK to
Cos
ta R
ica
UK to
Kor
ea
UK to
India
UK to
Aus
tralia
UK to
UAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 93
4. European Voice Calls within local network: 4.a) Mobile to Mobile
For international calls made to European countries, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi calls cost from 157 to 196 percent less than Vodafone prepaid users and from 187 to 231 percent less than Vodafone post-paid users.
4.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
For international calls made to European countries terminating on a fixed line, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides significant cost savings up to 393 percent over Vodafone prepaid subscribers and up to 452 percent over Vodafone postpaid subscribers.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
UK to G
erman
y
UK to S
pain
UK to Italy
UK to F
ranc
e
UK to A
ustria
UK to B
elgium
UK to S
weden
UK to N
orway
UK to D
enm
ark
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
UK to G
erman
y
UK to S
pain
UK to Italy
UK to F
ranc
e
UK to A
ustria
UK to B
elgium
UK to S
weden
UK to N
orway
UK to D
enm
ark
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 94
4.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Vodafone), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line. This as a result enables Webtel.mobi users to benefit from huge cost savings up to 3300 percent over Vodafone service offerings.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
UK to G
erman
y
UK to S
pain
UK to Italy
UK to F
ranc
e
UK to A
ustria
UK to B
elgium
UK to S
weden
UK to N
orway
UK to D
enm
ark
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 95
5. European Voice Calls within local network (From July 3rd 2009 onwards): 5.a) Mobile to Mobile
From July 3rd 2009, Vodafone will be charging both its prepaid and post-paid subscribers 113 Euro cents per minute for all international calls to European countries. As indicated in the chart above, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 169 to 232 percent less than Vodafone (both prepaid and postpaid) to several international European countries. Hence, Webtel.mobi will have a significant competitive advantage over Vodafone for most International European Mobile to Mobile calls from July 3rd onwards.
5.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
For international calls made to European countries terminating on a fixed line, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides significant cost savings up to 452 percent over Vodafone. Hence, Webtel.mobi will have a significant competitive advantage over Vodafone for most International European Mobile to fixed line calls from July 3rd onwards.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
UK to
Ger
man
y
UK to
Spa
in
UK to
Italy
UK to
Fra
nce
UK to
Aus
tria
UK to
Belgiu
m
UK to
Swed
en
UK to
Nor
way
UK to
Den
mar
k
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
UK to
Ger
man
y
UK to
Spa
in
UK to
Italy
UK to
Fra
nce
UK to
Aus
tria
UK to
Belgiu
m
UK to
Swed
en
UK to
Nor
way
UK to
Den
mar
k
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 96
5.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Vodafone), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line. This as a result will enable Webtel.mobi users to benefit from huge cost savings up to 3605 percent over Vodafone service offerings from July 3rd 2009 onwards.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
UK to
Ger
man
y
UK to
Spa
in
UK to
Italy
UK to
Fra
nce
UK to
Aus
tria
UK to
Belgiu
m
UK to
Swed
en
UK to
Nor
way
UK to
Den
mar
k
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 97
6. International Roaming outside of Europe: 6.a) Mobile to Mobile
With regard to international roaming mobile-mobile voice calls, it is quite evident from the chart above that Webtel.mobi provides cost savings of up to 18 percent towards calls made from several international countries. However, it is noticed that roaming voice call made from China, Australia and South Africa to the UK cost comparatively higher than Vodafone‟s cellular roaming network. Note: Vodafone UK charges its customers £5 per day for up to 15MB when roaming internationally in most countries. However, this package does not include VoIP services within certain countries in Europe and Australia. In order to use VoIP using Vodafone‟s network in these countries, mobile users are charged separately at £5 per MB, with a 5p minimum charge for each data session. Webtel.mobi is not a VoIP service provider but rather a specialized mobile provider providing Internet-initiated telephony service. Hence, its users will not be required to pay such steep prices for mobile Internet when roaming abroad.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
USA to U
K
Canada
to U
K
China
to U
K
Hong K
ong to
UK
UAE to U
K
Austra
lia to
UK
South
Afri
ca to
UK
Mex
ico to
UK
Isra
el to
UK
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid and Prepaid Vodafone (Euro
cents/minute)
Confidential Page 98
6.b) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Vodafone), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line so as to avoid paying incoming roaming charges to a large extent. Webtel.mobi‟s mobile initiated – fixed line to fixed line service negates incoming roaming charges on the mobile phone and thus provides tremendous cost savings up to 971 percent over Vodafone services from several international countries.
7. International Roaming within Europe: 7.a) Mobile to Fixed Line
For roaming calls made from several European countries terminating on a UK fixed network, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides cost savings from 9 to 27 percent than those made over Vodafone’s cellular network.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
USA to U
K
Canada
to U
K
China
to U
K
Hong K
ong to
UK
UAE to U
K
Austra
lia to
UK
South
Afri
ca to
UK
Mex
ico to
UK
Isra
el to
UK
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid and Prepaid Vodafone(Euro cents/minute)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Ger
man
y to
UK
Spain to
UK
Italy
to U
K
Franc
e to U
K
Austri
a to U
K
Belgium
to U
K
Sweden
to U
K
Norway
to U
K
Denmar
k to
UK
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid and Prepaid Vodafone(Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 99
7.b) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi‟s innovative mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line service provides cost savings of 1341 percent over Vodafone‟s services from all European countries when roaming.
8. Local Mobile-Mobile SMS: 8.a) Within UK
For local SMS‟ made within the UK, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides significant cost savings of 41.6 percent over Vodafone prepaid subscribers and 70.1 percent over Vodafone postpaid subscribers.
Note: * The comparisons above are only valid for:-
• Users who do not take out a package which includes bundled free texts or calls. • Users who have taken out a package which includes bundled free texts or calls, and who have
exceeded their free text or call limit.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Ger
man
y to
UK
Spain to
UK
Italy
to U
K
Franc
e to U
K
Austri
a to U
K
Belgium
to U
K
Sweden
to U
K
Norway
to U
K
Denmar
k to
UK
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid and Prepaid Vodafone(Euro cents/minute)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Local Text Within
the UK
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid Vodafone (Euro cents/msg)
Postpaid Vodafone (Euro cents/msg)
Confidential Page 100
9. International Mobile-to-Mobile SMS within Local Network
9.a) International Countries outside of Europe
Standard international SMS costs for Vodafone postpaid and prepaid users are 27.3 Euro cents to most international countries from the UK. Whereas, standard international SMS‟ for Webtel.mobi users is 4.55 Euro cents to most countries. Hence, Webtel.mobi has a cost saving of 500 percent compared to Vodafone's service.
10. International Roaming Mobile-to-Mobile SMS
10.a) Roaming within Europe
Standard international roaming SMS‟ for Vodafone postpaid and prepaid users are 65.33 Euro cents from most European countries to the UK. Standard International SMS‟ for Webtel.mobi users is 9 Euro cents per message from most countries. Hence, Webtel.mobi has a cost saving of 626 percent compared to Vodafone's service.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
UK to U
SA
UK to G
erman
y
UK to F
ranc
e
UK to C
hina
UK to H
ong
Kong
UK to S
weden
UK to N
orway
UK to In
dia
UK to A
ustra
lia
UK to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid Vodafone(Euro cents/msg)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Ger
man
y to
UK
Spain to
UK
Italy to
UK
Franc
e to
UK
Austri
a to
UK
Belgium
to U
K
Swed
en to
UK
Nor
way
to U
K
Den
mark
to U
K
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid Vodafone (Euro
cents/msg)
Confidential Page 101
10.b) Roaming outside of Europe
Except for a few countries, international roaming SMS‟ costs incurred from most countries to the UK for Vodafone postpaid and prepaid users are approximately 78 Euro cents, which is far greater than the average international roaming SMS‟ for Webtel.mobi users capped at 30 Euro cents per message. Hence, Webtel.mobi has a cost saving of 160 percent compared to Vodafone's service.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
USA to U
K
Canada
to U
K
China
to U
K
Hong K
ong to
UK
UAE to U
K
Austra
lia to
UK
South
Afri
ca to
UK
Mex
ico to
UK
Isra
el to
UK
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid Vodafone(Euro cents/msg)
Confidential Page 102
F. Ease of Registration Comparison of Service Utilisation Requirements:
Vodafone UK Pre-paid Vodafone UK Post-paid Webtel.mobi
Identity Proof required Identity Proof required All that is required is an Internet enabled mobile phone with a working phone number
Proof of Address Proof of Address Sign up online for free
No Activation Charges No Activation Charges No Activation Charges. Must have a prepaid or postpaid contract with a mobile provider
No monthly contract charges Monthly Contract Charges can vary from £10 (SIM contract) to £80 (Contract with Blackberry for 18 months)
No monthly contract charges
Mobile users can recharge their phones online, at banks, at Vodafone shops, at supermarkets and other retailers.
Mobile users pay their monthly contract charges and monthly call charges in arrears by debit order
Load credit on Webtel.mobi‟s website
Most packages require users to exhaust their credit anywhere between 30 to 90 days.
Calls are post-paid Credit purchased does not expire.
From July 2009, prices have to harmonize with EU directive on roaming and the tariff will be: €0.43 for outgoing calls in the EU, €0.19 for incoming roaming calls. Roaming cost for SMS will be €0.11.
From July 2009, prices have to harmonize with EU directive on roaming and the tariff will be: €0.43 for outgoing calls in the EU, €0.19 for incoming roaming calls. Roaming cost for SMS will be €0.11.
International roaming available to all users at no cost
Confidential Page 103
G. Summary
Webtel.mobi‟s services in and from UK are reliable and provide optimum quality for voice and text messaging services.
Webtel.mobi enjoys a strong competitive advantage over Vodafone in terms of the majority of voice services and text / SMS services.
Given that Webtel.mobi is available on all networks, it enjoys a competitive advantage over
Vodafone in terms of Service Availability for National and International Geographic coverage.
Webtel.mobi‟s mobile-initiated fixed –fixed line service provides its users huge cost savings than Vodafone for voice calls.
Webtel.mobi‟s service provides ease of user registration and clear tariffs.
Webtel.mobi is extremely well positioned to make a significant impact on the mobile voice and text
market in the UK.
Confidential Page 104
CASE STUDY IV – South Africa
WEBTEL.MOBI vs. VODACOM SOUTH AFRICA
Vodacom Introduction Vodacom, a 50:50 joint venture of Vodafone and local landline operator, Telkom, is a leading African service provider operating across five countries: South Africa, Tanzania, the DRC, Lesotho and Mozambique. For the year ended 31 March 2009, Vodacom had a subscriber base of 39.6 million customers and reported revenue of 4.84 Billion Euro. Vodacom SA is the clear market leader in South Africa with regard to total customers and revenue, and its 27.6 million customers has helped the organisation maintain its leadership position with a 53 percent market share in South Africa. The operator is most often at the forefront of new products for the mobile market such as its location-based service, The Grid, and call collect services to contract clients. Its comprehensive data offerings have allowed the company to attract new subscribers and retain high-end subscribers and increase the uptake of contracts. It is for these very reasons why Vodafone is interested in increasing its stake in Vodacom to 65 percent and expand its services across Africa as part of its growth strategy in emerging markets.
Webtel.mobi Introduction Webtel.mobi is a Specialized Mobile Provider that is in the process of launching its low-cost mobile voice and text services in all countries internationally. It provides a hybrid internet-initiated mobile calling and text messaging service. This enables it to provide ultra low cost mobile voice and text services to all web-enabled mobile phones worldwide, at rates of Operational Efficiency which are unparalleled in the mobile market. Due to the fact that its service is available to all internet-enabled mobile phones on all networks worldwide, it maps on to the combined international coverage of all mobile providers.
A. Vodacom’s Voice and SMS Revenues, and Market Capitalisation
e. Vodacom Voice Revenues 2008-2009 – 2.9 Billion Euro
f. Vodacom Messaging Revenues 2008-2009 – 211 Million Euro
g. Market Capitalization of Vodacom as of June 2009 – 7.18 Billion Euro
h. Vodacom Operating costs 2008-2009 – 3.2 Billion Euro
Confidential Page 105
B. Service Availability 1. National Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Vodacom
Percentage of Coverage within South Africa
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Webtel.mobi Vodacom SA
Webtel.mobi‟s national geographic coverage is in par with Vodacom SA having more than 98 percent coverage. 2. International Geographic Coverage Comparison: Webtel.mobi vs. Vodacom
Number of countries in which the companies have their own operation
Webtel.mobi has a significant international geographic footprint compared to Vodacom – Webtel.mobi in 195 countries, and Vodacom in 5 countries. The Webtel.mobi service is available in all countries internationally, on all web-enabled mobile phone makes and models. This vast disparity gives Webtel.mobi a competitive advantage over Vodacom in terms of international geographic coverage.
0
50
100
150
200
250
Webtel.mobi Vodacom
Confidential Page 106
C. Operational Efficiency 1. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Global) vs. Vodacom (Global)
In terms of operating costs as a percentage of revenues, Vodacom‟s operating costs are substantially higher than those of Webtel.mobi. Therefore, Webtel.mobi has generated, on a relative cost scale, positive returns for the investors.
2. Comparative Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue
Webtel.mobi (Country) vs. Vodacom South Africa (Country)
Vodacom‟s total operating cost as a percentage of revenue is 79 percent. Taking into account only Vodacom SA operations we arrive at an operating cost of 15.8 percent. Webtel.mobi provides its services in195 countries. Hence, the operating cost of Webtel.mobi per country is 0.07 percent (13.7 percent divided by 195 countries). Therefore, again on a relative cost scale, Webtel.mobi has operated with far more efficiency than Vodacom SA.
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
Webtel.mobi Vodacom
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
16.00%
18.00%
Webtel.mobi Vodacom SA
Confidential Page 107
D. Webtel.mobi Unique Selling Points vs. Vodacom / South African market
1. Widest coverage in South Africa
Webtel.mobi is available to all web-enabled mobile phones on all networks in South Africa. 2. No requirement for licence fees
Due to it being internet-initiated telephony, Webtel.mobi currently does not have to pay licence fees in South Africa.
3. No requirement for masts
As the Webtel.mobi service is internet-initiated, it is not necessary for it to erect masts. 4. No start-up costs, infrastructure, staff or premises
As the Webtel.mobi service is accessed via the internet, it does not need retail outlets, premises or staff to deliver its service to users. Certain countries/operators however may choose to block access to selected websites. Such practices are non-competitive and typically subject to legislative review/action.
5. No Requirement for handset subsidising or SIM cards
As Webtel.mobi is accessed from all existing internet-enabled mobile phones, it does not have to subsidise and distribute handsets and SIM cards in order to provide users with its service.
6. No Requirement to charge VAT to end-users
As Webtel.mobi provides its services from Guernsey – where neither local or non-resident company are charged VAT or required to charge VAT – it is able to provide its services to end-users without charging them VAT.
7. Unique Affiliate marketing strategy and ability
Due to Webtel.mobi‟s structure, it is able to provide local companies with their own branded Specialized Mobile Provider product, with only seven days lead time to full operation.
8. Extremely significant reduction of costs for calls & texts
Webtel.mobi enables users to enjoy extremely significant cost savings on International and Roaming calls and texts.
9. Webtel.mobi can be used from all handsets and networks internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is able to be used from web-enabled mobile phones on all Mobile Providers‟
networks when roaming. 10. Webtel.mobi has the same cost structure internationally Webtel.mobi‟s service is available at the same cost in all countries, so there is no disruption or change
in cost or charging whether in the local country or travelling / roaming.
Confidential Page 108
11. Webtel.mobi has easily obtainable and clear price lists Unlike Vodacom, Webtel.mobi‟s price lists are clear and have no hidden costs. 12. Users can join and use the Webtel.mobi service free of charge Users can join Webtel.mobi free of charge – and obtain limited free credit to test the service when
joining. There are no costs to use the service other than the costs of calls. 13. Webtel.mobi end users do not have to enter into a contract Users do not have to enter into a contract to use Webtel.mobi, and can join and use it, or not use it, or
leave it, at their choice. 14. Webtel.mobi’s service can be used on “Locked” handsets Webtel.mobi is able to be used on “Network Locked” handsets, at no extra cost to the user. 15. Webtel.mobi facilitates international calling on blocked handsets Webtel.mobi empowers users whose handsets are blocked for international calling to make
international calls – at no extra cost to the end-user. 16. Webtel.mobi’s call charges remain the same regardless of time or day WM‟s service does not have “Peak” or “Off Peak” times during the day with varying cost levels, or a
different cost over weekends or during the week. The same low rates are applicable 24/7. 17. Webtel.mobi’s call charges and records are available in real time All Webtel.mobi call records and charges are able to be accessed by the user in real time without any
waiting period.
Confidential Page 109
E. Tariff Comparisons The charts below illustrate the differences in voice and SMS tariffs between Webtel.mobi and Vodacom SA.
Note o 14% VAT taken into account for Vodacom's standard rate per minute for both post-paid and
pre-paid services. o Existing standard rates with peak rates per minute taken into account for both post-paid and
pre-paid services. o Promotion offers, Vodafone Passport and International Call Saver are not taken into account. o The above data takes into account of the mobile user (for Webtel.mobi site) connecting through
a GPRS network and not via a Wi-Fi network. o GPRS traffic of 25KB has been considered to interact with Webtel.mobi's voice platform. The
Webtel.mobi WAP site is "made-for-mobile" optimised to render at less than 0.020MB (20KB) in size.
o Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/ minute) costs include: - All surcharges by the mobile operator for GPRS traffic per minute + Incoming Mobile calls + Call charges levied by Webtel.mobi.
o Webtel.mobi's one-off charge of 5 Euro cents to connect calls is not taken into consideration.
Confidential Page 110
1. International Voice Calls within local network: 1.a) Mobile to Mobile
For most international calls terminating on a mobile network, Webtel.mobi‟s calling costs are far more competitive. Calls made to Russia and Hong Kong for example cost up to 458 percent less than Vodacom’s prepaid users and 92.45 percent less than Vodacom’s postpaid users. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Vodacom (both prepaid and postpaid) for most International Mobile to Mobile calls.
1.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
For most international calls terminating on a fixed line network, Webtel.mobi‟s calling costs are far more competitive. Calls made to UK and Canada for example cost 270 percent less than Vodacom prepaid users and 64.5 percent less than Vodacom postpaid subscribers. Webtel.mobi has a significant competitive advantage over Vodacom for most International mobile to fixed line calls.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
SA to U
K
SA to U
SA
SA to C
anada
SA to C
hina
SA to R
ussia
SA to H
ongko
ng
SA to C
osta
Rica
SA to In
dia
SA to A
ustra
lia
SA to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
SA to U
K
SA to U
SA
SA to C
anada
SA to C
hina
SA to R
ussia
SA to H
ongko
ng
SA to C
osta
Rica
SA to In
dia
SA to A
ustra
lia
SA to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 111
1.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi‟s charges are far more competitive than Vodacom to several international countries. As indicated in the chart above, Webtel.mobi‟s calls cost from 80 to 370 percent less than Vodacom postpaid users and 415 to 1777 percent than Vodacom prepaid users to most international countries. Webtel.mobi has a strong competitive advantage over Vodacom for most Mobile Initiated Fixed Line to Fixed Line calls.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
SA to U
K
SA to U
SA
SA to C
anad
a
SA to C
hina
SA to R
ussia
SA to H
ongk
ong
SA to C
osta
Rica
SA to In
dia
SA to A
ustra
lia
SA to U
AE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 112
2. International Voice Calls to African Nations within local network: 2.a) Mobile to Mobile
Except for Lesotho, it is noticed that for most African nations, Webtel.mobi calls cost from 12 to 168 percent less than Vodacom postpaid users and from 193 to 466 percent less than Vodacom prepaid users.
2.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
For international calls made to African nations terminating on a fixed line, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides significant cost savings up to 464 percent over Vodacom prepaid users and up to 167 percent over Vodacom postpaid subscribers.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
SA to A
lgeria
SA to L
ibya
SA to G
hana
SA to M
ozam
bique
SA to L
esotho
SA to T
anzani
a
SA to D
RC
SA to E
gypt
SA to Z
ambia
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
SA to A
lgeria
SA to L
ibya
SA to G
hana
SA to M
ozam
bique
SA to L
esotho
SA to T
anzani
a
SA to D
RC
SA to E
gypt
SA to Z
ambia
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 113
2.c) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Vodacom) where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line. This as a result enables Webtel.mobi users to benefit from huge cost savings up to 801 percent over Vodacom prepaid users and 319 percent over Vodacom postpaid subscribers.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
SA to A
lgeria
SA to L
ibya
SA to G
hana
SA to M
ozam
bique
SA to L
esotho
SA to T
anzani
a
SA to D
RC
SA to E
gypt
SA to Z
ambia
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents/minute)
Confidential Page 114
3. Local Calls when International Roaming: 3.a) Mobile Initiated – Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Except for Mozambique and UAE, it is noticed that for most local calls made when international roaming, Webtel.mobi calls cost from 71 to 1124 percent less than Vodacom prepaid users and from 90 to 763 percent less than Vodacom postpaid users.
4. International Roaming: 4.a) Mobile to Mobile
Except for Mozambique, it is quite evident from the chart above that Webtel.mobi provides cost savings of up to 190 percent over Vodacom users towards calls made from several international countries terminating on a South African mobile network.
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
Austri
a
Brazil
Franc
e
Ger
man
y
Kenya
Moz
ambiqu
e
Namib
ia
Portu
gal
Sweden
Tanza
nia
UKUAE
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
Austri
a to S
A
Brazil to
SA
Franc
e to S
A
Ger
man
y to
SA
Kenya
to S
A
Moz
ambiqu
e to S
A
Namib
ia to
SA
Portu
gal to
SA
Sweden
to S
A
Tanza
nia to
SA
UK to S
A
UAE to S
A
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
Confidential Page 115
4.b) Mobile to Fixed Line
Except for Mozambique, it is quite evident from the chart above that Webtel.mobi provides cost savings of up to 190 percent over Vodacom users towards calls made from several international countries terminating on a South African fixed line network.
4.c) Mobile Initiated - Fixed Line to Fixed Line
Webtel.mobi provides a service (not offered by Vodacom), where users can enjoy a mobile initiated – fixed line (user‟s current roaming location) to a fixed line so as to avoid paying incoming roaming charges to a large extent. Webtel.mobi‟s mobile initiated – fixed line to fixed line service negates incoming roaming charges on the mobile phone and thus provides tremendous cost savings up to 2137 percent over Vodacom services from several international countries.
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
Austri
a to S
A
Brazil to
SA
Franc
e to S
A
Ger
man
y to
SA
Kenya
to S
A
Moz
ambiqu
e to S
A
Namib
ia to
SA
Portu
gal to
SA
Sweden
to S
A
Tanza
nia to
SA
UK to S
A
UAE to S
A
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
Austri
a to S
A
Brazil to
SA
Franc
e to S
A
Ger
man
y to
SA
Kenya
to S
A
Moz
ambiqu
e to S
A
Namib
ia to
SA
Portu
gal to
SA
Sweden
to S
A
Tanza
nia to
SA
UK to S
A
UAE to S
A
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/minute)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents /minute)
Confidential Page 116
5. Local Mobile-Mobile SMS: 5.a) Within South Africa
For local SMS‟ made within South Africa, it is noticed that Webtel.mobi provides significant cost savings of 31.3 percent over Vodacom users (both prepaid and postpaid).
Note: * The comparisons above are only valid for:-
• Users who do not take out a package which includes bundled free texts or calls. • Users who have taken out a package which includes bundled free texts or calls, and who have
exceeded their free text or call limit. 6. International Mobile-to-Mobile SMS within Local Network:
6.a) International Countries
Standard international SMS costs for Vodacom postpaid and prepaid users are 8.91 Euro cents to African nations and 15.51 Euro cents to other international countries from South Africa. Whereas, for Webtel.mobi, users are charged 4.93 Euro cents to most international countries. Hence, Webtel.mobi provides cost savings up to 214 percent compared to Vodacom’s service.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Peak Rate
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid
Vodacom (Euro cents/msg)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
SA to L
esotho
SA to T
anzani
a
SA to D
RC
SA to U
SA
SA to U
K
SA to U
AE
SA to S
pain
SA to G
erm
any
SA to C
hina
SA to In
dia
SA to A
ustra
lia
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid and Postpaid Vodacom(Euro cents/msg)
Confidential Page 117
7. International Roaming Mobile-to-Mobile SMS:
7.a) International Countries
Except for Mozambique, it is quite evident from the chart above that for SMS‟ sent from international roaming countries, Webtel.mobi provides cost savings of up to 364 percent over Vodacom prepaid users and up to 265 percent over Vodacom postpaid users.
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
Austri
a to S
A
Franc
e to S
A
Ger
man
y to S
A
Kenya
to S
A
Moz
ambiqu
e to
SA
Nam
ibia to
SA
Portu
gal to
SA
Swed
en to
SA
Tanza
nia
to S
A
UK to
SA
UAE
to S
A
Webtel.mobi (Euro cents/msg)
Prepaid Vodacom (Euro cents /msg)
Postpaid Vodacom (Euro cents /msg)
Confidential Page 118
F. Ease of Registration Comparison of Service Utilisation Requirements:
Vodacom SA Pre-paid Vodacom SA Post-paid Webtel.mobi
No identity proof required Identity Proof required All that is required is an Internet enabled mobile phone with a working phone number
No proof of address required Address proof no longer required since 2008 Sign up online for free
No Activation Charges 8.51 Euro connection fee and 9.21 Euro for the SIM
No Activation Charges. Must have a prepaid or postpaid contract with a mobile provider
No monthly contract charges Packages vary from 16.58 Euro to 135 Euro for individual users
No monthly contract charges
Mobile users can recharge their phones online, at ATMs, at Vodacom shops, at supermarkets and other retailers, and through telephone/cell phone banking
Mobile users pay their monthly contract charges and monthly call charges in arrears by debit order only
Load credit on Webtel.mobi‟s website
The credit value of the voucher is valid for the airtime window on the voucher from the date of redemption
Calls are post-paid Credit purchased does not expire.
SMS Roaming = 21.94 Euro cents to 65.82 Euro cents depending on country
Local Rates based roaming: only available in UK, France and Portugal. Same charges as the post-paid basis
No flat tariff roaming for prepaid users
Roaming at local international rates i.e. local rates at the country you are travelling – customers are required to preload their phones with local airtime before travelling or carry local recharge vouchers with them. This service is available in Austria , Brazil, France ,Germany ,Kenya ,Maldives ,Mozambique ,Namibia ,Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Tanzania, UK and UAE
There are four roaming options:
1. Local Rates based roaming: Albania, Australia, Czech Republic, France Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal Romania, Spain, UK. The cost is 1.53 Euro connection fee per call + local (SA) peak, off net call rates. This is for calls made to networks within that country or to SA. Receiving calls is a flat fee of 1.53 Euro
2. SMS roaming: 24.13 Euro cents ; With a Vodafone partner network it costs 21.5 Euro cents
3. Flat Tariff roaming: Charges are based on type of package and region being visited. Typical charges within Africa = 57 Euro cents for local call and 2.5 Euro for international calls. 52 Euro cents to receive calls. All charges are per minute
4. Roaming at local international rates i.e. local rates at the country you are travelling – customers are required to opt out of the default roaming system (systems 1 or 3). They are then charged at the local service providers rates.
International roaming available to all users at no cost
Confidential Page 119
G. Summary
Webtel.mobi‟s services in and from South Africa are reliable and provide optimum quality for voice
and text messaging services.
Webtel.mobi enjoys a strong competitive advantage over Vodacom in terms of the majority of voice
services and text / SMS services.
Given that Webtel.mobi is available on all networks, it enjoys a competitive advantage over
Vodacom in terms of Service Availability for National and International Geographic coverage.
Webtel.mobi‟s mobile-initiated fixed –fixed line service provides its users huge cost savings than
Vodacom for voice calls.
Webtel.mobi‟s service provides ease of user registration and clear tariffs.
Webtel.mobi is extremely well positioned to make a significant impact on the mobile voice and text
market in South Africa.
Confidential Page 120
APPENDIX B
About Frost & Sullivan
A Growth Partnership Company
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class
positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the
CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and
implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering
with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents.
Comprehensive Industry Coverage
We offer comprehensive coverage of major market sectors, ensuring that we are fully equipped to provide clients with
a complete assessment of opportunities, both inside and outside their current marketplaces. This uniquely broad
perspective allows us to quickly and effectively support clients in identifying and qualifying new growth opportunities.
Global Perspective
We leverage our global perspective and presence to support clients and help them capture business opportunities
faster and with less risk. Our 800 analysts continually track the global and regional markets to identify emerging
Confidential Page 121
technologies, and monitor country specific economics and demographic factors, to offer clients a complete view of the
global landscape.
The ICT Practice
Confidential Page 122
Confidential Page 123
Our People
Frost & Sullivan has a strong standing as an independent research and consulting company, whose brand name is
widely recognised and respected as a global leader in this area.
We have expertise and experience in developing quantitative databases to track and gauge key industry metrics.
Frost & Sullivan is already producing regular data trackers across regions and has well established contacts and
processes that may be leveraged and replicated.
• Frost & Sullivan provides extensive research coverage of the European fixed and mobile industries.
• Through these syndicated research programmes, we already possess a large amount of the
information needed by the project.
• This also means that we are able to gather background industry information from in-house experts,
and that we would be able to leverage an existing network of contacts.
• Frost & Sullivan has expertise and experience in conducting benchmarking and best practice analysis
and in advising European telecom operators on the basis of those best practice examples.
• Frost & Sullivan is able to field a multi-national and multi-linguistic team of consultants and analysts
with extensive knowledge of the local markets and hands-on experience from working with many of
the operators included in the scope. We are also able to interact with most of the operators in their
local languages. Profiles of our key team members who contributed to this study are as follows:
Confidential Page 124
Project Manager: Sharifah Amirah
Sharifah Amirah joined Frost & Sullivan in 2005 and is currently based in London. She leads Frost & Sullivan‟s EIA Telecoms research team. The team‟s focus is on identifying new service areas for industry players to maximize current investments. Her personal research interest includes mobility and convergence services, data retention and
environmental sustainability within telecoms.
Prior to joining Frost & Sullivan, Sharifah had gained 6 years of Telecoms corporate strategy and business
development experience in South East Asia. She has led business units within regional public listed
telecommunication companies, overseeing a spectrum of ICT products and services. Her strong financial background
is reflected through her involvement in numerous corporate exercises as well as participation in the Malaysian 3G Bid
and the market liberalisation process – providing input in the financial modelling of both. Sharifah has also had
hands-on operational telecoms experience, having been responsible for the pioneer launch of Broadband services in
Malaysia.
Her financial and operational experience in both the Asian and European Mobile & Fixed Telecoms sectors enables
her to provide strategic inputs into our client‟s business models as well as growth strategies. Some of the key clients
she interacts with include Nokia, LG, HTC, Sony Ericsson, CISCO and IBM, Telefonica-02, France Telecom and BT.
Sharifah also engages with our Financial Services clients e.g. Goldman Sachs, Barclays Capital and Legatum
particularly in discussing trends and opportunities in the Mobile sector.
Recent relevant project involvements:
Global Leading Mobile Network Operator: Led a project team to develop a country specific market entry strategy
for fixed enterprise services. This included a comprehensive competitive landscape of both fixed and mobile
operators as well as a 5 year market forecast for each country.
Global Mobile Solutions Vendor: Provided a comprehensive market overview and forecast. Analysed competitive
solutions and business models. Developed brief case studies of customer deployments in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Derived a go-to-market strategy for the vendor and its partners. Published a white paper to serve as marketing
collateral for the vendor.
Global Enterprise and Consumer Vendor: Reviewed the vendor‟s business model and estimated the market sizes for four key European markets. Analysed the distribution strategies and engaged with the vendor‟s channels to understand the competitive landscape at the distribution and customer level. The competitive analysis included
product feature, support and price comparisons. The project goal was to help the vendor improve its channel
management in each of the four countries.
Sharifah has over the past few months chaired and presented at various industry conferences in Europe and Asia,
within the Fixed-Mobile Convergence space covering topics such as Wireless Broadband, Mobility as well as Eco-
Telecoms. She has also recently co-published several research papers including Mobile Instant Messaging,
Environmental Sustainability within Telecoms, European Broadband markets and is currently overseeing a market
analysis of multi-play services across Europe. She has been quoted by various media houses including FT.Com and
Forbes.
Sharifah holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance (Hons) and a Masters degree in Gender and Social
Policy from the London School of Economics. She is also qualified as a Certified Internal Auditor (Institute of Internal
Auditors, IIA).
Confidential Page 125
European Industry Analyst: Saverio Romeo
Saverio Romeo is a Research Analyst with the Frost & Sullivan Europe Information & Communication Technologies
Practice. He focuses on monitoring and analyzing emerging trends, technologies and market behavior in the mobile
and wireless communications in Western and Eastern Europe. He also studies the impact of EU regulation and
government technology policies on the mobile industry, and applications of mobile technologies in vertical markets.
Since joining Frost & Sullivan in March 2007, Saverio has completed the following studies: European Mobile
Communication Outlook, Mobile Virtual Network Operators: Emerging Players in the European Mobile Market,
Exploring The European Market of Mobile Smart Devices, Exploring the EU Research Policy in Pervasive and
Ubiquitous Computing and European Mobile Premium Content Market. As part of his research, Saverio interacts with
a long list of European and Global mobile service providers, application providers, vendors as well as the regulators.
He has also contributed as a mobile subject matter expert in consultancy projects with clients from both the mobile
industry as well as the financial services sector.
Recent relevant experience includes:
Financial Services Company : An assessment of mobile data tariffs in Sweden and Germany in order to
measure the implications of flat data tariffs. This also involved an analysis of mobile operator business
models and target segments.
Telecoms Regulator : An assessment of the content-rich mobile device eco-system in order to identify
growing areas in terms of revenues, technological trends, companies‟ strategies. The project was divided in three phases: assessment of the market size, assessing the main technological trends, and a competitive
analysis.
Prior to this, Saverio was a Research Consultant at Technopolis Group and Scientific Officer Assistant at DG
Information Society, European Commission. He brings with him a deep knowledge of Information Society policies at
European level with particular emphasis on future emerging technologies.
European Industry Analyst: Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas is Programme Manager with Frost & Sullivan‟s ICT Europe practice, specialising in wireless content and applications, and wireless broadband technologies over the past five years. His area of expertise include market
research and consulting on WiMAX, VoWLAN, 3G LTE, 4G, femtocells, UMA, IMS, mobile messaging, mobile multi-
media data applications, Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), Unified Communications and Presence information in the
European market. His current research service is focussed on the impact of Mobile VoIP on the European mobile and
wireless industry.
Recent Publications Include:
• European Femtocells Markets- Not Quite There Yet February 2009
• European Mobile Broadband Markets: Melee between December 2008 3G LTE & Mobile WiMAX
• European Mobile Messaging Markets June 2008
Luke holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science, an MBA from the University of Wales (UK), and
certification in E-Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in the UK.
Confidential Page 126
European Industry Analyst: Yiru Zhong
Yiru Zhong is an analyst with Frost & Sullivan‟s ICT Europe practice, specialising in business models in the telecommunications, internet and media space. In particular, she has a global perspective of the mobile industry,
where her extensive insights of Asian markets complement her analysis from a European perspective.
Yiru is based in London, United Kingdom. She has four years of experience working in Europe and has a strong
understanding of newly emerging products and services in the telecoms/media space. She has strong interest in the
business strategies that mobile operators and non-traditional operators such as MVNOs, media and internet
companies have to adopt as the sector evolves. Prior to Frost & Sullivan, Yiru worked for Pyramid Research in
London, covering the telecommunications sector for Asia.
Some of the relevant expertise includes:
Understanding the to-market approach including partnerships with players in the eco-system, of two European mobile operators.
Uncovering OSS/BSS opportunities in a convergence environment
Viability of DVB-H services in Russia
Global MVNO market for conditions for profitable operators, investigating the service offerings, MNO host partnerships, pricing strategies and eco-system partnerships.
Offensive strategies to deploy new 3G services in a competitive and saturated market in order to reassert its market share.
Yiru has an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics in UK. Her specialisation was in Competition
Economics within Industrial Organisation.
North American Industry Analyst: Brent Iadarola
As the Industry Director for Frost & Sullivan‟s Mobile Communications Group, Mr. Iadarola researches and analyzes
emerging, next generation wireless technologies & applications that enable the mobile Internet revolution. The scope
of his work deals with all aspects of the mobile value chain; from delivery infrastructure and communication
management, to end user content and applications. Mr. Iadarola has authored numerous syndicated reports and
articles in the areas of Location-based Services (LBS), Mobile Enterprise Applications, and Mobile Resource
Management (MRM) Markets. Mr. Iadarola has served as a Charter Member of Mobile Enterprise‟s Magazine‟s Editorial Advisory Board and has been a speaker at CTIA on such topics as Location-based Services.
Reports Authored:
Mobile Resource Management (US, 2004, 2005, 2006)
Location-based Services Markets (US 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
Next Generation Mobile Office (US, 2004)
Premium Downloadable Content & Applications (North America, 2003)
Next Generation Mobile Enterprise Markets (North America, 2002)
Next Generation Mobile Network Deployments (World, 2002)
Mobile Internet Access Markets (North America, 2001
Confidential Page 127
APAC Industry Analyst: Marc Einstein
Marc Daniel Einstein is a Senior Industry Analyst with Frost & Sullivan‟s ICT Research team. Marc leads Frost & Sullivan‟s wireless research team in Asia Pacific and has particular experience covering topics such as WiMax, 3G
networks and applications, Low ARPU market strategies and mobile device trends. He is based in Frost & Sullivan‟s Singapore office.
Relevant Project Experience:
• Advised a prominent Malaysian operator on its wireless broadband strategy
• Expanded Frost & Sullivan‟s wireless market coverage to several new emerging markets such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Pakistan
• Led a workshop for a large Indonesian mobile operator focusing on wireless technologies and
applications suitable for sub-US$5 ARPU markets
• Profiled investment opportunities in the WiMax segment in 20 Asia Pacific markets for a Japanese
financial institution
• Forecasted wireless capital expenditures in 18 Asia Pacific markets by wireless technology for a
Chinese wireless equipment vendor
Marc graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with
concentrations in Finance, Marketing and Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis and was a visiting student
at Rangsit University in Thailand. In addition to his native English, Marc speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese and
Thai and is a basic speaker of Japanese and Mandarin.
African Industry Analyst: Birgitta Cederstrom Nicholson
Birgitta Cederstrom Nicholson is a Programme Manager with the Frost & Sullivan Africa ICT Practice. She focuses
on monitoring and analyzing emerging trends, technologies and market dynamics in the Information Technology and
Telecommunication market in Africa and building relationships with stakeholders. She has over 18 years of ICT
experience internationally and locally in Africa.
Since joining Frost & Sullivan in January 2009, Cederstrom Nicholson is managing a study in Business Process
Optimization (BPO). Prior to this, Cederstrom Nicholson was a Managing Director at Corus Technologies
International and prior to that, Mrs. Cederstrom Nicholson has been sales director/ manager within ERP/BI and CRM
at Epicore, CS Holdings and Bytes Business Solutions.
She has been involved in implementations and advisory service to De Beers, Anglo Gold, National Treasury,
Vodacom, Cell C, Ericsson, CapeSpan, I&J, L‟ormarins, Haute Cabriere, Pep Clothing, Nestle, Melitta, Beiersdorf, Fromagerie Bell, and Molnlycke.
Her particular interest for 2009 is around BPO/Outsourcing, Network Security, Biometrics, Relationship Management
and Business Intelligence to make Growth. Birgitta currently is based in Cape Town, and speaks Swedish, English,
Norwegian, Danish, German, and French.
Birgitta holds a degree in Information Commerce and ICT from the University of Lund, Sweden and a Diploma in
Marketing from Nicolaiskolan, Sweden.
Confidential Page 128
African Industry Analyst: Lindsey Mc Donald
Lindsey Mc Donald has been employed as an ICT analyst in Frost & Sullivan‟s African office since 2005. She joined Frost & Sullivan following a 4 year tenure as a market analyst with Factiva and MBendi.
Lindsey has delivered several syndicated and bespoke research projects across a number of different industries,
including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals in developing African countries, smart card technology adoption, fire
detection systems and mobile telecommunications. Her recent ICT projects include analyses of South Africa‟s IT infrastructure outsourcing markets, opportunities for open source software in South Africa and capital expenditure
trends amongst sub-Saharan African fixed line telecommunications service providers.
Her research experience has given her wide ranging exposure to many sub-Saharan African markets. She is an
accomplished interviewer and constantly in demand from African project teams.
Lindsey is an established expert in the local ICT sector and has presented papers at industry events such as the 2008
Broadband Summit, and Strategic Outsourcing for Telecoms Operators 2007. Her comments have also appeared in
media such as Engineering News, Business Day and Summit TV. Lindsey is based in Cape Town, and speaks
English, Afrikaans, and French.
Lindsey possesses an MA (International Relations) and a BA (Hons) from the University of Stellenbosch (South
Africa).
African Industry Analyst: Spiwe Chireka
Spiwe Chireka has worked in Frost & Sullivan‟s ICT practice since 2007. Her research has focused particularly on
developments in African markets outside of South Africa and contact centres.
Her most recent studies include analyses of the sub-Saharan African internet service provider market and the Kenyan
call centre market. She has also profiled the South African markets for contact centre equipment and collaborative
business tools. The African mobile telecommunications industry is one of her key research interests, including the
markets for mobile internet, handsets and mobile operating systems.
Spiwe worked in various positions during her studies, including in software development and support services for a
software firm in Cape Town. Her background and experience in IT and related subjects have provided her with a
thorough understanding of the industry.
As an expert on ICT-related issues in Africa, Spiwe has appeared as a regular commentator on CNBC Africa. Her
comments have also appeared in top publications such as Business Day and Computer Business Review. Spiwe
speaks English, Shona, and French, and is based in Cape Town.
Spiwe has gained the following qualifications:
BCom (Hons) (Information Systems) – University of Cape Town (South Africa)
BSc (Information Technology) – University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Post Grad Dip (Enterprise Management) - University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Confidential Page 129
African Industry Analyst: Mpho Moyo
Mpho Moyo joined Frost & Sullivan in 2007 as an analyst in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
sector. She is passionate about development on the African continent, particularly in the telecommunications sector.
Mpho has already gained extensive experience in the sub-Saharan African ICT market, having completed both
syndicated and bespoke studies on a range of subjects from CAPEX and OPEX trends across the continent‟s mobi le
markets to the potential for IP PBX in South Africa. She was also engaged on studies that looked at the broadband
markets in both West and East Africa. She is currently completing an analysis of the IT infrastructure outsourcing
market in Nigeria.
Before joining Frost & Sullivan, Mpho worked for the Zimbabwe Environmental Regional Organisation. She was part
of a project team that looked at how to institutionalise cross-border trading for developmental purposes. She also
focused on rural development projects.
Her appreciation of the dynamics particular to the African continent and its markets make Mpho a valuable member of
the Frost & Sullivan ICT team. Mpho is based in Cape Town, and speaks English, Shona, Ndebele, seTwsana, and
French.
Mpho holds a Masters as well as a Bachelors in Social Science in International Relations from the University of Cape
Town (South Africa).
Latin American Industry Analyst: Andrés Sciarrotta
Andres Sciarrotta joined Frost & Sullivan in January 2006, Andrés is responsible for the Mobile & Wireless
communication team in Latin America.
Andrés has vast experience on working on projects that provides insightful information on the market that create
growth opportunities. His work ranges from forecasting emerging markets, creating competitive profiles,
understanding the role of ICT in diverse industries, to consumer behavior, brand recognition and demand focus
analysis. Andrés has worked with clients in the ICT industry, mainly from the mobile & wireless market, but also
worked with the Satellite, broadband and retail markets.
Prior to this, Andrés worked as a researcher at the Argentinean Ministry of Economy and Production as well as
several ONGs focus on research. He brings with him an important research background. His research experience has
given him deep understanding of the Latin American market, but also of other markets around the globe. He is an
accomplished interviewer. Andrés is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian and has a conversational competence in
French.
Andrés has become an authority for the mobile and wireless market in Latin America and has been quoted in top
medias in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Uruguay.
Andrés holds a BSc in Political Science and Government from UTDT university in Argentina and a Master in
International Relations from the Università di Bologna. Andrés has lived in Bologna, London, Paris and currently he is
based at his home town Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Confidential Page 130
Senior Consultant - Europe: Jon Kr Stephansen
As a Senior Consultant in Frost & Sullivan‟s ICT Practice in EIA, Jon is responsible for leading and delivering Growth Consulting projects for multiple clients. Additionally, Jon is proactively developing new and nurturing and managing
existing client relationships. Jon has worked on a diverse range of consulting assignments ranging from business plan
development, financial projections, go-to-market strategies, market sizing, sales optimisation, competitive analysis,
partner and channel strategy, etc. Some of his key clients include Deutsche Telekom, Panasonic, IBM, Motorola and
BT.
Prior to joining Frost & Sullivan, Jon founded and led a Canadian based company specialised in wireless alert
solutions and mobile content. He has extensive experience as a management consultant, working out of Norway and
Germany, and as a project manager and business analyst for a software house.
Jon holds an MSc in Business from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration. He is fluent in
English, German and Norwegian, has a working knowledge of Swedish and Danish and a basic understanding of
French. Jon has living and working experience from the Nordic countries, Singapore, Germany, South Africa, South
Korea, USA, Canada and he is currently based in London, UK.
Senior Consultant – APAC: Calvin Lee
Calvin Lee is a Senior Consultant of Frost & Sullivan‟s ICT Consulting Practice team. His expertise lies in strategic consulting projects for service providers and telecommunications equipment vendors, as well as various public sector
ICT governing bodies and regulators in the APAC region.
Relevant Project Experience:
• Recommended wholesale products business orientation to a local telecommunication operator
• Developed Customer Needs Management strategies to a China telecommunication vendor
• Participated in IPO drafting for a local telecom service provider
• Identified market opportunities in fixed line value added services to a China telecommunication
vendor
• Conducted market survey and recommended strategy in directory enquiries service to a local telecom
service provider
• Assessed the telecommunications service opportunities in the Indo-China markets to a leading
Korean telecom service provider
Before joining Frost & Sullivan, Calvin Lee was working with the Maxis Communications as an engineer for Mobile
Planning Department. Prior to that he was a graduate trainee to the same company . He has an MPhil from the
reputed University of Cambridge.
VOIP Subject Matter Expert: Elka Popova
Elka Popova is an Industry Manager with the Frost & Sullivan North American Information & Communication
Technologies Practice. She focuses on monitoring and analyzing emerging trends, technologies and market behavior
in the enterprise solution and carrier infrastructure markets in North America and globally.
Since joining Frost & Sullivan in May 2000, Elka Popova has completed several research studies and consulting
projects on VoIP residential, business and wholesale services, enterprise unified messaging platforms, carrier
enhanced messaging platforms, speech technologies and enterprise telephony equipment services.
Prior to this, Popova was a Market Intelligence Analyst at Visitalk.co. She brings with her in-depth understanding of
VoIP, network convergence and advanced applications.
Elka Popova has received acclaim for her research through articles and quotes published in the San Francisco
Chronicle, Speech Technology Magazine, Software Magazine and Enterprise VoIP Planet.