Partners will protect revenue for MNOs
KaiOS the modernising operating system that converts 2G relics into smartphones, is to be fortified UK-based cybersecurity specialist Trustonic. Under the terms of a new partnership the mobile operating system will be given a device locking feature supplied by Trustonic, to discourage losses by mobile operators. Trustonic’s Telecoms Platform uses the science of ‘nudge’, to encourage customers to adopt better payment habits by reminding them to pay outstanding bills on time. Should a customer not be able to pay what is owed, the platform can lock their device remotely until payment has been received.
Singapore based Kaios was created in order to ‘close the digital divide’ by allowing phone users in developing countries to upgrade their 2G phones into smartphones as their national infrastructure is modernised. By bringing the best of smart feature phones with affordable prices and smartphone-like experiences, KaiOS has gained massive popularity in emerging market countries over the last 5 years, where affordability prevents millions of people from accessing smart features phones.
UK-based Trustonic embeds cybersecurity into smart devices and connected vehicles to secure revenue and invent new options for power savings, while ensuring reliability. Its telecoms systems help mobile operators, retailers and financiers grow revenues without incurring additional commercial risks.
In forming this new Pan African partnership with Trustonic, KaiOS will now come with locking options as standard. This enables mobile operators and retailers to increase their customer base, without the risk of smartphone delinquency or bad debt. As a result, millions of consumers across emerging markets, like Africa, will be able to access and afford 3G/4G-enabled devices, increasing smartphone penetration while reducing the digital divide.
“Trustonic’s Telecoms Platform is an innovative technology solution to wider smartphone affordability while shielding mobile operators from the financial burden of late or missed payments through its remote device locking capability,” said Trustonic sales VP Craige Fischer. “Mobile operators and retailers can say Yes to more customers and overcome the growing smartphone accessibility challenge.”
When margins are tight, device financing programmes like this are invaluable to operators, said Dale Strydom, Business Development Director MEA of KaiOS. “Through this partnership, KaiOS and Trustonic will offer consumers Smart Feature Phones at affordable monthly instalments. This initiative enables new & 2G users to migrate to 4G enabled devices, thereby providing access to data rich services like social media, messaging, educational and banking service.”
Trustonic was initially created from a joint venture between ARM, Thales and G&D. Today, it counts the world’s leading car makers, financial institutions and mobile operators as customers, as well as every tier-one Android handset maker.
KaiOS Technologies powers an ecosystem of affordable digital products and services and exists to empower people around the world through technology. Kai’s mission is to open new possibilities for individuals, organisations, and society by bringing mobile connectivity to the billions of people without internet in emerging markets, as well as providing those in established markets with an alternative to smartphones.