How have mobile network operators (MNOs) been affected by the coronavirus, and how can they adapt to take advantage of the opportunities created by the way Covid-19 is changing the world?
Impact of Covid-19 on mobile network operators
Telecoms operators have faced significant challenges, because of coronavirus, including traffic growth, congestion, network continuity and security issues. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) called for a relaxation of spectrum licensing and management rules in view of the sudden and significant increase in traffic demand due to lockdowns and enforced home-working.
Larger mobile data packs required
With the need to shop online, make more calls through mobiles / use extra data while working from home, and a growing appetite from consumers for online entertainment channels and boxsets during lockdown, secure data usage requirements have increased considerably. Mobile network operators worldwide have been providing increased data and voice packages.
For consumers, this unavoidable rise in data usage can mean financial concerns. As an MNO, there is the opportunity to offer improved value for your customers, through larger packages with a better price. 25GB packs and above have proven very popular, and by offering great deals at this difficult time, you can gain and retain clients more effectively.
Helping pay-as-you-go mobile customers during Covid-19
In Africa, Asia and the Middle East, where internet access for many is solely through their MNO on pay-as-you-go contracts, lockdown rules and financial uncertainties have provided the challenge of how customers could top up their mobiles. For MNOs, this provides an opportunity to enhance service through easier payments.
Mobile wallets for online shopping
One way is to offer your customers digital wallets, storing currency for them to make payments and purchases in store and online more easily. With two of the strongest aspects of the ‘new normal’ – growth in online shopping and the rise in home-working – likely to be long-lived, this provides a great opportunity for MNOs and customers.
Unlike some mobile wallets, Mobihive’s system means customers don’t have to visit a store to get registered – they can set everything up online, quickly and easily, via our app.
Increase in direct carrier billing
Another issue faced by some MNO customers is lack of access to international credit and debit cards, and with lockdown forcing a far higher percentage of payments to be made online this has provided difficulties.
Direct carrier billing, which enables clients to use their airtime to buy online, can help. Mobihive’s existing association with Mastercard means our direct carrier billing service is ready to go instantly if you wish to offer it to your customers.
Video-conferencing through mobile networks
With proof of the success of remote working, many organisations are making their businesses digital-first, and MNOs have the opportunity to help them by providing the tools for this transformation
Chief among this is the growth of video conferencing, and Mobihive’s international platform video conferencing software is ideal. It can be white-labelled to enable companies to promote themselves through their use of the tools, and the software enables organisations to store data securely on their servers in accordance with GDPR. For MNOs, supplying this tool increases your non-voice revenues.