US based networks, followed by European operators are missing out on key revenues from global roaming, according to an Indian based software house, Bharti Telesoft. The company claims 64 out of a potential 205 GSM networks are deploying its RoamWelcome roaming software. The vast majority of Telesoft’s clients are in Asia.Bharti Telesoft says that 40 per cent of the global roaming subscriber base – generating roaming revenues at around $20 billion (out of a total $ 50 billion) – were won by the Asia Pacific region.
News source: TheInquirer The software identifies GSM handsets belonging to subscribers ‘roaming’ outside their home network and sends out promotional messages to tempt the owner onto the sender’s network. It can even help to convert roamers into using the network as their ‘preferred network’ when visiting that country.
Bharti Telesoft says that 40 per cent of the global roaming subscriber base – generating roaming revenues at around $20 billion (out of a total $ 50 billion) – were won by the Asia Pacific region. The potential for roaming is almost entirely ignored by US based networks. For example, GPRS roaming is virtually non-existent in Silicon Valley, supposedly the world’s high tech capital.
With the markets in India and China growing at a faster rate than their European counterparts, Telesoft estimates that Asia Pacific’s share of roaming will grow even further. A new version of RoamWelcome, codenamed RoamPulse, is due for release in 2005-2006, and will include support for GPRS roaming. This offering will also support advanced location-based messaging.
Historically US based networks have concentrated their efforts on growing revenues by offering advanced data services whereas roaming is mainly a voice service.
