A price war is looming in India with Rcom slashing prepaid rates and a new all time low. The same is similar in Qatar -but could this be opportunity knocking?
The Reliance Mobile GSM plan offers Rs 900-minutes of talktime on local calls and SMS to any network that can be accrued by Reliance mobile GSM customers in daily tranches of Rs 10, spread over 90 days.
Hala Pay as You Talk in Qatarfrom QTel has just slashed its prepaid prices to reflect a new demand from consumers. Pre paid cards have finally started to offer cheap rates and improved packages such as cheaper off-peak calling.
What we think?
Prepaid not only globally but also in Europe is making a comeback. This is usual at times of a recession. prepaid services offer a great way of cost control in difficult times.
But what is the opportunity?
With a credit crunch – prepaid gives users the ability to remain mobile or even use mobile as a fixed substitute. Now is the time to start targeting prepaid users with mobile advertising and mobile coupons.
Why?
Because the thrifty still love to shop and if its cheaper it will be bought. Offering a low end prepaid device with a barcode scanner or Internet access targeted at the “recession economy” could be a profitable new revenue stream for vendors.
How?
By providing a subscription mobile content services for savings coupons or essentials.
What type of tariff and service?
Ultimately, the mobile “recession” tariff would offer a Friends and Family option where there is cheaper calls with in a network. But there would be a low end subscription component for either adverts or coupons.
Yes – you pay for savings. But the savings have to be regular and strong. If a mobile services package offered a coupons or ad service for EUR 3 per month – but savings of up to EUR 15-20 on domestic or essential goods…. everyone looking to save money would.
