Scott Radcliffe

In my work with mobile operators around the globe, I have seen a variety of approaches to pricing service offerings. For example during my recent trip to Singapore mobile operator M1 has adjusted its data bundle for iPhone users, following the announcement of price plans by rival StarHub. Both operators announced their iPhone prices and plans on 7 December, ahead of the launch on 9 December. M1  upgraded the data bundle for the iPhone Value and iPhone Lite plans to 12 GB, in line with StarHub’s offer, up from the earlier cap of 10 GB. M1 has also capped excess data usage at SGD 30 for those plans. In competitive positioning, pricing is a fundamental lever in the operator’s marketing kit.

Ultimately the relative effective data pricing on subscriber profitability, and retention can be determined with the proper analytical designs. It  is a bit puzzling why AT&T has not taken taken advantage of this to avoid their current conundrum- escpecially given many of  the smart analytical people I know work there. I would be interested in thoughtful explanations of why this is so.

Most consumers in prosperous regions have experienced the joys of mobile communications. Business is tapping into this new channel as the most immediate, and personal advertising medium ever known. What the average consumer doesnt know is that there is also an explosion in the application of mobile tech in philanthropy, and social change. This article in GOOD magazine shows how  FrontlineSMS:Medic connects doctors and patients in rural Africa through motorcycles and text messages. It is inspiring to see the commitment from technology companies in supporting some these initiatives. For example, NetSquared  focuses on the intersection of technology and social impact.  They say their mission is to “create opportunities for all those involved in creating change to connect: whether you are a nonprofit or a foundation, a designer or a developer, a changemaker or an entrepreneur.”

Check out of some this content and see if you dont come away inspired!

The Tool in Your Hand: The Mobile Revolution at MobileActive.org

Project 10 to the 100 SMSVANI

Mobilizing Generation 2.0: Doing Good in Your Spare Time