Airtel to launch Virtual Phone Numbers – You can have 10 numbers on a single SIM!
Airtel is planning to launch Virtual phone numbers enabling users to use as many as 10 different numbers on a single phone.
The technology, developed by Comviva Technologies (erstwhile Bharti Telesoft) is currently undergoing field trials and is expected to be launched in another 2 months (via).
The software will be embedded in SIM card itself and the trial is being done along with MTN, the South African GSM telecom operator.
What’s your take on a) feasibility of the idea, b)target segment that will binge on this?
-
Related posts:
- 1 Phone 10 Numbers – Perfect Fit for Rural India ? [Virtual Phone Numbers]
- Google Phone, G1’s India launch in December or early January 2009
- Pay your shopping bill by swiping your mobile phone
- Mid-week Buzz – Reliance launches local search, CDMA BlackBerry, AirDeccan is now SimliFly Deccan, BSNL offers two numbers in single SIM, digital music sales in India..and more
- Nokia Launches Cheapest(?) 3G Phone, Partners with Airtel for Free Internet
About the author - Ashish Sinha is a Startup Mentor/Product Strategy Coach, and the founder/chief editor of pluGGd.in.
He has launched/managed couple of products (consumer as well as enterprise) in US and India, and now consults with startups/small businesses on their product/media strategy. He can be reached at: ashish (at) pluGGd.in [+91 98452 06443]
Hey guys,
Interesting idea nevertheless. But I’d first prefer to see number portability implemented in this country. I think thats more important than having 10 numbers pumped onto a sim card.
Solving a problem by providing a tangential solution is just baseless… or so I think!
Chao,
TheCruisemaniac.
LOL. Manoj Kohli is unaware of the development. Read the original story here.. http://www.mydigitalfc.com/companies/airtel-scores-perfect-10-903
10 Numbers from a Single Operator is of no use, atleast to me. If different operators, then TRAI regulations needed to load them on to a single SIM card.
Chetan, can you help me understand your thought a bit better.
Why do you say multiple numbers from a single operator is of no use and numbers from different operators will have higher value.
Am I missing something here? Hope you are not thinking in terms of different payment plans from different operators.
For sure number portability is needed.
I am still thinking of the possible benefits from this new technology:
one could be for people who want to keep separate numbers for office and work
Multiple Operators for complementing coverage. So far I have found RCom network available where primary phone Airtel is out of Signal.
[...] You can read more about Airtel Virtual Phone Numbers here [via] [...]
Can someone list the benefits of having more than one number on the same SIM?
Most developed and developing countries allow a virtual local number to be set up in the country for their local residents to call this local number and talk to a person overseas (but pay only the local call rate). India is one of the few countries where telecommunication providers are forcing government not to allow virtual numbers in the country for Indians to call someone overseas at a local rate. This is socialism, not capitalism. The telecommunication companies must respect the technological development and adjust their business models accordingly.
I don’t care about 10 numbers on one SIM card. First work on portability of the number and then allow the virtual local numbers.