Opinion
3 Ways Telecom Companies Can Outlive the Digital Revolution
![3 Ways Telecom Companies Can Outlive the Digital Revolution, can telecom adapt digital revolution?](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/telecommunications-digital-revolution.png)
The telecom industry is approaching a tipping point.
Average revenue is falling and many telecom providers are experiencing significant reductions in their basic communication service revenues: as much as 30% in SMS messaging, 20% in international voice, and 15% in roaming.
This is a common global trend as social media has opened up a new means of communication.
Related > Vodafone Egypt tests waters for ‘Ready Digital’
Experts predict that there will be 28.1 billion devices connected to the Internet by 2020, of which 15 billion will be machine-to-machine (M2M) or consumer electronics.
Over-the-top (OTT) players are the new competitors in the industry. They offer apps and easily accessible content to consumers via the Internet. These businesses have increased their market share in many industries including core telecoms services such as messaging and voice. WhatsApp, Viber, and Apple’s iMessage already claim 80% of all messaging traffic, while Skype alone grabbed more one-third of the international voice traffic market. This digitization that is reshaping the industry brings with it tough times for providers.
Maarten Ectors, Chief Digital Officer – at Legal & General points out 6 problems that have contributed to the industry’s current standstill.
Six main problems faced by telecoms
1. The industry relies too much on revenue from calls and SMS
Telcos like Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and much more are struggling to counter the trend whereby the prices of voice and data services are crashing fast. The situation is only going to get worse for many sectors within the industry because of its reliance on revenue from calls and SMS.
2. Telecom services are now a commodity
Competitive pressure is building fast in the industry as companies in adjacent industries like technology and media move into the telecom space. Everyone now expects telecoms to work like all other service industries and less focus is placed on the provider.
3. Customer relations is non-existent
OTT players connect with their customers on many different levels. This is part of their appeal. Organizations like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon have developed customer relationship processes that improve products and services based on user feedback. Telecom operators only connect with their customers when they are trying to resolve technical problems.
4. The industry is stagnant and solutions are complex
With a lot of legacy processes in place, the industry offers extremely complex solutions making integration with new technology more difficult.
5. Operators are in denial and act like copycats
The industry players act like copycats by adopting new trends and spending billions on going to market; many times too late.
6. Telecom operators are a necessary evil for DotCom companies
The world has come to a point where telecom companies are impeding the growth of large social networks. In order to be globally compliant, telecom businesses must transform or conform to digitization.
How telecoms can win in the digital revolution
Digitization is not just a threat to telecom companies, it is an opportunity to reconstruct the industry, reinvent business systems, and create ground-breaking offerings for customers.
Many forward-thinking executives consider digitization to be a top priority, but only a few are close to achieving its full potential. An industry transformation can help operators improve their profits by a large margin; considering the rate of decline in recent years.
So how can telecom companies bridge the gap? Below are 3 ways to combat the problems that telecoms currently face.
1. Customer-centric focus
Customers today use multiple channels during their consumer journey. Innovation and new technology can help telecoms reinvent core telecoms services and leverage the use of multi-channels for excellence in every interaction.
E-digital is now the leading channel for many customer-service activities, and because of this customer preference, telecom companies must focus on listening to their customers and just like the OTT’s, develop services around the feedback received.
2. Join forces with innovators
There are many ways to drive innovation for telecoms. Operators can create adjacent services like financial products, IT offerings, media, or utilities and widen the scope of business. Or like Ectors pointed out, they can join forces with innovators to create brand new service and bring their costs under control. These innovators will bring on board specialist knowledge to complement the telcos’ strong user base and telcoms experience.
3. Do nothing approach
You may wonder why any operator will choose to do nothing. And yet this may work out for some who have a large market share and are willing to watch the tide swallow the smaller fish. In this case, they will keep on doing what they are currently doing and watch as others go bankrupt. This is a really risky strategy because the tide could change in their direction without much notice.
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Sources - https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/trend/2017-telecommunications-industry-trends - https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/digital-mckinsey/our-insights/how-telecom-companies-can-win-in-the-digital-revolution# - https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/telecom/internet/popular-internet-of-things-forecast-of-50-billion-devices-by-2020-is-outdated
Creative Work
5 Best Cameras for Filmmakers in 2023
![5 Best Cameras for Filmmakers in 2023](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sony-A7iii-1.jpg)
If you’re ready to take your filmmaking to the next level, it’s time to invest in a top-notch camera that will capture your creative vision in stunning detail. Whether you’re a budding director, a passionate documentarian, or a visual storyteller, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the crème de la crème of cameras. Get your director’s chair ready as we unveil the best cameras for digital filmmakers.
1. Sony A7 III
The Sony A7 III is a powerhouse camera that combines exceptional image quality, superb low-light performance, and incredible dynamic range. With its 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video capabilities, and impressive autofocus system, this camera is now a favorite amongst vloggers and serious filmmakers.
Price: $1,998.
2. Canon EOS R5
This beast of a camera boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K video recording, and advanced image stabilization. With its lightning-fast autofocus and superb color reproduction, it’s a dream come true for filmmakers seeking unrivaled quality.
Price: $3,899.
3. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
This compact camera punches well above its weight class. With its Super 35mm sensor, 6K resolution, and wide dynamic range, it delivers breathtaking footage that will make your audience sit up and take notice. The camera’s versatility and robust color-grading capabilities make it a top choice for filmmakers on a budget. For the size, it’s superb.
Price: $1,995.
4. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a mirrorless camera that packs a punch. With its 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video at 60fps, and impressive image stabilization, it’s a reliable companion for filmmakers on the go. The camera’s rugged build and extensive video features make it a favorite among adventurous filmmakers.
Price: $1,497.95.
5. RED Komodo 6K
Ready to make a blockbuster? The RED Komodo 6K is a professional cinema camera that delivers stunning image quality and flexibility. With its compact form factor, global shutter, and 6K resolution, it’s a favorite among filmmakers aiming for cinematic perfection. While it comes with a higher price tag, its capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for severe digital filmmakers.
Price: $6,000.
With these top cameras in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to bring your cinematic visions to life. From Sony’s excellence to Canon’s innovation and Blackmagic’s affordability to RED’s unmatched quality, there’s a camera for every budget and filmmaking style. So, grab your director’s chair, gather your crew, and let your creative genius shine on the silver screen.
[Note: Prices mentioned here are approximate and subject to change. Please refer to the manufacturer’s websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.]
News
Threads: Unravelling the Spectacular Launch of the Hottest Social Media Platform
![Threads: Unravelling the Spectacular Launch of the Hottest Social Media Platform](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/meta-threads-platform-logo.jpg)
There’s been a disturbance in the force. In a world of constantly evolving social media platforms, a new contender has burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of millions and leaving a trail of excitement in its wake.
Threads, Meta’s Twitter rival, has taken the digital realm by storm, offering a refreshing and dynamic experience for users growing weary of Muskian meddling and looking for a unique social media adventure.
Let’s delve into the exhilarating launch of Threads, explore the number of users who have flocked to the platform, and discover the types of individuals we think it might attract.
A Diverse User Base Flocks to Threads
Threads has become the talk of the town. Since its much-anticipated launch, the platform has amassed 30+ million registered users worldwide, 5m reportedly arriving in the first 4 hours of operation. Industry experts predict his rapid growth will position Threads as a significant player in the digital realm, rivaling established giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Threads: A Haven for Digital Mavericks and Creatives
One of the most intriguing aspects of Threads is its potential to attract a diverse range of users. The platform’s unique features and captivating interface appeal to people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. From Gen Z trendsetters to seasoned professionals seeking a fresh networking platform, Threads offers something for everyone.
Threads will quickly become a haven for digital mavericks who yearn for a distinct online experience. These early adopters thrive on innovation, eagerly embracing new technologies and platforms. Their active presence on Threads will result in a vibrant and cutting-edge community that in turn will attract more thrill seekers.
The platform will also be a magnet for creatives, drawing in artists, designers, photographers, and writers. The platform’s visually immersive nature allows users to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. We guess. Threads will become a hub of inspiration and collaboration for global artists.
Threads: The Go-To Platform for Networking Professionals
For professionals searching for fresh networking and career growth avenues, Threads will emerge as the go-to platform. Its interactive and intuitive interface enables users to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and explore job opportunities. The platform’s focus on fostering professional relationships differentiates it from traditional social media networks.
Amplifying Voices and Effecting Positive Change on Threads
Threads is not just about self-expression; it will also attract passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Users dedicated to social causes and activism can find a home on the platform, utilizing its extensive reach to raise awareness and mobilize communities. Threads will prove a powerful platform for amplifying voices and effecting positive change.
Setting Threads Apart: Seamlessness, User Experience, and Privacy Measures
What sets Threads apart from its competitors? Its appeal lies in combining seamless functionality with a seductive user experience. The platform’s innovative features, including dynamic threads, immersive multimedia integration, and intelligent algorithms that tailor content to individual interests, have proved a real draw. Moreover, Threads’ commitment to user privacy and data security has provided a real draw. Threads app offers fresh air in an era of data breaches and privacy concerns by prioritizing transparency and implementing robust privacy measures.
The Impact of Threads: A Force to be Reckoned With
Threads has unquestionably ignited the social media landscape. With its explosive launch, staggering user numbers, and diverse user base, the platform has proven it will be a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re a digital maverick, creative connoisseur, networking ninja, or cause champion, Threads promises to be the reactive social media platform of choice, and its impact on the digital landscape is only set to grow. Stand by for a new world order, one connected by threads.
Opinion
What’s happening with Swvl?
![What's happening with Swvl?](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/swvl-nasdaq.jpg)
Swvl, an Egyptian ridesharing company, has seen a significant decline in value due to financial struggles, resulting in a 99% drop in stock price year-to-date (YTD), hovering around $0.10 and a market capitalization of less than $15 million. Reported Bloomberg.
Swvl was founded in Egypt in April 2017, by Mostafa Kandil and two of his school friends, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh.
The company was initially funded with $30,000 from the founders. Four months later, Swvl received an additional $500,000 in funding from the ridesharing company Careem. Originally, the company developed an app to address traffic congestion in Cairo but later shifted its focus to creating a platform for booking affordable bus trips in the city.
In 2018, Swvl completed two rounds of funding: a Series A game that raised $8 million and a Series B round between $25-35 million.
The company was valued at around $100 million during these funding rounds, which were co-led by BECO Capital, DiGAME, and Silicon Badia.
Why is Swvl falling?
Since its inception, Swvl has operated by renting buses with drivers for a monthly fee and then using them to run on fixed routes. Unlike the Uber model, which relies on marketing as it offers a marketplace to match drivers who own the cars to users who use the mobile app – they make a profit by getting a cut from the ride.
On the contrary, Swvl’s model owns the entire operation (renting the bus in advance, drivers’ salaries, and marketing for the app). This puts more cost on the company while its revenues are fixed or, most of the time, less because no bus will go complete all day, all routes.
Without going through the exact numbers, it’s evident that Swvl cannot profit with the current business model, and it’s a matter of time before the company’s cash dries out.
How can Swvl recover? Tell us in the comments below.
Inspired by: a Linkedin post by Zubair Naem.
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