SimPhony revolutionises telecommunication market in Sri Lanka

11-Nov-2007

C.N.S. Lanka, the island’s latest communication service provider has revolutionised the public phone sector with the recent launch of their flagship product SimPhony.

Rich in the state-of-the-art technology and an array of exclusive features that deserves to be called the common man’s mobile phone, SimPhony currently has operations in 12 strategically important districts in Sri Lanka.

Being the only virtual mobile phone service, which does not require a handset, it is rapidly gaining popularity and reliability among low income population in rural and semi-urbanised areas.

Unlike other public phones, SimPhony provides a dedicated number to each and every user. Such numbers can be obtained by purchasing a SimPhony SIM card. The phone is designed for the use of SIM cards in its pre-cut format. With a dedicated individual number the user gets access not only to make telephone calls, but also to have supplementary GSM calling services such as receiving calls, SMS, CLI, IDD, Missed Call Alerts and other value added services. Therefore, having a SimPhony’s dedicated number is virtually like having a cellular phone, though you do not get a handset.

The service provider CNS Lanka (Private) Limited is a BOI approved joint venture between Cellnets Solutions in Israel and CallONE Networks in Sri Lanka. Cellnets Solution is a part of diversified Israeli business conglomerate, Fore Group.

In line with its strategic objective of using the SimPhony public phone as the entry point to bring telecommunication services to large underserved segments of the populations in developing countries, Cellnets Solutions has planned to invest US Dollar 17 Million in Sri Lankan operation. SimPhony Public Phone was launched by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 29, 2007. Currently, SimPhony public phone has successfully started its operations in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Hambantota and Monaragala Districts and it is rapidly expanding the operations islandwide.

“SimPhony is a new trend setter. It is the only public phone that offers its own mobile number, incoming and outgoing calls, incoming and outgoing SMS, missed called alert, caller identification and other value added services. Company target group is basically the lower income population, who cannot afford to purchase mobile phones or even fixed line phones. In addition, we are targeting public and private sector organizations, such as schools, universities, army camps, police stations, garment factories etc., that require a public communication service, without a hassle,” a company spokesman said.

For the phone dealers and owners, the SimPhony represents a potential source of income by receiving commissions from call revenue and sale of SIM cards. Since SimPhony public phone service can be owned or leased by individuals or entrepreneurs, it opens a window of opportunity for self employment, additional income, public service and access to telecommunication in rural areas.

The SIM card is similar to an ordinary credit card in size. It encapsulates a microprocessor, memory and ability to interact with the phone and network. Once purchased, the SIM card can be reloaded up to any desired amount. Partnering with mobile operators in the country, SimPhony offers competitive call charges with more facilities and features than other public phones.