VAS solution provider has come up with a unique technological feature to make operators reach the under-penetrated base of pyramid (BOP) consumer segment.

The concept of virtual SIM provides access to those who cannot afford a handset of their own and presently shares phones from peers, use PCOs or community phones. Virtual SIM allows such consumers to have a virtual mobile account with ability to send or receive messages as well. Users can also avail VAS such as mobile payments and others through the virtual SIM.

At the end-user level, no special handsets are required and the concept works on all handsets.

 Manoranjan Mohapatra, CEO, Comviva says, “Virtual SIM represents a major milestone in our mission to deliver innovative solutions to service providers in emerging markets, allowing them to extend mobile communications services to new consumer segments. Having successfully launched Virtual SIM in Africa, I am confident that Virtual SIM will dramatically increase the affordability of a mobile connection for the economically underprivileged in the world’s emerging markets, including India. Virtual SIM is an ideal solution to connect the unconnected 2.7 billion people, who already live in areas covered by mobile networks, but who are not yet mobile subscribers.”

The solution has recently bagged Golden Peacock Innovation Award.