Price vs. Protection: A New Era of Value Differentiation in Telecom

Price vs. Protection: A New Era of Value Differentiation in Telecom

Price has always been a leading factor influencing consumer decisions. Following several years of inflationary concerns, it’s no wonder telecom consumers surveyed by TransUnion reported pricing as the dominant factor driving their choice of providers. Yet, the same research also suggested a shifting paradigm that presents new opportunities for telecom providers. A growing number of consumers are placing a premium on security services, with 58 percent expressing interest in identity protection services from telecom providers. What’s more, two-thirds of those would even be willing to pay for such offerings. It appears identity security is becoming a compelling driver of consumer choice. With nearly a quarter of consumers considering switching telecom providers in the next six months, this price-protection paradox reveals how affordability and security may be a key combination for differentiation in a crowded market. Price: The Traditional Battleground Pricing wars have long-dominated the competitive telecommunications landscape, with promotional discounts, bundle offers, and aggressive price-matching underpinning customer acquisition efforts. As a significant portion of telecom consumers consider switching providers in the near future, pricing appears to remain a critical factor in retaining and attracting these customers. Yet, the reliance on price as a primary differentiator has limitations, as constant […]

Viettel accelerates digital transformation with strategic Visa partnership and European cybersecurity expansion

Viettel accelerates digital transformation with strategic Visa partnership and European cybersecurity expansion

Your browser does not support the audio element. Viettel Digital teamed up with Visa to enhance digital payments and expand the financial ecosystem, while Viettel Cyber Security partnered with France-based InnoSynthex, marking its entry into the European cybersecurity market. The signing ceremony for the co-operation agreement between Viettel Digital and Visa. — Photo courtesy of Viettel HÀ NỘI — Viettel has reinforced its digital leadership at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 with two major partnerships. Viettel Digital teamed up with Visa to enhance digital payments and expand the financial ecosystem, while Viettel Cyber Security partnered with France-based InnoSynthex, marking its entry into the European cybersecurity market. The collaboration between Viettel Digital and Visa is seen as a strategic move that leverages the strengths of both companies to drive inclusive digital finance. With its extensive customer base and Viettel Money platform, Viettel Digital will help Visa expand its presence in Việt Nam and other emerging markets. In return, Visa will offer its global payment solutions, enhancing connectivity, security and user experience on Viettel Digital’s platform. Through this partnership, customers will benefit from modern payment solutions, including co-branded Viettel-Visa cards, contactless payments, tokenisation and real-time fund transfers directly between Viettel Money […]

CPPCC member calls for accelerating digital transformation in manufacturing

CPPCC member calls for accelerating digital transformation in manufacturing

(ECNS) — Digital transformation is vital to boost the global competitiveness of China’s manufacturing, said Li Xia, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC),in Beijing on Thursday. Li emphasized the need for joint efforts in addressing technological breakthrough, providing policy support, and improving industrial ecosystem to help businesses overcome transformation challenges. Li Xia (first from left) is conducting research in an enterprise. (Photo: China News Network/Chu Weiwei) Although local governments have carried out action plans aimed at advancing manufacturing digitalization, challenges remain, including weak technical foundations, limited enterprise capabilities, and an incomplete service system, according to Li. To address technical gaps, Li suggested strengthening infrastructure development, increasing investment in industrial software and sensor technology, while building a cloud-edge-terminal collaborative computing system. She also emphasized developing scenario-based solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises to improve system integration. In terms of policy support, Li called for industries and universities to train college students together to address the shortage of multidisciplinary professionals. She also suggested setting up digital transformation funds to reduce costs for small and medium-sized enterprises through subsidies and interest discounts. To optimize the industrial ecosystem, Li suggested improving the service […]

Four Bulgarian Digital Innovation Hubs: a model of EU investment and collaboration

Four Bulgarian Digital Innovation Hubs: a model of EU investment and collaboration

On 5 March, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, became a focal point for digital innovation and transformation as four Bulgarian European Digital Innovation Hubs – benefitting from Cohesion Policy and Digital Europe Programme and recognized as operation of strategic importance – organized a public event centred on digital and green transformation. The gathering, hosted by Trakia University, showcased the Hubs’ contributions to business and public sectors, highlighting the role of digitalization and innovation. The event attracted representatives from the industry, academia and government, who had the opportunity to exchange experiences on advancing towards digital transformation. Sofia Alves, Director for Administrative Capacity Building and Programme Implementation within the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy at the Commission, emphasized the role that European Digital Innovation Hubs play in today’s competitive and rapidly changing environment. She praised these hubs as essential links between businesses and research institutions and highlighted Trakia University as a model of successful collaboration, while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting Stara Zagora’s digital and economic development. The Four Digital Hubs The four hubs – CYBER4ALL STAR, EDICS, AgroDigiRise and SynGReDiT – operate on key sectors, such as cybersecurity, construction, agriculture, and clean and green technologies, and also work in […]

Qvantel Elevates Veon’s Digital Transformation with New BSS Deal

Qvantel Elevates Veon’s Digital Transformation with New BSS Deal

Finnish digital Business Support Systems (BSS) firm Qvantel has secured a significant contract with Veon Group , involving their digital operations in several countries, covering over 130 million customers. Qvantel will deliver BSS and comprehensive managed services for Veon’s digital operators Jazz in Pakistan, Banglalink in Bangladesh, and Kyivstar in Ukraine. The services allow operators to rapidly launch and monetize various digital services. This agility is critical for the success of Veon’s digital transformation strategy. Under the new agreement, Qvantel will not only supply the software but also offer operations support and service level agreements (SLAs), which ensure defined standards for quality and responsibility. Inanc Cakiroglu, Veon’s Chief Information Officer, highlighted the ongoing partnership: “We have used Qvantel’s digital BSS in our largest operators as it gives us the agility to innovate and grow. Extending our relationship with Qvantel to include end-to-end managed services provides a full stack BSS with strong SLAs which delivers a great partnership.” Matti Roto, Chairman and CEO of Qvantel, emphasized Veon’s role as a pioneer in digital transformation. “Their digital operator strategy provides the blueprint for how operators can move beyond connectivity, grow their business, and provide a wide range of digital services that […]

British Cycling peddles new digital transformation strategy

British Cycling peddles new digital transformation strategy

British Cycling is overhauling its digital and data ecosystem to redevelop its digital presence Add bookmark Listen to this content Audio conversion provided by OpenAI Michael Hill British Cycling digital transformation – PEX Network British Cycling, the main national governing body for cycle sport in Great Britain, is embarking on a new digital transformation strategy. It will overhaul its digital and data ecosystem to redevelop its digital presence with enhanced functionality and personalized content capabilities. British Cycling signed a five-year partnership with Elixirr that sees the award-winning global challenger consultancy become its official digital transformation partner. Don’t miss any news, updates or insider tips from PEX Network by getting them delivered to your inbox. Sign up to our newsletter and join our community of experts. Bringing cutting-edge technology to cycling By joining forces with Elixirr, British Cycling aims to elevate its connection with clubs to communities and engage more fans with Britain’s most successful Olympic and Paralympic sport. Elixirr will deliver services across British Cycling’s technology estate to revolutionize the way that members, clubs, organizers and partners interact with the governing body. The new digital transformation program is a key pillar of British Cycling’s wider Program of Change. “British […]

Team Marksmen's Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure Conclave & Awards 2025 Charts the Future of Digital Infrastructure

Team Marksmen’s Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure Conclave & Awards 2025 Charts the Future of Digital Infrastructure

Team Marksmen’s Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure Conclave & Awards 2025 Charts the Future of Dig In a landmark gathering that underscores India’s rapid digital transformation, Team Marksmen’s Data Center and Cloud Infrastructure Conclave and Awards 2025 has emerged as a crucial platform for industry leaders to chart the future of IT infrastructure. The event comes at a pivotal moment, with India’s data center capacity set to more than double to 2-2.3 GW by 2026-27, marking a new chapter in the nation’s technological evolution. "The exponential growth we’re witnessing in India’s data center landscape isn’t just about meeting current demands – it’s about building the foundation for India’s digital leadership on the global stage," says Rishi Kapoor, CEO & Director of Team Marksmen Network. "This platform arrives at a crucial juncture when the confluence of Digital India initiatives, emerging technologies like GenAI, and massive digital adoption is creating unprecedented opportunities. The Team Marksmen’s Data Center and Cloud Innovation Conclave & Awards serves as a vital forum for industry leaders to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of digital infrastructure in India." The conclave addresses critical aspects of India’s digital infrastructure growth, including the projected investment of ?55,000-65,000 crore over […]

G6 mobile network operators reaffirm commitment to digital and energy transformation at MWC25 Barcelona

G6 mobile network operators reaffirm commitment to digital and energy transformation at MWC25 Barcelona

Image by Freepik Despite progress in mobile internet penetration across Sub-Saharan Africa, a substantial usage gap of 60% persists, leaving 710 million people within network coverage but unable to access digital services due to barriers such as device affordability. At MWC25 Barcelona , the Africa Group of Six (G6) mobile network operators— Airtel , Axian Telecom , Ethiotel , MTN , Orange and Vodacom —reconvened to assess progress, reinforce commitments and outline actions to accelerate digital and energy transformation across the continent. Under the theme “Strategic Partnerships for Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa,” the meeting brought together key stakeholders from the telecommunications industry , global institutions and the public sector to drive coordinated action towards sustainable investment and inclusive digital growth. Advancing digital and financial inclusion through policy and investment The G6, in collaboration with the GSMA, has made strides in its three core priorities: Fiscal Policy Reforms, Closing the Investment Gap and Environmental Sustainability. These initiatives highlight the importance of partnerships, data-driven advocacy, and evidence-based policymaking in overcoming affordability challenges and ensuring sustainable investments to bridge the digital divide. Fiscal policy reforms for digital and financial inclusion Aligned with global efforts to create more inclusive digital economies, the […]

Checkers: Driving growth through digital transformation and strategic partnerships

Checkers: Driving growth through digital transformation and strategic partnerships

This article was originally published in the Brand Finance South Africa 100 2025 report Checkers’ brand value has risen 23% to R23.5 billion, making it the fifth most valuable South African brand. It has also become the strongest South African brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 97.7 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA+ rating. In an interview with Brand Finance, Checkers outlines its strategy for leveraging technology, data, and key alliances to deliver value and lead the South African retail sector. What defining moments or milestones have shaped and strengthened the Checkers brand? How has your company adapted to emerging trends and technologies, and how has this impacted your brand positioning in the market? In our drive to be Africa’s most profitable omnichannel retailer, we are constantly exploring ways to serve our customers better – online and in-store – to create a seamless customer experience. Omnichannel customers are more valuable as they typically spend 2.5x more than traditional in-store customers on average, so a combination of in-store shopping as well as quick and convenient on-demand delivery is key to meeting the changing needs of our customers. The world-class in-store experience Based on our increasingly sophisticated […]