UK
Mobius offers data market unique network and contract structure
Flint Group has launched the UK’s first airtime provider focussed purely on M2M cellular communications, following its agreement with Vodafone. Mobius airtime offers data-only users access to a unique billing structure and to network features designed specifically to address the M2M market.
According to Doug Gilmour, Sales and Marketing Director, Mobius, “We find that many customers are using SIMs on voice contracts, an approach with significant drawbacks for both the customer and the airtime provider. As a Vodafone airtime provider, we can offer customers a single cost-effective contract for the whole of their data estate as well as features such as a VPN enabling the use of fixed IP addresses with reduced security risk.”
Mobius is the sole UK distributor for Vodafone data SIMs.
Contract structure
Mobius airtime offers M2M users a transparent contract structure, designed specifically to offer a cost-effective solution for data transmission. Contracts can include a fixed cost for the term of the contract, with details of contracted data, additional data, and even fixing pricing for SMS and GSM usage. Data volume is contracted for the whole estate, rather than per SIM, giving users the flexibility to vary demand within a simple and predictable cost structure. To prevent a remote unit from creating data in error, however, a limit can be imposed on the amount of data each SIM can use avoiding uncontrolled costs. Customers can elect to receive an alert or even suspend a SIM until the source of problem is identified.
Mobius is a fully-authorised Vodafone Airtime Provider, not a Service Provider or a Virtual Operator. This status gives it direct access to the Vodafone System and can generate billing information down to a single transaction level if required. Should a fault develop, Mobius is also able to access a particular SIM directly and find its status.
Virtual Private Network
Mobius has invested heavily in the infrastructure providing its customers with its own Virtual Private Network (VPN). With a combination of VPN and GPRS, customers can have a live, always-on link from a remote unit to the back office, giving instant, secure access at no cost – the only charge is for the data transmitted. This eliminates the need for the remote unit to dial in at prearranged times, or through a prompt from an SMS. It also allows users to allocate a fixed IP address to their remote units, without being exposed to the risk of spam or hacking.
For short messages, an enhanced form of SMS known as ‘Data Direct’ is available. It allows users to track and prove delivery of messages, adding a vital element of control to a low cost and effective means of communication.
International Roaming
For data estates with an international dimension, Mobius can offer contracts with a guaranteed cost of roaming. If a VPN is used the roaming charges over the initial 1 Meg can be billed in smaller increments to keep a tighter control of costs. Where remote units are permanently based in one country abroad, Mobius can source local SIMs.
Share this article with others
Post to del.icio.us
Printed from http://www.mobileeurope.co.uk/news_wire/111160/UK.html
Comment on this article
Skip to comments
We encourage users to analyse, comment on and even challenge Mobile Europe's articles, including the one above - 'UK'
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site.
Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site.