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Case Studies

Mobile OTT Becomes the Game Changer for a Fixed Line Operator

BTCL Alaap

With the continuous smartphone penetration and availability of free OTT apps, landlines have become a dying breed. Free calls, voice & video, instant messaging, quick file transfer are some features that come with the OTT adaption.

The OTT revolution has posed severe challenges to Mobile Operators in terms of revenue loss. For Landline Operators, it is a fight for existence. How can fixed-line operators deal with this OTT wave? Telecommunication companies of several countries have now started adopting OTT, which has turned out to be a new revenue stream.

Taking an example of BTCL (Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited) - the largest telecommunications company in Bangladesh, which has reversed its nega􀀁ve subscribers count with the adoption of OTT.

Synopsis

BTCL started its journey in the year 1971 as the Bangladesh Telegraph & Telephone Board (BTTB) a􀀂er the independence of Bangladesh. On July 1, 2008, the BTTB was renamed Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) after it became a public limited company. The company is engaged in providing landline telephone services in urban areas in Bangla-desh with domestic & interna􀀁onal long-distance calling along with inter-net services.

After its launch, BTCL bagged 0.866 Million users but this figure started declining Year-On-Year due to increasing smartphone penetra􀀁on and availability of mobile data.

Situation

The number of landline users of Bangladesh is reported to be 1.49 M, which comes out to be far low when compared to the massive 171 M mobile phone subscribers. A declining user base has been a major reason why this state-owned Telecommunication Company has been running in losses for the last 12 years with an exception in the financial year (2018-2019). Staring with a revenue of USD 197.22 Million with net profitability of USD 12.40 Million during the initial year 2008-2009, BTCL has been into losses after that. The 2018-2019 figure shows BTCL revenue shrinking to USD 103.58 Million with a loss of USD 42.98 Million.

When Bangladesh is actively gearing for 5G, BTCL had come to the conclusion that Mobile OTT is the only possible option to help regain its lost subscriber base and sustain in the long run. The telecommunication company prepared to launch its own OTT calling app by the name of Alaap so that users can communicate from anywhere through it.

Mobile OTT Solution from REVE

REVE Systems leading Singapore based software solu􀀁on provider with operations in Bangladesh worked on this project of BTCL to design & develop the Alaap app. Main solution components from REVE Systems included OTT Mobile Application for the users, Softswitch and Billing System to manage the RCS communication.

Once the app is installed, a user gets a new Alaap number along with their current mobile number.

Mobile App allows users to make calls using local numbers over 3G/3G/4G & Wi-Fi along with instant messaging. Added to this, subscribers can enjoy Video Streaming, Credit & Referral Programs, News Feeds and also initiate Conference Calls. The new service facilitates any user to receive the incoming calls of a Virtual Phone Number on the Alaap app.

In the words of REVE Group CEO - M Rezaul Hassan, “We are happy to see the huge surge in the subscriber base of BTCL a􀀂er the launch of Alaap app, which is a solution from REVE System. As a solu􀀁on provider, this is good news for us that people are finding the OTT features useful for their communication needs.”

Impact

The services of Alaap began on March 26, 2021, and within two weeks sign-ups reached the 0.4 M mark.

Numbers have been constantly rising after that predicting a bright future for the state telecom entry. Currently, Alaap has 9.7 M installations, 0.82 M USD recharges and has registered 160 Million minutes paid calls.

9.7 Million installations
.82 Million USD Recharges
160 Million Minutes Paid Calls

Addressing the Launch of Alaap, BTCL Managing Director Dr. Md. Rafiqul Matin, said, “Alaap is the first native calling app of Bangladesh, which allows users to make free app to app calls, do instant messaging with rich emoji, enjoy HD quality voice along with conferencing facility involving 5 members.” He further added, “Alaap is a gift from BTCL to its fellow countrymen on the occasion of completing 50 years of independence of Bangladesh.”

Mobile OTT adaption has brought financial gains for the telcos, who once felt threatened now has started embracing this technology.