BERN, Switzerland, September 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
USSD is the ultimate low-cost, high reach advertising channel. The sicap solution allows operators to monetise free space within messages, and intelligently filters ads in order to offer advertisers a very effective and controlled way of reaching their target groups
Sicap has today revealed its partnership with an as yet undisclosed major operator group to capitalise on USSD messaging by integrating sponsored ads. Brand names or enterprises in a specific region will be able to intelligently target mobile subscriber groups with promotional messages.
The new sicap solution works by tagging an advertisement into the "USSD tail" or the number of free characters left after a USSD message body. A specially designed sicap server intelligently inserts advertising messages according to subscriber profile, message history and assigned priority of advertisements.
Mobile operators can exploit the USSD tail of a multitude of existing, widely used services, capitalising on both volume and scope.
"The popularity of USSD messaging services opens up tremendous potential for advertising. Considering that our solution can be scaled to meet 5 000 USSD requests per second, the USSD tail solution constitutes an extremely attractive revenue stream," said Mr. Lorenz Ruosch, Technical Shared Services Director of sicap.
Subscribers have a choice of over 2 000 USSD menu items, with the very popular free-of-charge balance checks and subscription-based bank balance statements topping the popularity list. All are managed and interfaced by Sicap UMB (USSD Menu Browser), the ultimate platform designed to streamline and monetise the disparate USSD service architecture. The new advertising channel offer will accelerate the return on investment in the platform and transform even free, self-care messages into lucrative services.
For the operator, the financial gains are not offset by any technical challenges or network capacity strain. When subscribers request information from their handset menu, the USSD tail simply fills up the otherwise wasted space, without causing additional load on the network.
Sicap, innovator and pioneer of USSD-based services has already deployed its USSD Menu Browser (UMB) in more than 20 networks Worldwide.
About Sicap
Sicap software solutions empower mobile operators to deliver a superior subscriber experience, create new revenue streams and reduce operating costs.
Sicap develops and implements solutions across the value chain, including DM, billing and loyalty, m-money, and USSD solutions. Present in 120 networks, serving 920 million subscribers in 76 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit http://www.sicap.com
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