KnowRoaming is best known for a sticker that goes onto SIM cards to enable low-cost roaming, but now it has come up with a software solution.
Roaming solutions provider KnowRoaming has launched an entirely virtual, hardware-free SIM, complete with custom management tools and a global roaming network, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week.
“The KnowRoaming Soft SIM Platform is the first truly end-to-end, turn-key solution of its kind,” said Gregory Gundelfinger, KnowRoaming CEO. “The Platform offers the complete package, from delivery, to management, to global network connectivity.”
KnowRoaming has partnered with TCL Communication, manufacturers of Alcatel handsets, for the launch of this platform in the company’s handsets – starting with the China market before launching in the US and other global markets. Its portfolio of products is currently sold in over 170 countries globally under the ALcatel and and TCL brands. Globally, it reported cumulative sales of handsets and other products of more than 83 million units in 2015, whiole Alcatel is the fourth largest mobile handset manufacturer in North America.
With the technology integrated in selected handsets, users can automatically connect to networks in foreign countries, monitoring their account usage in real-time through the dedicated app, all while benefiting from low data roaming rates and a seamless device- integrated experience.
The end users access roaming rates up to 85% lower than their carriers’ in 200+ countries thanks to KnowRoaming’s commercial agreements with networks worldwide. KnowRoaming operates the global Multi-IMSI network that provides the data, voice and SMS services. The network selection, call routing and billing are all handled by KnowRoaming infrastructure.
“Our Soft SIM Platform is designed for easy implementation with different baseband chipsets, purposefully created to be a quick, drop-in integration,” said Dominik Swierad, KnowRoaming COO. “The Platform offers full control and dynamic provisioning, custom- designed for Multi-IMSI roaming connectivity.”
KnowRoaming first entered the consumer market in 2013 with the launch of the Global SIM Sticker. The Sticker attaches to a customer’s existing SIM card and remains dormant while at home. When the customer travels, the Sticker automatically connects to local networks for significant savings. Since the launch of this product, KnowRoaming has continued to focus on developing innovative new technologies to better connect devices across borders.
“The Soft SIM Platform is a natural evolution for KnowRoaming. First, we took the standard SIM technology and created the ultra-thin SIM Sticker. Next, we removed the hardware component completely,” said Gundelfinger. “With the flexible delivery mechanisms, the operation of a mobile network, and commercial agreements with networks worldwide, KnowRoaming has a unique vertically integrated solution and the applications are seemingly endless. We’re a one-stop shop for global connectivity.”
* For more information, visit www.knowroaming.com.