 |
|
Colorful logos related to Valentine’s Day |
A heart, a few sweet words, a pair of doves… have been maximally leveraged by mobile service providers for the “season of love.”
With the “electronic bug,” people have exchanged roses, chocolates, and even digital “hearts” for Valentine’s Day.
A myriad of forms…
Last year, mobile value-added services (VAS) mainly revolved around ringtones and information queries, but this year, these services have developed at a breakneck speed.
Service provider websites, hearts, roses, and images of animals are integrated into interesting logos and icons. At the website http://dalink.vietnamnet.vn, the “definitions” of love have been maximally exploited in digital form by service providers. Meanwhile, at www.nhacchuong.com.vn, songs and logos have been replaced with themes about love.
Recently, the Dalink value-added service center, part of VASC Software and Communication Company, developed a module for “custom logo creation and image messaging” for GSM mobile network customers in Vietnam. This module allows customers to design images and network logos using pixels and install them on their mobile devices, creatively crafting decorative images for their phones.
…and the race behind
The market for mobile value-added services is currently growing at a high rate. According to statistics from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the market share of value-added services is becoming increasingly clear and distinct. Leading the market for mobile VAS is VASC with Dalink, Alofun, Luckywin, and NetMode holding 45% of the “pie.” Following closely are Quang Minh Dec, Shabox, and PM with a 40% market share. Newly established companies like Mobicom and Biển Xanh are capturing about 15% of the market.
There are currently many VAS providers on different networks with varying prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 VND. Some key number systems include the three-digit numbers 996, 997, 998 and the four-digit series starting with 8xxx. However, due to their short and memorable nature, along with well-invested infrastructure and a technical system officially supported by VNPT, the service rates are reasonable, making numbers 996, 997, and 998 the most popular among users.
According to Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Bảo, Deputy Director of the Dalink Center, the annual number of SMS messages exceeds 1 trillion, contributing 90% of revenue worldwide for non-voice services. With around 8 million GSM subscribers, the domestic market is vast for operators and value-added service providers in mobile telecommunications.
NAM HƯNG
