Malaysian MVNO Tunetalk selects XIUS-bcgi mobile services platform

NEW DELHI, INDIA: XIUS-bcgi, a leader in delivering innovative telecom solutions for mobile operators and MVNOs worldwide, and Tunetalk, Malaysia's low-cost mobile phone operator, today announced that Tunetalk has chosen the XIUS-bcgi Mobile Services Platform (MSP) to power the launch and delivery of its paradigm-changing advertising supported, mobile phone service initially in Malaysia and subsequently to other countries in the ASEAN region.

XIUS-bcgi's Mobile Services Platform is a next-generation convergent platform for Mobile Virtual Network Enablers (MVNEs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and new entrants into mobile telecommunications space.

Tunetalk was co-founded by Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of the successful low cost airline, AirAsia. Key investors include TuneVentures group and Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad, a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad (Formally known as TM International Berhad).
The company hopes to replicate the success of AirAsia in the mobile space by becoming the first pan-Asean MVNO by expanding to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Tunetalk plans to provide attractively priced mobile services along with several value added features to create niche segment offerings.

The company has also established strategic relationships with retail partners for selling its MVNO services and for serving as end distribution points.

Tunetalk is launching on the Celcom network in Malaysia in 2009 and plans are underway for similar launches in 2010 in other countries in the region.

XIUS-bcgi will be responsible for the supply and turnkey management of the customized core network infrastructure for enabling Tunetalk's mobile launch through its multi-country rollout.

Announcing the deal, G.V. Kumar, CEO of XIUS-bcgi, said: "XIUS-bcgi is very excited about the opportunity to work with such a pioneering organization as Tunetalk. The agreement is a clear demonstration and validation of the value and attractiveness of our Mobile Services Platform for innovative MVNOs aiming to acquire and support a large subscriber base within aggressive timelines."

"XIUS-bcgi is clearly a leader in core network infrastructure for next-generation carriers looking to deploy innovative services, and we look forward to working with XIUS-bcgi and leveraging on their knowledge and experience in this area” said Jason Lo, CEO of Tunetalk.

"We evaluated several service delivery alternatives and chose the MSP based on XIUS-bcgi’s proven performance and expertise in integrating and managing complex deployments. MSP will greatly enhance our capability to rollout innovative subscriber specific services, enabling us to concentrate on our core business. With XIUS-bcgi's technology, Tunetalk will achieve flexibility in pricing, branding and service management across multiple network deployments."

Upendra Bhatt, VP and Head of the Emerging Carriers SBU at XIUS-bcgi, added: “This is an important strategic win for XIUS-bcgi, as it extends the global reach of our Mobile Services Platform into ASEAN markets. The contract with Tunetalk is a multi-million dollar, multi-year agreement and entails delivery of carrier grade core network infrastructure on a turnkey basis to power Tunetalk launch.”