Consulting

Jamie Anderson Online

Call Me: +32 484 796 443

Strategy - Innovation - Change

Mobile Network Operators - Handset Vendors - Network Equipment Vendors

My consulting activities focus on supporting Mobile Network Operators and telecommunications handset and network equipment vendors to reach low-income consumers in developing markets, especially Africa and South Asia. In addition to my individual consulting activities, I am on the Advisory Board of Globalpraxis, an international strategy firm based in Barcelona.

I also specialize in working with managers to understand the key dynamics driving telecommunications markets. This is particularly relevant for fast-growing telecoms companies, or for companies that are recruiting managers from outside the telecommunications industry. It is equally important for handset and network vendors who are seeking to provide more customer-oriented solutions to network operators.

A recent sharing workshop for a small group of senior managers from Airtel Mobility India and Zain Group focused on the key dynamics influencing the mobile telecommunications sectors in India and Africa. The group shared insights and approaches on key issues such as network outsourcing, distribution, value added services and serving low-income consumers. The sharing session was followed by field trips by the Zain managers to urban and rural markets in the Indian state of Andra Pradesh.

SERVING LOW INCOME CUSTOMERS IN DEVELOPING MARKETS

Why haven’t mobile network operators seized the opportunity at the bottom of the economic pyramid? In India and many parts of Africa mobile penetration is still less than ten percent of the total population. The explanations for this low-pentration rates are well known; non-existent distribution channels, illiteracy, poverty, and sometimes even war or violent insurgencies can stifle the enthusiasm of companies in serving people living in poverty. Indeed, most MNOs have elected to ignore these consumer segments, and focus on the ‘low hanging fruit – customers in the middle and upper income brackets.

But while the vast majority of mobile operators have seen these challenges as insurmountable barriers, other have quietly pursued strategies of experimentation in developing unique product and service propositions for some of the world’s most needy consumers. I have researched many of these companies, and from this analysis developed an approach to help mobile network operators deliver a structured approach to serving the world’s poor.

Recent clients have included mobile network operators in Africa and South Asia. One of my operator clients recently won an international industry award for the execution of an innovative strategy to serve low-income rural consumers in West Africa.

DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS AND COACHING FOR MOBILE INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES AND MANAGERS

I have experience in delivering development sessions for small groups of senior executives or individual managers who want to broaden their knowledge of key global trends in the telecommunications industry, or to focus on specific topics such as competitive strategy, marketing to low-income consumers, or business-model innovation. Click here to see the feedback from a recent strategy workshop conducted for the senior executives of one of India's largest mobile network operators.

Group workshops or individual coaching sessions can be developed to:

• Enable managers to appreciate the dynamics impacting the mobile industry’s future growth.
• Develop strategic capabilities and industry insight.
• Enhance managers' effectiveness in their current roles by improving understanding of segmentation, differentiation, regulatory issues, technology and business model evolution.

I specialize in working with managers who have come to the telecommunications sector from industries such as fast moving consumers goods and retailing who need to quickly build understanding of the unique characteristics of competing in the telecommunications space.

Recent clients have included top-five mobile handset vendors, and mobile network operators in Africa and South Asia.