Though intense competition for second-tier cellular carriers is some time away, a Westbrook, Maine, company is looking to help these carriers get ready for future competition.
Infotech Solutions Corp. since 1997 has offered Voyager, a scalable client-server Windows 95 application that uses UNIX-based relational databases to provide flexible data management and convergent billing to small- and medium-sized cellular companies. InfoTech recently introduced its latest version of the software, which includes a real-time rating functionality. The company has increased its employee numbers from 6 to 15, and today has seven customers.
“In 1997, our system was frequently judged superior by interested carriers, but they were still cautious about the newness of Voyager and the size of our company,” said David Packhem, president of Infotech. “That stigma is beginning to evaporate.”
The Voyager software, which is Year-2000 compliant, allows carriers to offer bundled telecommunications services on one bill, said Infotech. The company maintains the databases, runs all the message processing and coordinates mailing of the bills.
New functionality added to the software will allow operators to immediately store detailed call records, monitor online calls and offer flexible debit cards and credit-limited rate plans.
“The biggest advantage of the new software is rating flexibility,” said Packhem. “This allows smaller carriers to stay ahead of the competition by providing flexible rate plans. A carrier can institute all kinds of rates and promotions with just a click of a mouse button. It allows them to set rate plans rather than respond to them.
“For prepaid, most carriers want to offer a variety of different rating options. Our system allows them to do that because we collect detailed call records that allow carriers to rate and re-rate the plans if usage goes up.”
The company still has its sights on aiding smaller carriers, but is looking to license the Voyager technology to larger carriers and possibly to form a partnership with an established billing company.
“We like our autonomy, but think a strategic partnership would help us leverage this product better,” said Packhem. “Right now we’re looking to provide the smaller guy with a competitive advantage.”
