HONG KONG, January 17, 2024 – VOX Solutions, a leading innovator in the telecom sector, has set an unprecedented benchmark in 2023 by clinching five prestigious awards, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the industry. The company’s unparalleled commitment to excellence and innovation in telecom solutions has been recognized globally, marking a milestone year in its journey.
This press release is a celebration of VOX Solutions’ remarkable achievements in 2023, showcasing its dedication to innovation and excellence in the telecom industry. The company’s success in securing multiple awards highlights its commitment to being at the forefront of technological advancements and setting new benchmarks in telecommunications.
Award 1: Best Flash Call Authentication Solution – Platinum Winner at Future Digital Awards
VOX Solutions has been honoured with the Platinum award for the Best Flash Call Authentication Solution at the Future Digital Awards. This accolade underscores VOX Solutions’ dedication to enhancing security and user experience in digital communications. The company’s innovative approach in leveraging cutting-edge technology to secure telecommunications has set a new industry standard.
Award 2: Mover & Shaker in Telco Innovation at Future Digital Awards
Furthering its winning streak, VOX Solutions has been recognized as the ‘Mover & Shaker in Telco Innovation’ at the Future Digital Awards. This award celebrates the company’s dynamic approach to telecommunications, where it continually pushes the boundaries of innovation.
Award 3: Capacity Media’s Power 100 List
Adding to its accolades, VOX Solutions’ visionary leadership has been spotlighted with its inclusion in Capacity Media’s Power 100 list. This prestigious listing recognizes the most influential and innovative individuals in the global telecommunication industry.
Award 4: Best Solution Provider at the Antonio Meucci Global Telco Awards
VOX Solutions’ commitment to delivering top-tier solutions in telecommunications has been celebrated at the Antonio Meucci Global Telco Awards, where it has been awarded the title of Best Solution Provider. This accolade is a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and customer satisfaction.
Award 5: Best AI/ML Innovation at the Global Carrier Awards
The company’s pioneering work in AI/ML has been recognized at the Global Carrier Awards, securing the Best AI/ML Innovation award. This reflects VOX Solutions’ significant contributions to advancing AI and ML technologies within the telecommunications sector.
Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, CEO Ehsan Ahmadi commented, “These five awards are not just a recognition of VOX Solutions’ innovative efforts but a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence in the telecom industry. Our team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering top-notch solutions has truly set us apart.”
About VOX Solutions
Vox Solutions simplifies, improves, and optimizes Voice and SMS channels using the latest innovations in technology. The company enables mobile operators to monetize their A2P services in a sustainable way, leveraging proprietary technology.
Vox Solutions utilizes its multi-award-winning anti-fraud technology, VOX-360, to offer a reliable, accurate and real-time view of operators’ voice and SMS services. By partnering with operators, Vox Solutions provides secure & reliable 2FA services to enterprises, globally.
For MNOs, Vox Solutions is focused on monetization of SMS and Voice services, being the first company in the market to offer a Flash Calling (Voice A2P) end-to-end solution.
For the enterprise segment, Vox Solutions focus on A2P messaging, A2P & P2P Voice, while also providing solutions focused on Cloud Communications.
Its unique VOX-360 solution also won numerous global awards for the anti-fraud, flash call authentication and AI/ML innovations.
HONG KONG, December 5, 2023 – Alfa Telecom, Lebanon’s first and leading mobile operator, announces that it has inked a 3-year exclusive interworking agreement with Vox Solutions to ensure higher protection and enhanced control over the entry and delivery of A2P SMS and OTP voice traffic within its network, further reinforcing its ongoing risk mitigation and anti-fraud efforts.
This strategic alliance between Vox Solutions and Lebanon’s Alfa marks an exclusive direct connectivity partnership. It empowers Alfa to leverage the advanced expertise and capabilities of the multi-globally awarded VOX-360 platform in A2P Voice and SMS traffic monetization to ensure the highest protection to its network not only from messaging bypass, but also from future voice and Flash Calls fraudulent activities, including critical communications like one-time passwords and customer notifications.
Lebanon’s Alfa CEO and Chairman, Jad Nassif, welcomed yet another milestone in Alfa’s ongoing fraud risk management strategy. “This is at the centre of our attention as we constantly seek to diversify our risk management portfolio with fraud attempts being continuously on the rise globally”, Nassif said. He assured that “this strategic partnership with Vox solutions will help make Alfa network more secure against the increasing menace of A2P Voice (flash calling) volumes, A2P messages spam and Artificial Inflated Traffic (AIT) which will further lower risks for our 2M+ individual and corporate customers and optimize our network resources to ensure higher traffic monetization”. Nassif emphasized that Alfa attains the highest global standards of network security and anti-fraud measures. “We are certain that the Vox -360 solution will make a great addition to our portfolio, further solidifying our commitment and path to offering the highest benchmarks of fraud prevention, service quality, and value creation for our customers”, he said.
Fraud presents an increasingly pressing issue for mobile operators. VOX-360 platform stands as a distinctive end-to-end solution in the market due to its features related to anti-fraud, flash call authentication, A2P SMS monetization and mobile identity. It empowers mobile operators to identify and prevent spam, along with blocking fraudulent traffic proactively, safeguarding end users from potential impacts. AIT inflates traffic volumes, which not only drives up enterprise costs but also reduces revenues for mobile network operators (MNOs). VOX-360 ranks among the foremost solutions in the industry for tackling this mounting challenge
VOX Solutions’ CEO, Ehsan Ahmadi, conveys his determination to address these challenges. “Our primary goal is to assist mobile providers like Alfa in achieving consistent revenue growth and fostering innovation. We are enthusiastic about confronting significant challenges such as increasing flash calling volumes, message spam and AIT. We consider it an honor to undertake this mission and stand steadfast in aiding our partners in reaching their business objectives. This initiative represents a pivotal milestone toward enhancing communication experiences and sustaining ongoing success.”
By strengthening their commitment to driving transformation and innovation in mobile communications, this partnership underscores VOX Solutions’ dedication to providing telecom operators and enterprises with top-tier strategies, cutting-edge technology, valuable data, training resources, and a team of experienced professionals. This substantial step enhances their unwavering efforts to combat fraudulent traffic.
About Alfa Lebanon
Established in 1994, Alfa is the brand name owned by Mobile Interim Company 1 SAL which is managing the first Lebanese mobile network for the benefit of the Republic of Lebanon / Ministry of Telecommunications. Alfa plays a leading role in Lebanon’s digital transformation journey through driving innovation, employing technology for the benefit of the community, and setting the foundations of a digitally sustainable and trust-based customer culture. Its digital and technological agenda has seen exceptional milestones and accelerated change over its 29-year history, enabling it to attain operational efficiency and offer a service of high quality with exceptional nationwide mobile speeds. Alfa currently serves more than 2 million subscribers through a state-of-the-art network covering 99% of Lebanon.
About VOX Solutions
Vox Solutions simplifies, improves, and optimizes Voice and SMS channels using the latest innovations in technology. The company enables mobile operators to monetize their A2P services in a sustainable way, leveraging proprietary technology.
Vox Solutions utilizes its multi-award-winning anti-fraud technology, VOX-360, to offer a reliable, accurate and real-time view of operators’ voice and SMS services. By partnering with operators, Vox Solutions provides secure & reliable 2FA services to enterprises, globally.
For MNOs, Vox Solutions is focused on monetization of SMS and Voice services, being the first company in the market to offer a Flash Calling (Voice A2P) end-to-end solution.
For the enterprise segment, Vox Solutions focus on A2P messaging, A2P & P2P Voice, while also providing solutions focused on Cloud Communications.
Its unique VOX-360 solution also won numerous global awards for the anti-fraud, flash call authentication and AI/ML innovations.
HONG KONG, November 14, 2023 – AZERCELL Telecom LLC, Azerbaijan’s leading mobile operator, is pleased to announce the appointment of VOX Solutions as its exclusive partner to empower secure and high-quality direct termination of A2P SMS international traffic to Azercell’s network, which serves 48% of the country’s mobile customers.
The partnership between VOX Solutions and Azercell Telecom establishes an exclusive direct interconnection, ensuring the secure and reliable delivery of A2P messages to Azercell’s 5 million retail and enterprise customers. This partnership enables Azercell Telecom to control and manage the entry and delivery of all international A2P SMS traffic, therefore minimising fraud while optimising traffic monetization. Services included in the agreement also cover one-time passwords and customer notifications, to name only a few.
Fraud is becoming a rapidly growing challenge for mobile operators, as it is estimated that as much as 45% of all A2P SMS traffic is terminated using grey routes, representing a loss of close to US$8 billion in yearly revenue for mobile operators globally. Artificial Inflated Traffic (AIT) inflates traffic volumes through artificial means, leading to escalated enterprise costs and diminishing mobile network operator (MNO) revenues. VOX-360 is one of the industry’s leading solutions that help address this growing challenge.
The VOX-360 platform is a comprehensive and unique solution in the market, encompassing anti-fraud features, flash call authentication, A2P SMS monetization, and mobile identity capabilities. It empowers mobile operators to identify and block spam and fraudulent traffic, proactively safeguarding end users and enhancing the overall customer experience. Furthermore, it enables operators to optimise their network monetization efforts.
“We are truly honoured to have extended our existing relationship with Azercell to this strategic partnership and remain more committed than ever to provide Azercell with continued support in surpassing their business objectives. Together, we will pave the way to create unparalleled communication experiences to foster lasting success.” says Ehsan Ahmadi, CEO & Founder Vox Solutions.
The VOX-360 platform stands out as the industry’s only solution capable of monetising Flash Calls, in addition to offering a comprehensive suite of anti-fraud measures for A2P Voice and SMS traffic.
This feature ensures that Azercell Telecom is not only protected against messaging bypass, but also safeguarded from potential voice and Flash Calls fraudulent activities in the future.
About VOX Solutions:
Vox Solutions simplifies, improves, and optimises Voice and SMS channels using the latest innovations in technology. The company enables mobile operators to monetize their A2P services in a sustainable way, leveraging proprietary technology.
Vox Solutions utilises its multi-award-winning anti-fraud technology, VOX-360, to offer a reliable, accurate and real-time view of operators’ voice and SMS services. By partnering with operators, Vox Solutions provides secure & reliable 2FA services to enterprises, globally.
For MNOs, Vox Solutions is focused on monetization of SMS and Voice services, being the first company in the market to offer a Flash Calling (Voice A2P) end-to-end solution.
For the enterprise segment, Vox Solutions focus on A2P messaging, A2P & P2P Voice, while also providing solutions focused on Cloud Communications.
Its unique VOX-360 solution also won numerous global awards for the anti fraud, flash call authentication and AI/ML innovations.
About Azerbaijan AZERCELL Telecom
Founded in December 1996, Azercell is the only company in Azerbaijan and CIS region which has been awarded Platinum Certificate of International “Investors in People” Standard. The mobile operator is the only company in the country to receive Gold Award in nominations of “Company of the Year” and “The Most Innovative Company of the Year” from the International Business Award STEVIE.
Hong Kong, November 8, 2023 – In a ground-breaking study developed in partnership with VOX Solutions, Juniper Research sheds light on the ever-evolving world of A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS pricing. The findings highlight significant discrepancies in the pricing strategies of mobile network operators across key global regions.
Recent data unveils that over 3 trillion A2P SMS messages were delivered globally in 2022, averaging a staggering 8.2 billion messages daily. Despite such robust numbers, many mobile operators are yet to implement optimal pricing strategies that would maximise revenue from this burgeoning business messaging traffic.
While SMS remains a dominant force in the A2P messaging traffic landscape, its market share is projected to decline over the coming years. It underscores the urgency for mobile operators to reassess and recalibrate their pricing strategies to drive positive topline impact, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their A2P SMS business.
Highlights from Juniper Research:
- In 2022, over 3 trillion A2P SMS messages were delivered globally, averaging 8.2 billion per day
- The wholesale pricing for A2P SMS remains unpredictable with disparities across key regions
- Despite its ubiquity, most Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are yet to optimise pricing, leading to potential revenue losses
- The evolving A2P landscape requires dynamic pricing strategies that align with regional benchmarks and discern between national and international services
- The ability to identify SMS use cases, such as OTPs, notifications, and marketing, can aid in more consistent and accurate pricing
‘One of the prime challenges that the industry faces is the unpredictable nature of wholesale SMS pricing. This unpredictability is not just a global phenomenon but also a regional one, with stark variations in average pricing across different areas. Therefore, mobile operators need to be agile, employing strategic pricing models that resonate with the market’s needs and drive sustainable growth’ said Ehsan Ahmadi, CEO & Founder of VOX Solutions.
Adding to this, Sam Barker, VP of Telecoms Market Research from Juniper Research commented, ‘The intricate web of A2P SMS pricing is a reflection of the diverse strategies employed by operators. But, as the market dynamics shift, it’s imperative to revisit, realign, and recalibrate pricing structures to remain competitive and relevant.’
Juniper Research emphasises the need for mobile operators to re-evaluate, innovate, and adapt in these dynamic times to ensure they capitalise on the immense potential that the A2P SMS market offers.
For detailed insights, graphs, and more information, please refer to the full report by Juniper Research: HERE
About VOX Solutions:
Vox Solutions simplifies, improves, and optimises Voice and SMS channels using the latest innovations in technology. The company enables mobile operators to monetize their A2P services in a sustainable way, leveraging proprietary technology.
Vox Solutions utilises its multi-award-winning anti-fraud technology, VOX-360, to offer a reliable, accurate and real-time view of operators’ voice and SMS services. By partnering with operators, Vox Solutions provides secure & reliable 2FA services to enterprises, globally.
For MNOs, Vox Solutions is focused on monetization of SMS and Voice services, being the first company in the market to offer a Flash Calling (Voice A2P) end-to-end solution.
For the enterprise segment, Vox Solutions focus on A2P messaging, A2P & P2P Voice, while also providing solutions focused on Cloud Communications.
Its unique VOX-360 solution also won numerous global awards for the anti fraud, flash call authentication and AI/ML innovations.
About Juniper Research:
Juniper Research was founded in 2001 by the industry consultant Tony Crabtree, in the midst of the telecoms and dot-com crash. The business was fully incorporated in February 2002 and has since grown to become one of the leading analyst firms in the mobile and digital tech sector.
Juniper Research specialises in identifying and appraising new high growth market sectors within the digital ecosystem. Market sizing and forecasting are the cornerstones of our offering, together with competitive analysis, strategic assessment and business modelling.
We endeavour to provide independent and impartial analysis of both current and emerging opportunities via a team of dedicated specialists – all knowledgeable, experienced and experts in their field.
Our clients range from mobile operators through to content providers, vendors and financial institutions. Juniper Research’s client base spans the globe, with the majority of our clients based in North America, Western Europe and the Far East.
We are thrilled to be recognized at the Global Carrier Awards 2023 under the Innovation and Technology category as “Best AI/ML Innovation”.
We’ve harnessed AI/ML innovation to enhance fraud prevention in VOX-360, our anti-fraud solution, providing mobile network operators with a straightforward and potent method to combat both Voice and Messaging fraud through a unified omni-channel platform.
Our dedication to innovation and quality has driven us to develop the industry’s most robust anti-fraud platform, our primary emphasis consisting in the battle against fraud.
The Global Carriers Awards serve as a platform to highlight excellence across the entire connectivity sector. We express our profound appreciation to both our customers and the judging panel and we remain dedicated to persisting in our path of innovation and delivering state-of-the-art solutions that propel our clients towards success!
While flash calling can be a convenient way to convey a message or signal urgency without engaging in a full conversation, it also has the potential to be misused or cause harm in certain situations.
A flash call is an authentication method that verifies identification without asking the end user to perform any specified actions. It is a relatively new method for implementing two-factor authentication (2FA).
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Stanley Manzini; and Pavel Salatiuk, Executive VP of Sales & Partnerships shared insights into Vox Solutions’ innovative strategies for tackling flash calls and artificial traffic in the APAC region. Together, they discussed how advanced technologies like AI and ML are being leveraged to combat these challenges. Additionally, they explored the company’s strategic partnership with Bridge Alliance, through which they aim to elevate network and service offerings.
What is the frequency of flash calls in the APAC region, and how does Vox tackle this challenge?
Manzini: A new report from Juniper Research, foremost experts in emerging communications technologies, has found that operators will lose $1.3 billion to undetected flash calls cumulatively between 2023 and 2027. Flash calling services are particularly in demand in regions with a high need for authentication services and where SMS mobile termination rates are elevated, as is the case in APAC.
In APAC, the demand for authentication services and the prevalence of high mobile termination rates has created an environment ripe for flash calling. Additionally, there is a notable issue of artificial inflation of traffic. Juniper Research has revealed that flash calls in APAC can cannibalize up to 20 percent of SMS volumes, posing a substantial threat to A2P revenues and overall traffic value.
Our main goal is to help address them and turn them into new profitability by capitalizing on the new revenue stream opportunity of monetizing flash calls. Vox Solutions is an innovation-centric company. Over the past 12 months, we have taken the lead in addressing the issues of flash calling and artificial traffic, both in terms of raising awareness and implementing effective solutions.
Through our case studies, we have demonstrated the efficacy of our solutions in mitigating the anticipated 20 percent loss. Our goal is to ensure the business of our partners remains commercially viable, irrespective of the threats.
Could you elaborate on Vox’s approach to tackling AIT, trashing, and other associated fraud scenarios using advanced technologies such as AI and ML in the region?
Salatiuk: Publications from companies like Juniper Research highlight that the global cost of artificial inflated traffic for enterprises surpassed USD 9 billion in 2023—a significant sum. As a result, enterprises worldwide are keen to address this issue.
Unfortunately, forecasts indicate that by 2027, artificial inflated traffic will represent 11 percent of global traffic, necessitating action from enterprises to implement additional channels for traffic verification. This issue is particularly prevalent in Central and East Europe, as well as in Asia, where SMS market rates can reach 20 cents, leading to inflated traffic and SMS trashing.
This not only results in substantial revenue for fraudsters but also poses challenges in detection due to its complexity. Moreover, it doesn’t directly impact MNOs’ top-line revenue but significantly affects network performance and customer satisfaction, leading to increased churn.
AI is a buzzword; not every solution offers the necessary accuracy and algorithms to detect SMS trashing and artificial traffic. MNOs must invest in relevant tools and technologies to minimize revenue leakage and explore new revenue streams.
Please outline Vox’s market position and strategic approach in Asia.
Manzini: In Asia, the prevalence of flash calling is notably high, reaching up to 20 percent due to elevated rates and the presence of AIT and grey routes. This situation compromises service quality, leading to increased churn and increased customer complaints. At the end of the day, we all aim to deliver the best customer user experience. However, if we are delivering the messages via grey routes, that means that we are compromising on the quality that the customer gets, which unfortunately causes a high churn. Our strategic approach focuses on restoring growth and sustainability to networks (vital for acquiring, retaining, and growing the subscriber bases).
Our technology addresses these challenges effectively, offering dynamic pricing models and innovative solutions tailored to different messaging needs, including promotional messages. Currently, pricing strategies often lack differentiation, typically offering a single rate for MTR. However, our approach is innovative; we provide distinct pricing for notifications and promotional messages. This strategy is groundbreaking as it enables SMS’ to compete with WhatsApp, a significant disruptor in today’s market.
We also work with enterprises and having good relationships with them will ensure that you get back the volumes. We have more than 400 direct connections globally ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for MNOs.
We serve as a trusted one-stop partner, prioritizing MNOs’ interests and providing best-in-class anti-fraud technology to combat flash calling and other fraud scenarios. With adaptable technology ready to tackle current and future network challenges, our goal in Asia is clear: to bring back the growth and sustainability to their networks.
How does Vox leverage its partnership with Bridge Alliance to enhance its network and service offerings across Asia?
Salatiuk: From our point of view, Bridge Alliance has consistently shown a commitment to investing in partners with cutting-edge technology. They have recognized the uniqueness of our flash call technology, which not only maximizes revenue but also effectively blocks alternative communication channels. As an alliance of premium MNOs, including market leaders like Telkomsel and Singtel, Bridge Alliance selects the best solutions for its partners.
We are proud to be part of this alliance and have presented our comprehensive product portfolio, including our innovative flash calling solution, VOX-360. The response and interest from Bridge Alliance has been exceptionally positive, leading to advanced discussions with multiple MNOs within the group. We aim to deepen these discussions, integrate our technology into their networks, and become a strategic partner essential to their success.
Manzini: We are very proud to be among Bridge Alliance’s technology partners as they work with the best in the group. In summary, Vox Solutions has spearheaded several industry-first initiatives that underscore our suitability for partnership with Bridge Alliance.
Firstly, we were the pioneering company to raise awareness about flash calling with the Mobile EcoSystem Forum (MEF), subsequently developing the first flash calling solution and implementing it effectively. Similarly, we led the way in raising awareness about artificial inflation of traffic (AIT) and creating a solution to address this issue, which we successfully implemented.
We believe that the technological landscape is forever changing and in order to remain relevant, collaboration remains a key element; and you don’t just collaborate with anybody, you collaborate with the best in the market.
Bridge Alliance leads the market in terms of network quality, coverage, and the caliber of its partners, along with the exceptional support they provide. We believe none of us is as strong as all of us together.
What are key events that Vox has been involved in? How do these engagements align with the company’s objectives and industry positioning?
Manzini: We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting the upcoming GSMA event—WAS#20 on 23 – 26 September , taking place in Indonesia, Bali (https://voxsolutions.co/was20/) —showcasing our alignment with MNO objectives and providing a platform for APAC MNOs. Additionally, we’ll participate in Telecoms World Asia in Thailand on 19 -20 November 2024 and the Bridge Alliance CXO Forum in Singapore in October 2024, engaging with key players in the industry.
Furthermore, we’re conducting webinars dedicated to APAC MNOs and organizing events focused on the APAC region, demonstrating our commitment to supporting regional growth and sustainability.
Could you share recent awards or recognitions that demonstrate the quality of Vox’s service offerings?
Salatiuk: One recognition we’re particularly proud of is receiving the Antonio Meucci Award for ‘Best Solution Provider,’ acknowledging our excellence in AI and machine learning (ML) technology. Additionally, we recently achieved ‘Tier One’ status as a monetization and aggregation provider in the ROCCO SMS Monetisation Market Impact Report 2024, as voted by MNOs in the industry. This external validation is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We’re immensely grateful to our customers and partners for their trust and support, and we remain dedicated to continuously improving our technology to meet their evolving needs.
Manzini: Vox Solutions has been honored with the ‘Platinum’ award for the ‘Best Flash Call Authentication Solution’ at the Future Digital Awards. Being recognized as the platinum winner for 3 consecutive years underscores our leadership in this field. Such consistent recognition reaffirms the effectiveness and quality of our solutions. You can read more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQloiK0j1Os
Vox Solutions has won:
- Tier 1 vendor in the ROCCO SMS Monetization Market Impact Report 2024
- Best AI/ML Innovation at the Global Carrier Awards 2023
- Best Solution Provider at the Antonio Meucci Global Telco Awards 2023
- Best Flash Call Authentication Solution at the Juniper Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Best Personal Data & Identity—A2P Voice Monetization Solution at the MEFFYS Awards 2022
- Best Anti-Fraud Innovation at the Global Carrier Awards in 2019 and 2021
About VOX Solutions:
Vox Solutions simplifies, improves, and optimizes Voice and SMS channels using the latest innovations in technology. The company enables mobile operators to monetize their A2P services in a sustainable way, leveraging proprietary technology.
Vox Solutions utilizes its multi-award-winning anti-fraud technology, VOX-360, to offer a reliable, accurate and real-time view of operators’ voice and SMS services. By partnering with operators, Vox Solutions provides secure & reliable 2FA services to enterprises, globally.
For MNOs, Vox Solutions is focused on monetization of SMS and Voice services, being the first company in the market to offer a Flash Calling (Voice A2P) end-to-end solution.
For the enterprise segment, Vox Solutions focus on A2P messaging, A2P & P2P Voice, while also providing solutions focused on Cloud Communications.
Its unique VOX-360 solution also won numerous global awards for the anti fraud, flash call authentication and AI/ML innovations.