I have a great idea for a mobile service - is Vodacom interested?
Yes, Vodacom is always interested in providing new services to its customers. Vodacom has developed a standard framework for working with Wireless Application Service Providers (WASPs):
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If you have an idea for a mobile service that has not yet been developed into an operational service, we will provide you with the standards and specifications to which your service must comply.
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If you require assistance in developing a service, there are a number of companies that can assist with developing your concept into a service.
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If you have already developed a service and are ready to offer it to the public, Vodacom has developed a set of standard specifications and processes to enable you to get your service operational as soon as possible.
How can I work with Vodacom?
You can work with Vodacom as a WASP. A WASP will be required to conclude certain formal contractual agreements with Vodacom and will be required to adhere to a Code of Conduct and Advertising Guideline. In return, Vodacom will enable you to offer various types of services across the Vodacom Network using any of our bearers; i.e. IVR, SMS, MMS, USSD etc. as well as Billing and Collection Services.
How do I become a WASP?
To become a WASP you will need to complete a WASP application form and, if approved, you will be required to conclude the formal contractual agreement/s with Vodacom. To gain access to the online WASP Application Form you will need to register as a member first. After you have registeres a new menu containing more information about Becoming a Wasp will become available. In this new you will also find the WASP Application Form.
What bearers can I use ?
You can offer services using any bearer that is accessible via the Vodacom Network. The Vodacom Network supports the following bearers:
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Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
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Location Based Services (LBS)
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Short Message Service (SMS)
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Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
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Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
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Online Billing Service (OBS)
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Wireless Application Protocol via Circuit Switched Data (WAP via CSD)
Once qualified as a WASP, you connect to your required bearer.
How do I get paid for my services?
Vodacom charges the subscriber for the service, at the rate selected by you. A portion of this revenue is retained by Vodacom as bearer and administrative charges and the remainder accrues to your account. The balance on your account is paid to you on a monthly basis.
What revenue does Vodacom get from my services?
Vodacom will earn revenue for transporting the service over the Vodacom Network (commonly referred to as bearer charges). The remainder of the revenue generated is referred to as the content revenue. Vodacom does not seek to participate in sharing the content revenue generated by the WASP.
Do I have a copyright on my services?
Each party will retain ownership of their own intellectual property. Vodacom does not seek to obtain ownership of the WASPs' intellectual property.
What will it cost me to become a WASP?
A WASP will incur the following charges:
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Initial set up costs to connect to the Vodacom Network, i.e. once-off connection fee.
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A fixed monthly fee to maintain the connection, i.e. monthly access fee.
The cost for a 64K direct Telkom link is the responsibility of the WASP.
Vodacom does, however, provide incentives for WASPs that generate large traffic volumes.
How much can I charge for my services?
The revenue model for WASP services is relatively simple:
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Vodacom charges the subscriber for using the service.
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Vodacom retains bearer charges.
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Vodacom retains an administrative fee, which is paid to the Service Providers, from the content charge (24.5% for pre paid and 15% for post paid).
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The WASP gets paid the content charges minus the administrative fee.
The WASP sets content tariffs while Vodacom sets network (i.e. bearer) tariffs. If Vodacom is to bill and collect the content charges on behalf of the WASP, then the content charges must be specified within specific pre-defined tariff bands.
Will Vodacom market my service for me?
The WASP will be responsible for developing and marketing services although Vodacom may also promote WASP services.
How long will it take me to launch my service?
The objective of the model is to enable WASPs to launch services as quickly as possible. The time to launch will be dependant upon the completeness of information supplied by the WASP and the complexity of the service offered.
Where can I get the technical specifications that services must comply with?
If you require the technical specifications, without the signing of the formal contractual agreement/s with Vodacom, you will then be required to sign a Unilateral Non-Disclosure Agreement and only thereafter will Vodacom disclose this information.
How do I connect my service to the Vodacom Network?
Once you have signed your official contractual agreement/s, connecting to the Vodacom network is the next step to gain access to Vodacom’s bearer services. There are currently three ways in which you can connect to Vodacom’s network:
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Direct link
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The Internet
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Value Added Network’s connection
All the information you need in getting connected to Vodacom’s network is set out in Connecting to the Vodacom Network.
Do I need to provide for customer care and support?
As a registered WASP offering services, it is your responsibility to fully manage and support your services. You must therefore have your own WASP Customer Care number to be able to handle various queries/complaints from your clients. Vodacom can assist to route WASP customer queries to your call centre.
Who do I contact if I am interested in becoming a WASP?
If you are interested in either becoming a WASP or in getting more information, please contact us.
