Globalive, the Canadian telecoms firm that has grown like a rocket in the last few years, is a new entrant into the Canadian wireless telecoms industry that is currently dominated by dinosaur corporates with internationally uncompetitive services and policies that invoke rage with many consumers. As a insight into consumer attitude then Virgin Mobile, a recently launched virtual mobile operator, uses the rather odd phrase 'no rip-offs' as core to its marketing.
Having recently won, at cost of $442 million through government auction, a major slice of wireless spectrum then Globalive has announced a very clever, public brainstorming website - wirelesssoapbox.com. Though the website, Canadian citizens are encouraged to present ideas, voice opinions and provide feedback on their telecoms experience.
What a simply beautiful idea ...
Conventional thinking on strategic brainstorming commences with deliberately unstructured thoughts. So the website does not impose a likely arbitrary structure for contributions, though this will clearly be essential at a later stage. Great ideas welcomed.
Strategic intent demands a clear message. Globalive has thereby publicly positioned itself against the current, unfavourable practices of incumbents. It also indicates a clear openness to best practice ideas. Clever marketing to consumers, employees and suppliers alike.
In terms of telecommunications innovation, Globalive is likely on safe ground. Best-practice and potential pitfalls can both be relatively easily learned from telecoms operators in other geographies, which likely have services materially more advanced than incumbent Canadian telecoms firms. And there are inevitably market research firms able to dissect telecoms consumers into neat segments. But these exercises are private, while wirelesssoapbox.com is public.
Services commence in second half 2009. Consumers will likely be delighted at the prospect of credible competition. Disruptive business practices beckon. Let the brainstorming begin.
Simply beautiful indeed!
Posted by: Rob Abdul | June 26, 2009 at 07:32 PM