Telecom & Utility

Incentivated has been collecting customer-generated utility meter readings on behalf of utility companies for over a year. When an operative is not able to read a meter, the need to generate an accurate estimated bill in some other way is twofold; regulatory and customer comfort.

Incentivated's meter-reading product handles a number of scenarios including; the operative leaves a card with details of how to submit a reading by Text Message or for the customer service team to send a Text Message asking for a reply, which would contain a meter-read. Dual fuel and multiple meter customers are handled alongside single fuel households.

These two uses have been shown to increase collection of meter reads by an average of 7%. A further 2% switched from another response mechanism and as a result the cost of acquisition of these reads fell by two thirds, to less than 50p.

Even better results have been obtained in the generation of readings for customers who are moving. In this case 52% of opted-in customers have been shown to reply to a Text Message asking for their opening or closing meter reading.

A number of mobile phone retailers use Text Messaging to handle complicated procedures such as reminders for the return of equipment with minor faults.

With the addition of Location Based Services, the customer can be advised of their nearest appropriate outlet for drop-off of the faulty handset.

When a customer attempts to move from one mobile network to another a 'porting' code is used to administer the change. These codes can be 'mail-merged' into individual Text Messages, along with an expiry date and sent to thousands of customers at the same time.

Incentivated's software and mobile network connections have, for over a year, been powering the 'top up to talk' products of two of the UK's leading Calling Card companies.

By utilising the mobile billing system (Premium SMS) these low cost telecom resellers have been retaining customers by allowing them to top-up without going back to a shop.

Mobile networks can be known to underpay retailers their commission due for new connections. This occurs because handsets might not be used immediately after leaving the shop. Using Incentivated's SIM Activation application, retailers can check each number and claim unpaid commission.

Even if the number remains unused while the handset sits under the Christmas tree, the return on investment from this product has resulted in retailers checking numbers again and again until they get paid. Compared with tasking a call centre to dial each number individually, Incentivated's solution is the sensible choice.

Both the telecom and utility sectors can utilise the power of Mobile Marketing as part of their sales & marketing activities. Apart from direct marketing, Incentivated's solutions include;

- eBrochure Request: enables customers to order, by Text Message, your electronic brochure for subsequent delivery by Email. This rich-media brochure is linked to your website and is fully customisable.

- Ticket Request: enables consumers to order tickets or other printed material, which will be posted to them, by sending a Text Message containing their house number and postcode. Our application 'iris' uses the Post Office database to convert the Text Message to a full address for fulfilment by your mailing house.