VOIP and data specialist Skycall has developed a tracking device for its EeziBox solution, a solution that offers users calls - via its mobile VOIP and interconnect solution - from 50 cents a minute.
The EeziBox solution is being rolled out to 4 500 vendors within the next two years, consequently turning Skycall into a R500 million-a-year company.
Eezicall will create call communities, thereby enabling the public to phone at 50c a minute from anywhere in SA - and, ultimately, anywhere in the world where an Eezibox is in use. It also offers huge savings to any international call destination and SADC countries.
The new mobile Eezibox solution - which comes with Internet connectivity - is part of Skycall's social responsibility and entrepreneurial development programme.
Tracking device
Each EeziBox unit will be fitted with a tracking device, said Martin Botha, head of operations at Skycall.
“The tracking devices will ensure the safety of the vendor - because his unit can be tracked at all times, even if stolen. It will also give Skycall a 'good idea' where there is best market penetration, or lack thereof.
“If a unit is stolen, the tracking device will allow the company to track the EeziBox unit. Additionally, Skycall can switch off the box remotely and can detect each unit within a radius of three metres.”
There are other benefits - such as being able to monitor the box's temperature remotely.
There are currently more than 20 000 mobile GSM containers deployed by Vodacom, MTN and Cell C.
However, that is nowhere near enough to cater for the 'disconnected' South African population - or to provide them with GSM phone lines.
“That's where EeziBox comes in,” said Botha.
The units
Besides cutting call costs dramatically, the units have their own in-built rechargeable power source, allowing them to be used without electricity. They can even be charged from a car battery - making rural deployment easier.
The company follows a 'deployment anywhere' approach - as long as there is a reliable 3G connection. The units run off the company's existing network and work off a prepaid basis, meaning there is no risk to the entrepreneur.
Modular in design, the entire unit can fit into a backpack, and can operate virtually anywhere. The system is fully maintained and will be supported by competent technical staff via appointed distributors.
The units are robust and simple - and the distributors will be able to train unskilled people with ease. This means an entrepreneur can be earning an income within 48 hours of signing on at Eezicall - and is in place to earn an easy R5 000 - R6 000 net income per month, working 22 days a month without working overtime.
With the plan of signing up 4 500 vendors within two years - just in South Africa - Skycall estimates its turnover will breach the R500 million mark.
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