Operators losing faith in Joyn

Three out of ten mobileoperators believe GSMA offering Joyn will not successfully compete with messaging service providers such as WhatsApp and Skype, according to research published today.

The research, from UK firm Mobile Squared, suggests that the GSMA-backed RCS standard Joyn is struggling to drive significant operator support. The service is limited by its complexity and slow speed to market, according to research firm Mobile Squared, which carried out the research on behalf of SMS solutions provider Tyntec.

The survey of more than 40 MNOs  and MVNOs worldwide revealed that only seven per cent of mobile operators now believe Joyn is the solution to combat the threat of OTT voice and messaging services such as Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp.

A further 29 per cent  of operators believe that Joyn had the potential to be the solution, but has taken too long to launch. Joyn has taken seven years to get from concept to commercial launch compared to six months for WhatsApp, according to Tyntec.

Of the operators surveyed, 29 per cent believe Joyn is not the solution to usurp OTT rivals. In addition 36 per cent are uncertain of the impact the GSMA-based standard will have on their ability to tackle OTT players.

“Operators have to act now if they want to off-set their declining voice and SMS revenues,” said Jose Garcia, vice president of sales and carrier relations for Tyntec.

“Because Joyn is looking less favourable, many mobile operators are now looking into alternative OTT strategies and have moved away from blocking or imposing surcharges or lowering the quality of the service. Instead of creating their own OTT solution, they are now looking into new opportunities by expanding their A2P SMS offering or partnering with OTT providers. Both options allow them to participate in the success of OTT services and open up new revenue streams.”

The GSMA was unable to comment on the research.