Vibo hopes `Genie' can work magic

Genie software * Developed by EAM, a firm based in Singapore. * A touch-screen device allows users to get answers to frequently asked questions. * Singapore Telecommunications is among the Asian telecom operators that are already using the system. * Vibo hopes the system will boost consumer interest in 3G phones.

Vibo Telecom Inc (威寶電信) plans to form a joint venture with software company EAM International Pte Ltd to boost the number of its 3G subscribers by offering easier access to its services, a company executive said yesterday.

The deal would be the latest effort by local telecom operators to boost stagnant growth by investing in related areas or mergers and acquisitions following Taiwan Mobile Co's (台灣大哥大) plan to buy Taiwan Fixed Network Co (台灣固網), which was announced last week.

Vibo, the nation's only dedicated third-generation (3G) mobile carrier, and Singaporean EAM plan to invest NT$100 million (US$3.04 million) in a new Taiwan-based firm using "Genie" software.

Genie as a virtual salesperson to provide comprehensive information about services and mobile phones on a device installed at sales outlets.

Vibo looking for ways to stimulate new subscriptions for its 3G service -- as are other telecom operators, including industry leader Chunghwa Telecom Co (中華電信), after failing to hit their targets last year.

"We hope the Genie platform will help consumers better understand our 3G service and start to use 3G phones," Vibo vice chairman James Tsao (曹萬鈞) said.

Vibo to equip 1,000 of its outlets and franchised stores with a touch-screen device and Genie system before the end of the year, Tsao said.

Several Asian telecom operators, including Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel), have adopted the Genie system -- developed by the two-year-old EAM -- to market their services in the past year.

With several clicks on the touch screen, consumers can learn about Vibo's preferential packages and services as well as information about the latest cellular phones, while avoiding the embarrassment of asking the same kinds of questions repeatedly to salespeople.

The company has set a target of 1 million subscribers this year from the current 400,000.

Vibo to reach its adjusted goal of 750,000 users last year, along with affiliate Aurora Telecom Corp (震旦電信).

Vibo, which began commercial operations in 2005, posted losses of NT$2.58 billion, or a loss per share of NT$1.72, for the first half of last year. Revenues amounted to NT$1.63 billion.