You may or may not have heard of Buzzme, a prepaid mobile service that was launched back in 2013. The MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that’s an in-house brand of the regional MVNA (Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator) pioneer—Enabling Asia Tech Sdn Bhd (“EA”)—has a fresh new look, brand positioning and revamped website to serve its customers better.
Just to recap, EA signed an exclusive commercial agreement with U Mobile in May 2013, to provide network connectivity for its MVNA business. Leading French-based MVNE (Mobile Virtual Network Enabler—Sisteer provides platform support for EA. The MVNA business model offers a lower barrier of entry for MVNOs—a proven model that’s common in countries like United Kingdom and Europe.
Buzzme is one of five MVNOs in EA’s portfolio—covering Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar. These ASEAN countries with a population of 500 million, are estimated to have 130 million internet users.
All-new Buzz
In addition to its refreshed branding, the telco also revealed new products, marketing and distribution strategy, and a spanking new website at www.buzzme.com.my.
At the media launch, Loke Yee Siong, Buzzme’s chief executive officer said, “As we prepare to transform ourselves into a regional MVNO, the new logo provides Buzzme a coherent brand identity, and at the same time reflects the diverse yet inclusive natrure of the brand by harmonizing and respecting different perspectives, lifestyles and cultures of the region.
In the increasingly competitive telco space, Buzzme understands the need to innovate, offer value and unique products and services. The MVNO sees an opportunity to be a viable alternative to the big telcos, offering affordable prepaid services, rewards and subscription plans.
Insisting it does not compete head on with the big boys, Buzzme sets its sights on a niche audience—Gen X, Gen Y and Milennials. It targets the lifestyle-savvy, always connected youth.
Users of the prepaid only service can expect attractive rewards and goodies. Under the new BuzzStyle campaign, a minimum reload of MYR100 will give you a chance to win prizes from one of nine Buzzme Elite Partners including Breakout Malaysia, Centro Hair Salon, Sandisk and ZTE, just to name a few.
Additionally, it runs a weekly Share & Win contest on Facebook.
Rewards, rewards, rewards
Buzzme is the first in Malaysia to provide 20% credit back whenever a customer uses data, voice and SMS at pay-per-use rate. The credit is given in the form of reward points which can be used to redeem airtime credit or discounts from the official m8 online store – www.m8.com.my
Also, its Reward Indulgence program rewards its subscribers whenever they reload. Get free 500MB data, double credit during their birthday month and even free PA insurance coverage, with a minimum reload of MYR30. If you reload online, get 30% extra credit.
If you reload MYR100 or more, you’ll stand a chance to win aforementioned BuzzStyle prizes, too.
The regional play
As part of its regional expansion, EA will be introducing 1 World, 1 Simcard—a unique regional product that will help customers stay connected without exorbitant roaming charges and swapping to a local SIM card. With the product, travelers will be able to buy and use prepaid add-ons at the country of visit and pay local rates. Subscribers are automatically assigned a local number.
With its expansion, Buzzme aspires to build its brand equity and become a role model as a regional player.
The 4G future
Since its inception, Buzzme has been providing affordable 3G mobile internet for its subscriptions. By Q4 2016 however, things will move into 4G LTE territory. The telco is expected to roll out a hybrid prepaid service that it says is “on par with other major telecommunication providers.” It is said to be introducing a business segment catered to SMEs with services including push-to-talk, taxi mobile applications and other features.
Getting started
To get yourself started on the Buzzme journey, all you need to do is buy the Buzzme Prepaid Starterpack that costs MYR10 or MYR30. Once you’ve activated, you’ve the flexibility to choose between the Buzzme Smarter Bundle or the Buzzme Smart Surf.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Smarter Bundle offers:
- Smarter Bundle 25:5GB (extra 500MB*) + 30 voice minutes + 30 SMS – MYR25
- Smarter Bundle 50: 4GB (extra 1.5GB) + 60 voice minutes + 30 SMS – RM50
Both come with unlimited validity (as long as account is active).
*Under its 3rd anniversary flash sales promo, customers who subscribe to a Smarter Bundle before 30 September 2016 will enjoy up to 1.5GB of extra data.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Smart Surf offers:
- 200MB – MYR5
- 1GB – MYR25
- 3GB – MYR60
- 5GB – MYR95
- 8GB – MYR135
Subscribers to the 1GB plan will earn 5 reward points, while Smart Surf 3GB will be granted 15 reward points. Reward points can be exchanged for credit, where 1 point is equivalent to MYR1. Thus, 1GB and 3GB data will cost only MYR20 and MYR45 respectively.
365 days validity
Not everyone may want to fork out MYR30 every month to maintain an active prepaid number. This is where Buzzme rocks. Smart Validity allows you to enjoy 365 days of validity, by paying a one-time fee of MYR38. Only reload when your credit is running low.
Reloads can be done at over 1,800 7-Eleven stores across the country, and 22,000 E-pay touch points.
For information on Buzzme, visit www.buzzme.com.my.
