In a significant move poised to transform the digital landscape of the Middle East, Beyond ONE, a leading global digital services provider, has announced a strategic partnership with TIMWETECH, a renowned global technology provider. This collaboration aims to deliver premium digital content to mobile users across Saudi Arabia and Oman, effectively bridging the gap between consumers and high-quality digital services.
Addressing Financial Barriers to Digital Content
One of the primary challenges in the region has been the low penetration of credit cards, with rates remaining below 30% in certain areas. This financial barrier has historically limited access to premium digital services for a substantial portion of the population. Recognizing this issue, Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH have introduced a solution that enables approximately 3.5 million subscribers to access and pay for digital content directly through their mobile accounts.
Hani ELKukhun, CEO of Beyond ONE for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the transformative nature of this partnership, stating, “In fast-growing economies, mobile accounts often serve as people’s primary financial tool. By connecting these accounts directly to digital content, we’re removing long-standing barriers and democratizing access to services that can educate, entertain, and improve quality of life.”
Seamless Integration Through Direct Carrier Billing
A cornerstone of this partnership is the implementation of Direct Carrier Billing (DCB). This feature allows Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi customers to subscribe to premium streaming, gaming, and infotainment services using their existing mobile balances, eliminating the need for traditional banking relationships. The process is designed to be user-friendly, requiring just two clicks to complete a subscription.
For the predominantly prepaid customer base of Beyond ONE, this integration simplifies the payment process, offering transparency and control over their digital spending. Diogo Salvi, CEO of TIMWETECH, highlighted the seamless and secure experience this technology brings, ensuring a consistent customer journey while expanding content options.
Enhanced Consumer Protection Measures
To safeguard users, the partnership incorporates robust consumer protection protocols. These include mandatory double opt-in confirmations, clear subscription terms, and AI-powered real-time fraud detection. Such measures are anticipated to significantly reduce unauthorized charges compared to traditional third-party billing systems, reinforcing trust and security for consumers.
Key Benefits of the Partnership
The collaboration between Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH is set to deliver several notable advantages:
- Expanded Content Ecosystem:
Starting in the third quarter of 2025, customers will gain access to a wide array of premium entertainment options, including regional and global streaming services, educational platforms, and gaming subscriptions, all accessible through their trusted mobile providers. - Financial Inclusion:
By enabling prepaid users to subscribe to premium digital services without the need for credit cards or bank accounts, the partnership promotes digital inclusion among underserved populations. - Enhanced Consumer Protection:
The integration of clear subscription terms, automatic spending alerts, and simplified management tools empowers customers with complete control over their digital expenditures. - Accelerated Service Deployment:
The partnership facilitates faster rollout of new digital services, with automated onboarding for new entertainment providers ensuring customers have timely access to the latest content options.
Implementation Timeline
The rollout of these services is set to commence immediately, with a phased approach leading up to a full launch in the third quarter of 2025. This strategic integration not only enhances Beyond ONE’s value proposition by connecting telecommunications directly with premium content delivery but also establishes new revenue opportunities in the Middle East’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Customers can anticipate a seamless experience consistent with the trusted Virgin Mobile and FRiENDi brands.
Beyond ONE’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
Beyond ONE has been proactive in forging partnerships to enrich digital content offerings in the region. In May 2024, the company collaborated with Intigral, the media arm of stc Group, to introduce stc tv services to Virgin Mobile KSA customers. This initiative aimed to provide subscribers with a diverse range of popular content through an innovative platform featuring a user-friendly interface and enhanced viewing experiences.
Additionally, Beyond ONE partnered with NTT DATA Business Solutions to implement RISE with SAP® and SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. This collaboration aimed to enhance operational efficiency and leverage the latest innovations in the digital services and telecommunications industry, reflecting Beyond ONE’s commitment to creating hyper-customized digital experiences that positively impact users’ lives.
Regional Efforts to Develop the Digital Economy
The partnership between Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH aligns with broader regional initiatives to bolster the digital economy. In November 2021, Saudi Arabia and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in information technology and postal sectors. This agreement aimed to enhance bilateral communication, exchange information in the field of IT and communication, and foster cooperation in areas such as digital transformation of government and development of communications infrastructure.
The memorandum also launched the Saudi-Omani Digital Skills Initiative, targeting the development of digital skills to meet labor market needs in the communications and information technology sector. The initiative aimed to train thousands of young professionals across both countries, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly digitalizing economy.
Moreover, the Vision 2030 initiative by Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in accelerating digital transformation. This vision emphasizes the importance of a thriving digital economy supported by robust infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and a digitally skilled workforce. The partnership between Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH is seen as a key step in realizing this vision by enhancing access to premium digital content and expanding the scope of mobile financial services.
The Road Ahead
As Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH advance their collaborative efforts, the focus will remain on expanding the availability and diversity of digital content while ensuring secure and user-friendly access for all. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven personalization and predictive analytics is expected to further enrich the user experience, making it easier for subscribers to discover and enjoy content tailored to their preferences.
In addition, the partnership is likely to set a precedent for similar collaborations in other emerging markets across the Middle East and Africa, where financial barriers continue to limit access to digital services. By demonstrating the effectiveness of Direct Carrier Billing combined with strong consumer protection measures, Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH are paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible digital ecosystem.
As the digital landscape of Saudi Arabia and Oman continues to evolve, the role of strategic partnerships in shaping the future of content delivery cannot be overstated. The combined expertise of Beyond ONE and TIMWETECH holds the potential to redefine how millions of users across the region access, interact with, and benefit from digital services in the years to come.
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