New Yatango SIM-only telco powered by social media

A new telco called Yatango has launched in Australia that is the first in the world to use Facebook as a platform to improve pricing and provide personalised plans.

Operating through the Optus network, Yatango is a SIM only BYO mobile service that allows customers to transfer their existing number or choose a brand new one.

But one major difference here is the ability to build your own plan.

You can set a budget, choose pre-paid or pay as you go on a post-paid plan. And there are no other hidden charges or lock-in contracts.

Another benefit for Yatango is the ability to earn credits and lower your bill.

Users can earn Yatango credit (7 cents per minute) by connecting with friends and family on Yatango platform.

And there’s $5 credit for every friend family member you bring to Yatango through Facebook, Gmail or regular email.

Users have complete control over the amount they spend with the ability to allocate the different levels of calls, texts and data that suits your needs using a sliding scale controller.

And it’s easy to adjust your plan month to month if you don’t get it right the first time.

Customers also have access to a dashboard that shows their usage history, account settings and also lets them manage their connections.

You need to pay a $10 up front SIM card charge and a $50 refundable security deposit to get started.

Calls are made at a price of 15 cents a minute with no flagfall – 8 cents a minute when connecting to fellow Yatango users while data is charged at 5 cents per megabyte.

All types of SIM sizes are available including regular, micro and nano coming soon for the iPhone 5.

“The telecommunications industry has a worse reputation than banking, where greed rules and complexity reins,” Andy Taylor, Founder and CEO of Yatango said.

“Yatango Mobile isn’t like the other big telcos. We harness the power of social media to offer a personalised service and pricing system that’s dictated and driven by the community. In that respect, we view ourselves more as a technology company than a telco”.

“Australians waste thousands of dollars every year, paying for mobile credit and minutes that ultimately go to waste.

“Our customers and their community have the power to shape Yatango pricing and tailor their mobile plan to suit them. Not only do they have the freedom to spend only what they want, but as the Yatango customer base grows, the cost saving is passed on to the whole community.”

www.yatangomobile.com.au

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