Wavenet-etisalat introduce ‘Data Backpack’
Wavenet International, the region’s leading value-added services platform (VAS) companies based in Sri Lanka, partnered with Etisalat Lanka to launch ‘Data Backpack’ - an innovative service for in bound tourists to access online apps and data services, at local rates on their smartphones. Additionally, users of this service can stay connected on their home SIM so that they in no way miss a call or a message.
Tourists can register for this service by dialing #474# or calling 474 from their Roaming mobile, to instantly activate the service. In bound tourists can also walk into the Etisalat store located at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Etisalat flagship stores located across the country. Credit can be added to the account by purchasing an Etisalat reload from Rs.50 onwards.
Wavenet Chief Executive Officer Suren Pinto said, “This solution is solely targeted for tourists visiting Sri Lanka and comes in a backdrop where the country is targeting 1.2 million tourist arrivals for 2013 after welcoming a million tourists in 2012. To reach these desired targets, it is important for Sri Lanka to add more value to the tourism sector of the country.
Commenting on the joint initiative, Etisalat Sri Lanka Director/CEO Dumindra Ratnayaka said, “This is a further extension of the longstand- ing partnership between Wavenet and Etisalat. Capitalising Wavenet’s expertise as a developer in the VAS backdrop, we are confident this service will be beneficial to many in bound tourists.”
Pinto further commented, “Smartphone apps are becoming an intrinsic part of our lives and are given priority over laptops, tablets while travelling. During travel due to lack of available data services, use of apps and browsing are subjected to expensive data roaming plans. Due to this reason, ‘data backpack’ was developed to provide affordable and convenient access to the Internet, especially while travelling to navigate through a maze of streets with Google Maps, locating a nearby restaurant with Trip Advisor, or checking the latest exchange rates with the XE app.