DUBAI, UAE – Tata Communications, a leading digital infrastructure provider has been selected by global OTT solutions provider BlaBla Connect to underpin a first-of-its-kind OTT service that integrates its existing mobile wallet and voice services together with borderless connectivity. As a result, BlaBla Connect subscribers will enjoy peace of mind while on the move through seamless access to over 64 million secure hotspots in over 160 countries – integrated through one mobile application.

With Tata Communications Wi-Fi+, BlaBla Connect is able to address the security risks and hidden costs sometimes associated with accessing unsecure public Wi-Fi networks. Through this added feature, app subscribers can automatically connect to pre-determined secure hotspots with a single sign-in experience and no hidden charges – no matter where the subscriber is in the world.  According to Ericsson Consumer Lab, roamers are not purchasing travel packages as often. Instead, they are turning off their phones while away resulting in missed calls and messages, a struggle to find open Wi-Fi hotspots and overall frustration at the lack of connectivity. This is why 7 out of 10 travelers with smartphones find Wi-Fi calling appealing. Thus, adding Tata Communications Wi-Fi+ to the BlaBla Connect app keeps travelers connected.

BlaBla Connect will be the first OTT voice and mobile wallet provider to offer bundled voice and data services globally.” said Ragheb ElSergani, Chairman, BlaBla Connect. “This latest development supports our global growth ambitions by helping us ensure that our customers can enjoy a seamless, secure and reliable experience, thanks to our partnership with Tata Communications and its established global network presence.”

Available on Android, iOS and Windows PC, the BlaBla Connect app currently enables subscribers to make HD voice calls, chat with contacts, send SMS text messages and send international GSM top-up credits to their own mobile and also the mobile phones of friends and family. Recently, BlaBla acquired a financial license in Europe to provide money services over its digital wallet (PassTo), which will allow BlaBla Connect users (OTT) globally to seamlessly integrate with payment services. This is a step further in enabling BlaBala Connect to realize its full integration vision between OTT application and mobile digital wallet.

Helping companies pursue borderless growth is one of the key highlights of Tata Communications in the age of IoT and information exchange,” said Radwan Moussalli, Senior Vice President, Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. Negotiating the complexities of different operators and network providers across borders and regions can be challenging for many companies. We are reinventing mobile networking for the IoT age that gives companies like BlaBla Connect the opportunities for rapid growth and to introduce new innovative features seamlessly and quickly.”

This partnership is the latest example of how Tata Communications is helping to enable a truly global, borderless mobile experience for people and things. It is underpinned by Tata Communications’ global network which today connects 4 out of 5 mobile subscribers and carries 25% of the world’s Internet routes.

About Tata Communications

Tata Communications Limited (CIN no: L64200MH1986PLC039266) along with its subsidiaries (Tata Communications) is a leading global digital infrastructure provider. With a leadership position in emerging markets, Tata Communications leverages its advanced solutions capabilities and domain expertise across its global network to deliver managed solutions to multi-national enterprises and communications service providers.

The Tata Communications global network includes one of the most advanced and largest submarine cable networks and a Tier-1 IP network with connectivity to more than 240 countries and territories across 500 PoPs.

Tata Communications’ depth and breadth of reach in emerging markets includes leadership in Indian enterprise data services and leadership in global international voice communications. Tata Communications Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.

http://www.tatacommunications.com

Media contacts
Megha Shankaran
Tata Communications
+919930164934
megha.shankaran@tatacommunications.com

Hiba Abou Ghazale
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
+971 56 5248147
hiba.aboughazale@hkstrategies.com

About BlaBla Connect

BlaBla Connect, a company based in London, UK, is a provider of differentiated mobile wallet and communication services for businesses and consumers globally. BlaBla Connect is rapidly expanding its presence and services across the world, with a footprint in over 100 countries. The company is investing in bringing Social consumer connection and inclusion, to new levels of differentiated experience.

Our customers enjoy free in-app calls, messaging, files sharing, HD calls, mini calls, international airtime top-up and much more. We implement advanced audio and call routing algorithms to ensure the best audio experience is delivered to our customers.

https://www.blablaconnect.com

Media contact
Parthi Ragunathan
Chief Marketing Officer,BlaBla Connect
+447847620250
pragu@blablaconnect.com

Forward-looking and cautionary statements

Certain words and statements in this release concerning Tata Communications and its prospects, and other statements, including those relating to Tata Communications’ expected financial position, business strategy, the future development of Tata Communications’ operations, and the general economy in India, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including financial, regulatory and environmental, as well as those relating to industry growth and trend projections, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tata Communications, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among others, failure to increase the volume of traffic on Tata Communications’ network; failure to develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; failure to successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; failure to stabilize or reduce the rate of price compression on certain of the company’s communications services; failure to integrate strategic acquisitions and changes in government policies or regulations of India and, in particular, changes relating to the administration of Tata Communications’ industry; and, in general, the economic, business and credit conditions in India. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are not in Tata Communications’ control, include, but are not limited to, those risk factors discussed in Tata Communications Limited’s Annual Reports. The Annual Reports of Tata Communications Limited are available at www.tatacommunications.com. Tata Communications is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements.

© Press Release 2018

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