KaiOS, a mobile operating system for smart featurephones with a focus on the developing world, says it has formed a partnership with cybersecurity technology firm Trustonic.
In forming this new pan-African partnership with Trustonic, KaiOS will now come with locking capability as standard. This enables mobile operators and retailers to increase their customer base without the risk of smartphone delinquency or bad debt.
Trustonic’s Telecoms Platform uses the science of ‘nudge’, to encourage customers to adopt better payment habits by reminding them to pay outstanding bills on time. Should a customer not be able to pay what is owed, the platform can lock their device remotely until payment has been received.
As a result, the partners say, millions of consumers across emerging markets like Africa will be able to access and afford 3G/4G-enabled devices, increasing smartphone penetration while reducing the digital divide.
Trustonic embeds cybersecurity technology into smart devices and connected vehicles to secure revenue and power innovation while ensuring reliability. Its Telecoms Platform helps mobile operators, retailers and financiers grow revenues without incurring additional commercial risks.
KaiOS is utilised in over 175 million devices worldwide and has gained significant traction in emerging market countries over the last five years, where affordability prevents millions of people from accessing smart featurephones.
