No Phone Numbers? X Marks the Spot for Telco Disruption
Rex Aholi (MPRSK)
Online Communications and Employee Engagement Lead @ Telkom Kenya | Strategic Online and Internal Communications Expert
In the ever-evolving world of technology, innovation has become the name of the game. And when it comes to disrupting the status quo, few go all out gangsta as X , formerly known as Twitter, and its enigmatic CEO, Elon Musk. The recent announcement that X will be introducing video and audio calls without the need for a phone number is nothing short of revolutionary. While it's exciting news for users, it raises intriguing questions about the future of local telecommunications providers.
For years, our phone numbers have been the bridge to our digital lives. They've powered our messaging apps, authenticated our social media profiles, and acted as our virtual addresses.
The relationship between telcos and Over-The-Top (OTP) players like Whatsapp Group Link and Telegram has never been without its challenges. Telcos have consistently grappled with the use of their infrastructure by these digital disruptors. The debate over fair compensation has been an ongoing point of contention.
But with X's latest move, we stand on the brink of a new era. An era where phone numbers are no longer the gatekeepers to our online existence. An era where X, with its innovative vision, could rewrite the rules of the game.