Telco to Techco: Transforming SLTMobitel with BaseKit
SLTMobitel is Sri Lanka’s most established digital services provider. In recent years it has aligned its strategy with the Sri Lankan government’s vision to create a “Digital Sri Lanka”, to help build a digital society and enhance inclusive socio-economic progress. Its mission is to become the national digital partner to Sri Lanka.
The Goal
Accelerating Sri Lanka’s MSME digital footprint
This strategic direction saw SLTMobitel go on a transformational journey that involved a huge shift from solely providing connectivity to becoming a comprehensive digital services enabler, transforming from telco to techco.
As part of their transformational strategy, one of SLTMobitel’s key objectives was to accelerate their Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (MSMEs’) digital footprint. They wanted to empower these entrepreneurs to focus on essential digital services that would drive their success to the forefront.
“The business landscape is witnessing a widespread adoption of digital transformation, particularly among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka. These businesses are proactively exploring avenues to incorporate this transformative shift, aiming to capitalise on new revenue streams.
Essential to this journey is the utilisation of tools like “do it yourself” (DIY), which holds a crucial role in not only facilitating their online digital presence but also empowering these enterprises to undergo a smooth and effective digital transformation.”
Madhuka Bandara, SLTMobitel
The Solution
A reputable product with speed to market
Earlier in 2024 SLTMobitel approached BaseKit to learn more about our white label website builder, e-commerce and bookings platform. They wanted a reputable product that was ready to go to market, that they could brand as their own.
For SLTMobitel, when considering the most valuable partnership to facilitate the digital transformation of their small business customers, they needed:
- Proven track record: BaseKit’s successful partnerships with top global telecom companies assured SLTMobitel of their capability to drive small business digital transformation in Sri Lanka.
- Strategic alignment: BaseKit’s simple platform and tech democracy mission for small businesses aligned well with Sri Lanka’s goal for MSMEs, to help them establish an online presence quickly, and unlock new revenue streams.
- Open Digital Architecture (ODA) standards: BaseKit’s alignment with ODA standards demonstrated our commitment to open ecosystems and global tech democracy, which resonated with SLT’s strategic vision.
- Speed to market: BaseKit’s white label platform offered seamless integration with rapid deployment of a product that was market-ready and easy to scale under the SLTMobitel brand.
- Partnership support: BaseKit offered dedicated account management with valuable product insights to drive success and enhance customer retention.
The Results
“One of the biggest success stories in SLTMobitel’s digital transformation is their strategic partnership with pioneers such as BaseKit. The partnership has been highly successful due to its ease of integration, flexibility, and user-friendly platform, as well as the excellent account management.
BaseKit’s seamless integration with existing services, such as SLTMobitel’s HostingCub, has enabled a smooth rollout, while their efficient account management has facilitated clear and effective communication.”
Madhuka Bandara, SLTMobitel
A launch in just five weeks
In just five weeks, using agile product development practices, SLTMobitel launched CubKit, designed to help Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) transform their businesses digitally, as part of SLTMobitel’a existing Hosting Cub service.
CubKit features a suite of BaseKit’s white-label digital solutions, packaged together and independently. This includes a website builder, e-commerce and online bookings functionality all accompanied by a mini CRM.
The rapid implementation allowed SLTMobitel to quickly deliver:
- Enhanced digital services: SLTMobitel expanded its portfolio beyond traditional telecom services, now offering an array of valuable digital tools to meet the needs of its micro and SME customers.
- Improved customer engagement: The mobile-first, easy-to-use website builder and suite of digital tools has helped SLTMobitel empower Sri Lankan MSMEs with affordable website building tools, accelerating digital transformation and e-commerce adoption.
- New revenue streams: By offering new digital tools, SLTMobitel created additional revenue opportunities that extend far beyond the realm of traditional connectivity.
SLTMobitel’s journey from telco to techco, empowered by their partnership with BaseKit, demonstrates the company’s dedication to embracing digital transformation and prioritising customer-focused innovation.
By being able to quickly offer tools like CubKit, they have become a key player in enhancing inclusive socio-economic progress in their quest to become the national digital partner to Sri Lanka.
“BaseKit has empowered our MSMEs and entrepreneurs by offering simple, easy-to-use website-building tools that allow them to create an online presence without needing advanced technical skills. By focusing on essential digital services, BaseKit enables SLTMobitel customers to design, launch, and manage their websites and online stores quickly, helping them to attract customers and grow their businesses online.
This approach allows entrepreneurs to focus on their core business operations while leveraging digital platforms to drive success, offering affordability, convenience, and accessibility in web development.”
Madhuka Bandara, SLTMobitel