Muhammed I Fareed is Head Of Carrier & Business Development, MessageCloud, a multi-award-winning mobile messaging provider. Its cloud-based SMS and messaging products enable companies to set up and manage one-way and two-way communications effortlessly. It also offers products to analyse phone numbers, verify users and accept payments by mobile.
With more than 15 years’ experience as an aggregator and connections with more than 40 carriers globally, messageCloud works with some of the industry’s largest VAS providers and brands. Specialising in SMS, Bulk SMS, Direct Carrier Billing, PSMS, HLR Look Up, OTP and Authentication of Customer Logins and Processes by SMS Transactions.
Having a strong VAS background, expertise in the telecommunication industry and with a proven track record in Business Development, Muhammed works closely with new and existing VAS and Enterprise clients in offering them the best solutions for mobile payments.
He also heads the expansion of MessageCloud’s Direct Cross Network Carrier Connections with a focus on Europe. Ensuring that MessageCloud continues to offer the best possible connectivity.
Who are you and what is your current role?
I am Muhammed I Fareed and I am Head Of Carrier & Business Development at MessageCloud.
Which countries or regions do you feel represent the greatest opportunity for Telemedia services?
Europe, including – but not limited to – UK, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden
Which content and/or applications do you see being the most likely to benefit from telemedia billing and/or marketing technologies?
Chat services and interactive content, Alerts services and High end content.
Do you think that Direct Carrier Billing can become mainstream and in which markets?
Yes, it is very possible and PSMS still remains a viable mode. Bulk SMS as well for Marketing is in my opinion not utilised enough.
What are the key drivers and inhibitors for growth?
Main drivers are the types of content and services on offer. Competition in the markets with more and more service providers looking at new regions which has a knock on effect on the approval process and time to market are main inhibitors for growth.
Do you see affiliate marketing being a primary, trusted channel for telemedia propositions or do you think alternative routes to market will become more popular?
All modes have played and will continue to play important roles within the industry. Affiliate marketing has been and will still be a primary channel, but more and more security and ant-fraud solutions may come to the fore to offer greater security and control
What are they likely to be?
Direct Media buying, native advertising continue to become more common and in some Markets a pre-requisite / preferred mode.
How likely is it that crypto currencies will become popular telemedia/mobile payment mechanisms for premium content, services and applications?
It is very possible but will depend on the compliance aspects behind this and the relevant regulatory requirements.
Your words of wisdom: On a more personal level, what is the most inspiring piece of advice that has seen you through a life in business to this day and who gave that advice to you?
A quote I heard from Colin Powell:“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and a willingness to learn.”
