Bharti Softbank makes its debut in instant messaging segment with Hike

Bharti Softbank (BSB) has entered the global instant messaging segment with the introduction of Hike.

BSB?s messaging service allows users to communicate over SMS as well as data networks. Owing to the lack of smartphones and data penetration in the Indian market, the existing instant messaging applications do not allow consumers to contact other users because of the closed nature of network. However, Hike allows a user to message contacts regardless of whether the application is installed on the smartphone or not. Hike users can send free messages globally to each other.  Customers can also communicate to other users who do not have the application installed via SMS.

BSB  is offering Hike users 100 free SMS per month, to message contacts who are not on Hike. The receiver of the message can reply to SMS at standard rates. Further, a Hike user will get 50 free SMS per month for inviting each new user to the service.

In order to monetise Hike, BSB is also exploring the option of launching the messaging platform on telecom operators? network. It is in talks with operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular.