Apr 20, 2015 8 Questions with: MTX Connect
Data. Data. Data. The way we consume our information has drastically shifted towards mobile over the last several years. As a result the mobile providers have transitioned from a pay-per-minute model to a pay-per-MB model, charging us for every second of videos, images, music, or emails that we absorb on a daily basis. And if you’re like some folks I know who don’t even own a computer these days the costs can add up before you even know it, especially when traveling overseas.
Enter MTX Connect, a data-only mobile SIM card provider for travelers to Europe. Just like the other Founders who we have interviewed, co-founder and Managing Director, Michael Kornev, decided to one day take action and fix the exorbitant roaming costs himself as he was all too familiar with the difficulties of staying connected when traveling. In addition to being the former CTO of MTX Connect, Michael has also previously worked for an IT consultancy as a system architect where he serviced companies such as Cisco and Chevron Energy.
1) What is MTX Connect and how did you get involved?
As a frequent traveler, I was too familiar with the problem of staying connected while traveling and eventually I decided to do something about it.
MTX Connect is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) which provides mobile Internet in Europe for travelers and their connected devices. We are an enabler for three verticals: products for travelers, connectivity technology for IoT (Internet of Things) devices with heavy data usage, and white label mobile data solutions.
Our product for travelers is a pre-paid SIM card which provides a convenient, cost competitive way to avoid expensive roaming charges. Travelers get unlimited 3G data at a flat rate per day in more than 30 European countries. Our IoT technology provides connectivity for devices that need to be connected within Europe and can be integrated with different software and hardware solutions. Our white label platform allows us to build tailor-made mobile data solutions for MVNOs, IoT integrators and travel-related businesses.
2) Aside from the cost savings, what is the main benefit or difference between roaming with your existing carrier vs. using MTX Connect?
Aside from price, the main benefit MTX Connect offers is convenience. For people who travel frequently, they want to have constant connectivity and a lack of roaming charges. With MTX Connect’s 3-in-1 solution, travelers can easily use the SIM card in their tablets, smartphones and modems for notebooks, and they won’t get any surprise charges from their trip. We want to encourage travelers to use as much data as they do while staying within their home network because there should be no compromises while traveling abroad.
3) Where do you see the next wave of mobile communication and data usage heading?
The volume of data will dramatically increase during the next three to five years. We have observed a steady rise in the data usage trend in the last two years and we expect it to boom in the near future. There are a few reasons for this new wave of mobile communication: a) growth of the volume of data consumption devices per user – according to some researchers there will be as many as five devices per a single user by 2017; b) shift of communication and soft development to online field as OTT (over-the-top content) services will win the battle.
4) What’s next for MTX Connect?
We will extend our coverage area, adding more countries in Europe and expanding to Asia as we continue to provide a simple and user-friendly service to our customers – in keeping with our product vision. There will be a mobile app which will streamline the user experience, adding some features like information about your trip, destinations, etc. As an IoT MVNO we will help new market entrants to connect the unconnected, offering low cost options and ease of integration.
5) As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid I always wanted to build rockets.
6) Can you tell us a bit about your transition from CTO to Managing Director and what your biggest challenges were?
Actually the greatest challenge was to change my mentality while switching from a career in a big company to a small-team startup (the MTX Connect team has less than 20 employees). However even in a big company with all kinds of resources at your disposal you have to handpick the best talent for a specific project. You encounter a similar situation at a startup company, except if there’s a gap in expertise, you cannot just stand around pointing at the gap. You fill the gap.
7) What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Actually my “work” doesn’t really stop. It takes a specific effort to pause it. I’d like to go to a park and spend some time with myself, sorting through all the stuff that went on during the day.
8) If you could give some advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
Watch and learn. And remember that the time is the only resource that cannot be replenished.