The importance of personal cloud solutions in safeguarding data and delivering services (Reader Forum)

According to Deloitte’s 2023 Connected Consumer Survey, 67% of mobile users have concerns about data security and privacy on their smartphones, while 62% of smart home users worry about data security and privacy on their smart home devices. This information sends a clear message that consumer apprehension over data protection is real, and opens the door for service providers to expand their relationship, while building trust, with end users by offering a centralized solution for safeguarding data.

A consumer’s emotional attachment to the content stored on their mobile device often surpasses the value of the device itself. With this understanding, carriers have an opportunity to reach beyond connectivity, and become a trusted partner in protecting against the loss of mobile device data including cherished family photos, videos, irreplaceable legal documents and crucial contact numbers.

A personal cloud solution is the linchpin, enabling operators to offer a central platform for safeguarding data while enhancing the overall subscriber experience. The following features and functionality of a personal cloud enable service providers to offer an end-to-end solution for data storage, protection and sharing:

Unified connectivity: Service providers, offering both mobile and fixed wireless connectivity, possess a unique advantage in creating a unified and seamless experience for subscribers. A centralized cloud solution ensures that subscribers can protect and access their data from any location, whether at home or on the go.

Family centric cloud storage: A central cloud hub gives subscribers the freedom and flexibility to share cloud storage across multiple devices seamlessly. This family-centric approach not only promotes collaboration but also simplifies the management of digital content across various devices, fostering a cohesive digital experience for the entire family. To accommodate every user on a multiline family plan, service providers can also offer subscribers the option of a bundled deal with unlimited cloud storage.

Secure document management: The ability to create password-protected folders within the central cloud solution is a game-changer. Subscribers can now safeguard crucial documents, such as insurance policies, deeds and home surveys, with an added layer of security. This feature not only addresses the need for data protection but also positions service providers as providers of essential tools for managing and securing important personal documents.

Value-added services: Service providers can go beyond the conventional offerings by providing value-added services such as security solutions, insurance, merchandise like prints and gifts, and additional carrier services. By bundling these services with connectivity, operators enhance the overall value proposition, creating a compelling reason for subscribers to choose and stay loyal to their services. This diversification also leads to a substantial increase in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

Overall, in the dynamic landscape of telecommunications, service providers find themselves uniquely positioned to offer more than just connectivity — they can become the trusted guardians of their subscribers’ digital lives. With the convergence of mobile and fixed wireless connectivity to homes, operators have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering total protection services, ensuring data security both at home and on the go.

A personal cloud solution not only addresses the demand for data protection but also opens avenues for cross-selling additional services. By rekindling connections with meaningful moments in users’ lives and introducing personalized experiences through innovative cloud features, service providers can improve customer loyalty and stay ahead of the competition in the ever-expanding cloud services landscape.