AN AMERICAN company that provides Internet-based communications devices aims to have 25,000 independent distributors nationwide at the end of the year to promote cost-efficient ways to call long distance anywhere around the world.
In line with this vision, Momentum Plus chief executive officer and founder Lance Lomako said the company is planning to invest in building up its server infrastructure in the Philippines.
By the last quarter of this year, the company—which, according to its website, provides voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) devices and services—hopes to operate 40 percent of its target 100 distribution centers.
As of now, though, Momentum Plus only has three distribution centers, all located in Metro Manila.
Momentum Plus distributors are tasked to sell the company’s services and devices. But Lomako said an independent distributor will have to make an initial investment of $99 (about P4,450).
By being a distributor for Momentum Plus and being part of its “multi-level network marketing,” Filipinos can earn extra.
Lomako said the company is focusing on the Visayas and plans to put up its own “122-story” building in Cebu in 2013.
“We aim to become a household brand in the Philippines,” he added.
Lomako said the company was launched in the Philippines in 2005 yet, but it was only last year when it experienced a 420-percent growth, in terms of customer base and revenues.
“The Visayas region is our number one territory,” he said without giving figures.
Low-cost
The company, which boasts to have a presence in 50 countries, provides low-cost long distance call with the use of Momentum Plus USB phones that can be connected to a computer or laptop that has Internet connection.
By using Momentum Plus technology, a Filipino overseas worker in the United States can call a relative in the Philippines for a minimum of $4.95 per month. This package already includes unlimited talk time to any other Momentum plus user.
If a Momentum Plus user will call any other service provider, charges are only at a minimum of $1.90 a minute, still lower compared to the regular rate of $3, said John Cicotte, chief operating officer.
Although it is US-based, 80 to 90 percent of the company’s operations are in the Philippines since most of its customers are the families of overseas Filipino workers.
Momentum Plus claims to be registered with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as a telecommunications company (telco). But the NTC website’s list of telcos as of 2006 does not include Momentum Plus.
Apart from saying that it is registered with NTC, Momentum Plus officials did not present during the press conference in Cebu its NTC license nor disclosed the date when it was registered. (DME with LAP)
