UK-based giffgaff claims to be first 'community-run' mobile network.
giffgaff has no call centres, contracts or shops and says it works on a web 2.0 ethos.
In practice this means customers can get rewards for every contribution they make. This can include helping other members with queries, voicing opinions about how giffgaff should be run or spreading the word among friends.
Points are later exchanged for cash or a donation to a charity of the community’s choice.
giffgaff was conceived by founder Gav Thompson whilst at a Web 2.0 event in Silicon Valley,. He said: “In my opinion, the power of the community can now run the best encyclopaedia service on the planet and be the motivating force behind a successful presidential election campaign.
"So, for a significant minority of people who aren’t turned on by big companies and big brands, we are of the opinion that giffgaff can harness the power of the community to run a simpler mobile network where people get rewarded for helping out.”
The network began a test phase in September 2009, and built a community of 6,000 who have been running giffgaff and shaping it into what they want.
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To sign up, consumers order a free SIM at giffgaff.com and top up £10 to get started. Here are the basic tariff details:
* Calls are charged at 8p per minute
* 4p per text
* Free member to member calls and texts
* Free calls to 0800 numbers
Meanwhile the goodybags tariff offers:
* £5 - unlimited UK texts for a month
* £10 - 100 UK minutes, unlimited UK texts and mobile internet for a month
* £15 - 300 UK minutes, unlimited UK texts and mobile internet for a month
* £35 - unlimited UK voice, texts and mobile internet for a month
Rewards:
* Send your friend an email about giffgaff: 50 points = 50p
* If you are named by a friend recommending giffgaff you'll get: 200 points = £2
* Send a giffgaff SIM to a friend: 500 points = £5
* Interacting with giffgaff members. These will be rewarded on the basis of effort and relevance e.g. Those who consistently answer customer questions and helpfully responds to giffgaff with thoughts and views will be rewarded
* Community members can also create a viral video to help promote giffgaff. Each video will be judged by the team and given a suitable number of points to reward their effort
* The average giffgaffer earns an average of £4 a month. There is no limit to the points a member can earn
* giffgaff rebates are issued bi-annually. The first one will happen in June. The first rebate is due to reward super users with over £200 each
