Vonage Partners with FREENOW to Enhance Customer Communication in Europe

In a groundbreaking move, Vonage, a prominent player in cloud communications and a subsidiary of Ericsson, has entered into a partnership with FREENOW, Europe's leading multi-mobility app. This strategic alliance aims to revamp customer communication methods across various European markets by integrating Vonage’s state-of-the-art communication APIs into FREENOW's operations.

FREENOW, which caters to millions of users in over 150 cities, primarily provides access to a diverse range of mobility services, including taxis, car-sharing, e-scooters, and e-bikes, all accessible through a single app. As part of their collaboration, FREENOW will leverage Vonage's Messages API, which supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), WhatsApp, and SMS, to create more secure and branded communication channels for users.

Enhancing Customer Trust and Experience

Currently active in nine European countries, this initiative is set to significantly enhance customer trust and simplify the user experience, with a keen focus on improving metrics such as click-through rates (CTR) and optimizing conversions for one-time passwords (OTP). According to Tim Ossenfort, the Vice President of Engineering at FREENOW, the partnership symbolizes their commitment to delivering seamless and secure communication.

Ossenfort remarked, “Vonage's APIs offer us the adaptability and reliability needed to meet the demands of our immense user base. Our goal is to provide branded, interactive experiences that instill confidence and elevate engagement while making the customer journey as straightforward as possible.”

One of the main features of the partnership will include Number Verification and Silent Authentication via Network APIs, further enhancing the security of customer interactions. By creating robust channels for direct and efficient communication through SMS and WhatsApp, FREENOW aims to enhance user satisfaction significantly.

RCS Messaging Takes Center Stage

FREENOW's initial implementation with Vonage began with SMS and WhatsApp. However, the firm is now moving toward adopting branded messaging through RCS, which promises an elevated layer of trust and interactivity. Impressively, FREENOW has already recorded a 100% conversion rate among RCS-ready devices, underpinning the effectiveness and appeal of this messaging method.

By adopting integrated business communication capabilities, FREENOW is positioning itself to enhance the overall user messaging experience. These advancements are anticipated to streamline marketing campaigns, customer support, and OTP services – essential elements in today's digital landscape.

A Vision for the Future of Mobility

Seckin Arikan, the Head of API at Vonage, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in user-centric communication tailored for Europe’s mobility sector. By merging FREENOW’s ambitious vision with our cutting-edge communication technologies, we aim to ignite innovation and foster a more secure and engaging user experience.”

Arikan highlighted the growing interest in RCS, noting that it provides a simplified and secure alternative to traditional SMS, incorporating elements such as branding and the ability to share rich media, which users increasingly expect.

About Vonage

Vonage is globally recognized for its leadership in cloud communications, assisting businesses in driving their digital transformation. Through its expansive suite of engagement solutions, Vonage enhances communication experiences for both customers and employees. Their Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) offerings enable companies to revolutionize communication methods, whether in-office or remote. Furthermore, Vonage’s Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provides developers the opportunity to embed diverse forms of interaction—including video, voice, chat, and messaging—into their existing platforms via customizable APIs.

About FREENOW

FREENOW stands at the forefront of Europe's multi-mobility landscape, centralizing its operations around taxi services. With a presence in nine countries, the app offers access to various modes of transportation, striving to make urban mobility more efficient without adding extra vehicles to city streets. Supported by BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility, FREENOW aims to redefine how urban transportation is accessed and utilized.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Vonage and FREENOW signifies a forward-thinking approach to customer interaction and communication in the mobility sector, paving the way for more innovative solutions in the future.