ItsOn
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software, Telecommunications |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Greg Raleigh, Charlie Giancarlo |
| Defunct | January 2018 |
| Fate | Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and liquidation |
| Headquarters | Redwood City , United States |
Area served | United States, Mexico (via MVNO) |
| Products | Cloud computing platform for mobile network operators, Zact Mobile (MVNO) |
ItsOn was a U.S.-based software firm located in Redwood City, California, specializing in cloud computing solutions designed to optimize mobile network efficiency. The ItsOn platform empowered mobile carriers to deliver highly customizable, detailed service options that users could tailor themselves. Subscribers had the ability to adjust voice, messaging, and data plans, as well as manage device connections, shared plans, and access controls directly from their smartphones.
In 2013, the company introduced the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) brand Zact Mobile, which received the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval for its family-oriented features and competitive pricing structure. However, by January 2018, ItsOn filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and proceeded into liquidation.
Technology platform
ItsOn developed an innovative network function virtualization (NFV) system that replaced conventional hardware-dependent 3GPP policy control mechanisms. Through its cloud-centric software, mobile operators could design and market new service offerings while enabling consumers to purchase mobile services instantly via their devices.
This platform operated on top of existing network infrastructure, extending policy control capabilities to the network’s edge. It seamlessly integrated with current billing frameworks and carrier networks through components such as a service controller, a service design center, and client software installed on devices.
Services
The services provided by ItsOn allowed carriers to adapt swiftly to evolving customer demands by offering precise quantities of individual service types instead of fixed plan options. Users had the flexibility to acquire data either by volume or targeted for specific applications like Facebook. Plans could be shared across multiple devices and family members, dynamically adjusted based on usage patterns, and included parental controls such as curfews applicable over both mobile and Wi-Fi connections. Alerts notified users as they neared their usage thresholds.
By introducing self-service functionalities, ItsOn significantly reduced reliance on costly call center and retail support. Through the ItsOn client application, customers could add new devices, track consumption, purchase additional services, and manage application permissions autonomously.
Moreover, ItsOn enabled advertisers and businesses running loyalty programs to provide sponsored services. Operators could implement turnkey “MVNO-in-a-box” solutions that allowed value-added resellers to bundle devices with customized service packages. The client app also supported upselling opportunities for premium offerings like international roaming.
Beyond serving carriers and MVNOs, the ItsOn platform catered to mobile device manufacturers (OEMs), operating system developers, and machine-to-machine (M2M) solution providers by facilitating the creation, testing, and deployment of innovative features. It supported consumer insights research, value proposition validation, enhancement of user experiences, formulation of new offers via the Service Design Center, customer support tools, and comprehensive analytics.
Company history
Founded in 2008 by Greg Raleigh and Charlie Giancarlo, ItsOn raised more than $3 million in seed and venture capital between 2009 and 2011. This was followed by a $15.5 million Series B funding round in 2012 led by Andreessen Horowitz.
In May 2013, ItsOn launched its Zact Mobile MVNO service. By November of that year, it had partnered with Best Buy Mobile to distribute Zact Mobile products across more than 400 retail locations throughout the United States.
On December 10, 2015, ItsOn secured an additional $12.5 million investment led by Delta Partners Group with contributions from Verizon Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and Tenaya Capital aimed at accelerating global growth of its Smart Services™ platform.
In January 2018, Movistar Mexico announced it would cease operations of its service powered by ItsOn’s technology following the company’s liquidation.
See also
External links
- Official website
- Zact website