Online recharge portal MobiKwik launches mobile website, revamps UI

One MobiKwik Systems Private Limited, which operates mobile, DTH and datacard recharge services provider MobiKwik, has launched its mobile website and revamped the user interface of its web portal.

The mobile website m.mobikwik.com will enable all the services including mobile, DTH, data recharge, postpaid mobile bill payment via the mobile phone. MobiKwik currently claims to have over 1.2 million customers and this move is aimed to reach out to 945 million mobile users in the country.

"With mobile browsing and usage on the rise, a mobile optimised website can raise consumer engagement by 85 percent. MobiKwik's mobile website is intrinsic to our strategy to engage with users and increase sales.  We expect 30 percent growth in the number of users of our service," said Bipin Preet Singh, CEO and founder, MobiKwik.

MobiKwik also announced the launch of a new user interface of its website. The new UI is easy to use and allows the completion of recharge in a few steps. It provides an option to pay for the service and recharge in one click, or via an SMS or by dialling a number. MobiKwik's Android application,  launched in Google Play Store October 20, and has seen around 50,000 downloads so far.

MobiKwik was founded in 2009 by Bipin Preet Singh, an alumnus of IIT Delhi who has previously worked with Intel, Nvidia, Freescale Semiconductors. He has also dabbled in advertising as a partner with Star Auto. In February, MobiKwik launched CashPay, which allowes users to recharge using cash. MobiKwik also has an e-wallet service for consumers called MobiKwik wallet which enables users to park money online for services provided.

MobiKwik competes with Paytm, Freecharge and Rechargeitnow in the space. Also, banks are getting active,  posing a big competition to online recharge portals. Recently, ICICI Bank introduced recharge via SMS service. Such services from banks are gaining popularity and attracting more loyalty from the respective banks' customers.

(Edited by Prem Udayabhanu)