Elephant Talk Enables Global Brand MVNO Framework

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Elephant Talk Communications Corp. (NYSE MKT: ETAK) ("Elephant Talk," or the "Company"), a leading international provider of mobile networking software and services, today announced that its mobile virtual network enterprise (MVNE) mobile cloud services platform will be deployed with its strategic partner Expeto's 4G LTE engine, providing a new enterprise "brand focused" Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) unique branded global mobile services.

Elephant Talk, Expeto, and our new "brand focused" MVNO enterprise customer have agreed to create a detailed commercial, technical and financial business model, including revenue sharing arrangements, related to the global deployment of consumer branded mobile networks, handsets and brand-exclusive content, engaged by the MVNO, with network services delivered through existing global roaming access partners already running on the Elephant Talk systems.

The development and deployment of this jointly managed global mobile solution represents a new, disintermediated and highly disruptive paradigm in branded mobile services delivery. Its "brand first" business model will deploy services that depart from the customary gigabyte - megabyte data-based, rated service plan pricing models, providing a new pricing basis leveraging a brand membership subscription plan which effectively removes the "distribution tax" that brands otherwise endure in connecting with their customers. The delivery of this branded global mobile solution business model is expected to transition Elephant Talk from a low margin wholesale provider to pricing and profit margins enjoyed by the leading software as a service companies.

"We are pleased to join forces with our partner, Expeto, in forging our first global MVNO partnered solution with a market leading (albeit in "stealth mode" in deference to their brand customers), global, brand-centric MVNO solution provider. This is a significant milestone with disruptive market implications, which has the potential to bring millions of subscribers (members) that loyally follow global and national cult brands. Brands have learned so much about their consumers' engagement and network economies available to them via social networks. The most innovative brands are strengthening their communities around the interests of enthusiastic and loyal customers. Now with the ETAK-Expeto solution, those brands will retain more direct control and distribution of exclusive brand related information, services, and content. This represents a material improvement for the brand member's consumed content, while reducing costly dependencies on 3rd parties," said Hal Turner, Executive Chairman of Elephant Talk.

"This enterprise focused model represents exclusive brands which will purchase handsets, media and secure content, downloads, movies, interviews and additional content the brand wishes to present to their members. This includes established retail distribution channels with major recognized retail brands. Handset manufacturing and distribution agreements are in place already.  We expect to see an increasing number of brands approaching us to discuss not so much the launch of a traditional SIM-only based MVNO, but rather the possibility to distribute branded devices that smartly choose its optimal connection via cloud based networks, delivering seamless services in multiple geographies," Mr. Turner added.

As enterprises look to expand the services they offer to customers and employees, Communications Service Providers (CSPs) struggle to move beyond connectivity to offer the full capability for businesses looking to exploit IoT (internet of everything). In response, enterprises are seeking to directly deploy MVNO services, equipping them to take control of their own operations and networks. The Elephant Talk - Expeto strategic partnership responds to this growing market demand, offering complete MVNO capabilities within trusted private networks. Gartner predicts, 'By 2018 the top 1000 global enterprises will implement MVNO capabilities of some scale in support of their IOT capabilities.'

"With Expeto enabling private organizations to fully control cellular data in a trusted way, inclusive of LTE and WIFI data and the partnership with Elephant Talk, including its online subscription management and unique billing, the two Companies can address the needs of global enterprise and cult brands willing to control, by themselves, the distribution of their content directly to their best consumers and fans, no longer depending exclusively on dominant operators and social networks," said Ryley MacKenzie, CEO of Expeto.

About Elephant Talk Communications Corp.:

Elephant Talk Communications Corp., and its subsidiaries (also referred to as "Elephant Talk", "ET" and "the Company") provide a complete mobility cloud platform, utilizing messaging and security capabilities. Elephant Talk offers fully managed 'single sign on and application access' Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) applications designed for communications services providers and enterprises. SaaS are applications designed for end-users, delivered over the web. PaaS is a set of tools and services designed to make coding and deploying those applications quick and efficient. IaaS is the hardware and software solution that powers it all including servers, storage, networks and operating systems. The Company is comprised of a deeply experienced management team, architects, software developers, implementation specialists and an operations team who bring turnkey mobile solutions to the retail telecommunications industry. ET also provides software based authentication and voice-biometrics technology and services through its license with ValidSoft UK Limited ("ValidSoft"). For more information please visit: www.elephanttalk.com.

About ValidSoft UK Ltd:

ValidSoft secures transactions using personal authentication and device assurance. ValidSoft enables its customers to enhance their security while improving their user experience, utilizing our multi-factor authentication platform, Voice Biometric engine and Device Trust technology, all of which may be used as 'stand-alone' or integrated into multi-vendor solutions. ValidSoft serves multiple clients across the financial services, government and enterprise sectors and is the only company to have been granted four European Privacy Seals, reflecting its commitment to strong data privacy. For more information please visit: www.validsoft.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to Elephant Talk's plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Elephant Talk's industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of Elephant Talk may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, Elephant Talk also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made here. Additional information concerning certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in Elephant Talk's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from Elephant Talk.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Steve Gersten
(813)-926-8920
[email protected]

Scott Gordon
CoreIR
(631)-703-4900
[email protected]

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SOURCE Elephant Talk Communications Corp.

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