SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - April 04, 2016) - Today, following the successful launch of Krew Mobile in the U.S., Otono continues to make news by announcing that it has changed the name of its Ready SIM service into ZIP SIM as part of an increased focus on ease of activation and customer privacy.

The name change reflects a strategic shift to focus on the product's main attribute, which is quick service activation through the company's patented self-activation process. Customers with a ZIP SIM simply text message any 5 digit U.S. ZIP code via their handset. This will instantly activate the SIM, assign a local phone number, and start the plan right away. There is never a need to activate the service through a dealer, website, or customer service representative.

The launch of Ready SIM in 2013 was heralded as a revolution in SIM privacy, and ease of user experience. It was quickly adopted by the market and received the auspicious Fierce15 award from FierceWireless as a market disruptor.

The product saw tremendous adoption from a wide variety of customer groups, driving the demand for instant self-activating cellular service well beyond the expected initial target market. ZIP SIM's initial focus at launch, on short term leisure and corporate U.S. travelers was successful, but new domestic user groups quickly grew to include mobile work teams, emergency responders, law enforcement, local political campaign offices, press, military personnel and web application developers. 

Today, ZIP SIM can be found at Telecom Expense Management Summits, Mobility and Telecom Conferences, developer, and gamer events. In fact ZIP SIM has seen a surge in younger customers (between the ages of 18-35) who are expressing a growing concern with privacy. 

Otono believes there are even more markets and uses where ZIP SIM could flourish. "Today marks a new chapter in our journey to continue to provide the best short-term wireless service to travelers with an increased focus on U.S. domestic uses and users as well," says Oren Chervinsky, VP Global Sales & Marketing for Otono. "Our approach to cellular plans has always been innovative and progressive, and this rebrand highlights those characteristics within ZIP SIM. Our customers and partners all love our patented self-activating SIM cards and we've brought that front-and-center with this rebrand."

ZIP SIM will also continue its commitment to privacy and protection of personal information, a key and driving factor of the product's success, and built into its patented self-activation platform.

"Both corporations and individuals alike initially flocked to Ready SIM for the ease of activation, but were surprised and excited by the security and privacy included. As such, we will continue to put customer privacy at the core of our business while being 100% compliant with government regulations for the wireless industry," Chervinsky explains. In the current privacy sensitive environment, ZIP SIM provides a unique and robust solution.

"ZIP SIM will also continue to be the travel SIM of choice for Fortune 500 companies sending its foreign based employees to visit offices in the U.S.," says Oren Chervinsky. "Internal travel and expense managers and IT staff simply hand over a SIM for however long the traveler need and the self-activation process would take care of the rest. They love the simplicity and self-management of the service."

ZIP SIM is now aggressively partnering with members of the travel industry that wish to provide their guests/customers instant access to reliable cellular service on their arrival to the U.S. The partnership program is gaining much traction in the travel segment with hotels, airlines, and cab companies.

With the transition to ZIP SIM, existing customers can be assured that there will absolutely be no interruption in service.

• The ZIP SIM website, zipsim.us, will be available to place orders for ZIP SIM cards, and purchase of long distance add-ons or top ups.
• Customers currently with a Ready SIM will still be able to activate once they arrive in the U.S.
• Customers with a Ready SIM will be able to top up their cards on the ZIP SIM website, zipsim.us, or by calling ZIP SIM Customer Care.
• All customer account information and order history is automatically transferred to the new ZIP SIM website.

ZIP SIM is now available for purchase online and through select distributors and partners worldwide. For a complete list, visit zipsim.us.

About Otono: Otono (Otono Networks Inc.) an emerging global technology based telecom with multiple carrier supported networks that develops unique market opportunities around the world. Otono's unique technology platform was built to accommodate multiple services powered by both traditional SIM and eSIM technology, making integration with different networks and third-party platforms faster and easier. Otono's portfolio of mobile services includes Roam Mobility for USA, Roam Mobility for Canada, ZIP SIM, AlwaysOnline Wireless, and Krew Mobile. For more information about Otono, visit otono.com.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• ZIP SIM Press Kit
• CEO Open Letter "Why We Rebranded Ready SIM as ZIP SIM"

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