Simsalasim: Xing founder Hinrichs aims to challenge no less than Telekom (www.heise.de)

Lars Hinrichs, the founder of Xing, has launched a new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) named Simsalasim, aimed at disrupting the German telecommunications market. The company, which plans to operate almost entirely through artificial intelligence and with a minimal staff of around two dozen employees, is set to begin a test phase soon, followed by customer access shortly thereafter. Simsalasim will offer a unique pricing model, providing unlimited data in approximately 100 countries for just 10 euros per month, but with some notable restrictions, such as excluding hotspot functionality. Its AI capabilities will include functions like call logging, language translation, and parental controls. Hinrichs describes the telecommunications sector as stagnant, emphasizing a need for real innovation beyond mere price competition. By utilizing the infrastructure of O2/Telefónica while launching with eSIM technology and no physical SIM cards, Simsalasim is positioned as a direct competitor to major players like Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone. This shift towards AI-driven operations could signal a transformative change in how telecom services are offered, potentially ushering in a new era focused on efficiency and user empowerment. Hinrichs aims to build an initial customer base through personal networks and targeted marketing strategies in a market already filled with numerous competitors.