Uzbektelecom JSC is the largest telecommunications operator in Uzbekistan. In 2023, the company gained 446,000 new subscribers. The mobile segment also saw an 11% growth, with 868,000 new users joining. Uzbektelecom invests heavily in modernizing its infrastructure, focusing on expanding internet access and developing data centers. In the first half of 2024, the company nearly tripled its net profit, with revenue increasing by 19.2%.
We spoke with Jaloliddin Erkiniy, the company's lead developer, who created a super app for Uzbektelecom several years ago. Under his guidance, a user-friendly mobile application was developed, propelling the company to new heights. Uzbektelecom has attracted users with a wide range of services and continues to innovate to enhance customer loyalty.
Tell us about your career. How did you join Uzbektelecom?
I've been working in mobile development for nearly 10 years. I began my career with a startup focused on creating a messenger. Our team developed a payment system integrated into the messenger, incorporating financial tools such as money transfers in chat and QR code payments. The project gained traction and attracted investor attention. After the success of this startup, I was invited to join Uzbektelecom, the largest telecom company in Uzbekistan.
You developed Uzbektelecom's most critical business product—its mobile application—from scratch and designed its architecture for the Android platform. Tell us about this product.
The MyUZTELECOM app is a productivity tool aimed at improving customer service by providing easy access to telecommunication services. We transformed the mobile operator's app into a universal super app offering numerous user-friendly options. The app allows users to manage their accounts, track data usage, top up balances, and access various services offered by Uzbektelecom. It supports multiple languages, including English and Uzbek.
What role does the app play in the business?
Creating the app was essential for brand development and increasing recognition. It also fosters customer loyalty by making it easier to pay for services and track payments through a personal account in the app rather than visiting the operator's website each time. From January to August 2024, the app facilitated services worth 68.6 billion UZS (approximately $5.3 million USD) and transactions worth 73 billion UZS (approximately $5.7 million USD). Additionally, its investment module enabled the company to attract 43.6 billion UZS ($3.4 million USD) during an IPO. By September 2024, MyUZTELECOM had 1.3 million active monthly users across iOS and Android platforms.
How has the new product under your guidance impacted the company's financial performance and user base?
Through the app, the business has become closer to its customers, offering more services and generating additional revenue, including transaction fees. This solution has also reduced business costs, as customers no longer need to visit offices or interact with staff; everything can be done remotely. Currently, the app has about 1.3 million users, making it the third most popular app in Uzbekistan after-tax payment and government service apps.
What other projects have you worked on as part of the app's development, and how did they benefit the business?
My team and I implemented a SIM card activation feature, boosting SIM card sales, and developed a home internet connection feature that encouraged clients to sign up for new contracts. I worked closely with customer representatives to resolve issues, collaborated with the team to enhance engineering tools, and ensured data security. All these efforts helped streamline processes, increase revenue, and deliver consistently high-quality service to customers.
Do you believe in the future of super apps? What attracts users to them, and what might deter them?
Super apps are the opposite of simple, minimalistic mobile apps. Their versatility makes them valuable additions to a user's phone. As more banks and businesses build their own super apps, they maximize their customer base and offer better conditions, cementing their relevance in today's digital landscape.
What projects is your team currently focused on?
In late 2023, we launched a FaceID user identification feature. Users input their passport details and take a selfie. After verification with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, they gain access to various features, such as cashback wallets, brokerage accounts in the investment module, and the ability to order SIM cards or internet connections without visiting sales offices. They can also request government documents like tax receipts, employment records, and pension statements.
What are the company's development plans and priorities?
Innovation is the key driver of progress. Uzbektelecom strives to offer a wide range of solutions that enhance both business opportunities and the quality of life for its subscribers. At the ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2024 event, the company showcased the launch of 5.5G technology, AI-based services, and new offerings for individual and corporate clients. Cybersecurity solutions were also highlighted, addressing the growing digital threats.
For our developer team, this opens up more opportunities to create breakthrough products within the super app by integrating the latest industry innovations. This ensures that MyUZTELECOM becomes even more useful and user-friendly.
What are the prospects for 5G, and why is this technology important for mobile development?
5G has enormous potential for mobile development, as it significantly improves internet speed and stability. This enables the creation of more complex and resource-intensive applications supporting virtual and augmented reality, high-resolution streaming, and instant-response services.
5G reduces latency and increases network capacity, enhancing app performance and efficiency. This is particularly crucial for industries like healthcare, gaming, transportation, and smart cities. Applications can deliver better real-time services, opening up new avenues for innovation and user experience.
5.5G, or 5G-Advanced, showcased at the exhibition, is considered an intermediary step toward 6G. It offers faster data transmission and lower signal latency compared to existing 5G networks.
You also have experience in the banking sector. Tell us about your work at Aloqabank.
I was invited to lead the development of a mobile app for Aloqabank's neobank project in 2020. However, the pandemic shifted our plans. Instead of the app, I worked on launching remote card sales during the lockdown. A law was quickly passed in Uzbekistan, allowing banks to sell cards online without requiring customers to visit offices.
Our team decided to create a Telegram bot to facilitate this process. In just two months, we launched the bot, enabling the bank to sell thousands of cards remotely. This was crucial during the pandemic, ensuring people could access their salaries without interruptions.
You also worked at Tinkoff Bank. What projects did the leadership assign to you?
Yes, Tinkoff, now known as T-Bank, is one of Russia's largest banks. I worked on its flagship investment app, T-Investing, which serves 44 million clients across Russia. Initially, I focused on implementing and supporting key features, such as placing stock market orders and managing brokerage accounts in the iOS app. Later, I joined the Premium team, working on exclusive features for high-net-worth clients.
What tasks did you undertake on this project?
I developed personalized stock trading recommendations, tax support features (like viewing personal tax declarations), and chat functions for filing and tracking appeals, improving customer convenience. I also automated the client qualification process to enhance investor rankings. Mentoring interns was another aspect of my role, with some successfully transitioning to full-time positions.
How did these solutions benefit the bank's business?
These solutions significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. They boosted revenue, customer loyalty, and the bank's competitive edge. For example, personalized stock trading recommendations increased client engagement and trading volumes. Tax support features lowered barriers for investors, improving their experience with the platform.
You've also served as a judge for professional competitions. Can you share your experience?
I was a judge at Burning Heroes, an international startup competition. It supports young tech companies by providing networking opportunities, feedback from venture investors and entrepreneurs, and resources for scaling. Participants submit applications, present projects, and undergo pre-selection before live pitch sessions with judges. I enjoyed sharing my expertise with budding entrepreneurs and learning from their innovative ideas.
