Missed call service has become a highly effective communication tool in India. With a large population using mobile phones but not always having access to mobile data or call balance, missed call services provide an easy and cost-free way for businesses, government agencies, and service providers to interact with people. This method ensures that users can request information, register for services, or verify their identity without incurring any charges.
Reasons for Using Missed Call Service in India
1. Cost-Effective Communication
Missed call services allow users to interact with businesses and service providers without spending money on calls or internet data. This is especially beneficial in rural and semi-urban areas where mobile phone usage is high, but mobile recharge affordability is low.
Example:
A bank provides a missed call number for customers to check their account balance for free instead of using paid SMS or internet banking.
2. High Mobile Penetration, Low Internet Access
While mobile phone usage in India is widespread, many users still do not have regular access to mobile data or smartphones. Missed call services help bridge this gap by allowing users to access important services without needing the internet.
Example:
Farmers receive weather updates and agricultural tips through missed call services, making critical information available even in areas with poor internet connectivity.
3. Easy and Fast Customer Engagement
Businesses use missed call services to interact with customers quickly. Instead of waiting in long queues or dealing with complex IVR menus, users can simply give a missed call to request a callback or receive information via SMS
4. Government Schemes and Public Services
The Indian government uses missed call services to ensure easy access to various welfare schemes and services, especially for people in rural areas.
Example:
- PM Ujjwala Yojana: Women could register for free LPG connections by giving a missed call.
- PM-KISAN Scheme: Farmers could check their financial assistance status via missed call service.
This method helps ensure that government benefits reach even those who do not have access to online registration.
5. OTP Verification and Security Authentication
Missed call services are also used for mobile number verification, replacing traditional SMS-based OTP (One-Time Password) authentication.
Example:
Digital wallets and fintech apps ask users to verify their mobile numbers by giving a missed call to a designated number, ensuring security without requiring an SMS charge.
6. Job Alerts and Employment Services
Missed call services play a crucial role in helping job seekers, particularly those without internet access, receive job notifications and employment-related updates.
Example:
Government job portals and private recruitment agencies allow job seekers to register for job alerts by giving a missed call, ensuring they receive employment opportunities via SMS.
7. Voting, Polls, and Public Opinion Surveys
Missed call services are widely used for reality show voting, political opinion polls, and public surveys.
Example:
- Reality shows like Indian Idol and Bigg Boss use missed call voting to let viewers support their favorite contestants.
- Political parties use missed call services to gather public opinions before elections.
This method ensures mass participation, even from people who may not have access to the internet.
8. News Subscriptions and Alerts
Many media organizations provide missed call-based subscriptions for news updates, weather alerts, and sports scores.
Example:
Cricket fans can receive live IPL score updates by giving a missed call to a designated number provided by sports news channels.
9. Social Awareness and Fundraising Campaigns
Non-profits and social organizations use missed call services to spread awareness and encourage participation in causes like education, women’s rights, and disaster relief efforts.
Example:
The "Save the Girl Child" campaign used missed call services to raise awareness and encourage donations for girls’ education in India.
Conclusion
Missed call services in India are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and ease of use. They enable people to access essential services like banking, government schemes, job alerts, and customer support without requiring internet or mobile balance. Businesses, media houses, and social organizations also use missed calls for customer engagement, voting, and awareness campaigns. As India continues to advance digitally, missed call services will remain a valuable tool for connecting with people across all regions.
