SUGARBOX

Can there be a world where access to high-speed Internet isn’t limited?”We live in an era where technology is making everything possible. With the digital surge, a substantial number of OTT solutions are emerging. And, it is fueling the use of high-speed internet. While telecoms and ISPs are bringing several cost-efficient packages, abundance is becoming the new need. And to feed the appetite, Maharashtra-based SugarBox is enabling unlimited hours of digital access, enhancing the experience of every user. While prevalent measures provide limited Internet access, Sugarbox Network provides abundant digital access, anywhere – anytime at cost-effective prices. So, the answer to the burning question is, a big resounding, Yes!

Founded in 2016, SugarBox is an out-of-the-box startup providing unrestricted data access in communal spaces like intercity buses, Metros, rural areas, hotels, co-living spaces, malls, hospitals, restaurants, etc. It does so by installing data cache servers in key POIs, having a critical mass of users, or propensity of using digital solutions.

RE-IMAGINING DATA ACCESS
Sugarbox is the brainchild of Rohit Pranjpe, a seasoned entrepreneur with a decade of hands-on experience in multiple digital aspects and the media ecosystem in India. Before Sugarbox, Rohit spearheaded an OTT service platform, where he identified the impediments in high-speed streaming and relevant content. The market was sprawling with digital products of diverse uses, and Rohit wanted to emerge above that.

“I wanted to re-define how mobile apps utilized the internet to work, making it available for everyone at a reasonable price” expresses Rohit

Hence, leveraging upon his decade-long experience, he introduced SugarBox , an offline content distribution Company akin to the market but, slightly different.

While companies like Fropcorn and Pressplay focused on redefining the streaming experience, SugarBox supports a gamut of services including OTT, e-commerce, music streaming, gaming, last-mile transport booking, food ordering, and other relevant value-added services.

“SugarBox is India’s first hyperlocal CDN. On entering a SugarBox zone, one can literally remove the phone’s sim card and get access to high-speed data”, Rohit adds proudly.

SugarBox is present in more than 200 POIs across 9 Cities. It also collaborates with diverse industries and helps in seeking out breakthroughs, by building data-delivery infrastructures at various POIs, enabling users to use their apps without mobile internet.

SugarBox follows a very simple yet upscaling business model focused on all its stakeholders i.e. consumers, POI, and the app partners. Being hyperlocal, SugarBox goes beyond traditional CDN providers. It can be combined with a LAN connection or even exposed to a user over Wifi! For consumers, the platform ensures uninterrupted access to their favourite apps. The POIs find an enhanced in-premise experience, and app partners earn better market reach with more consumption and revenue for the apps. In short, it’s a win-win for all! The POIs are focused upon:

• How much time people spent in a particular area
• Patterns of data usage and what the customer is really looking for

These are followed, by designing a networking layout, and then with proper infrastructures, the place is turned into a SugarBox Zone. The Hyderabad metro network is one of its largest deployments till now. SugarBox has turned 5,000+ train stations into POIs by end of February’ 21. One of SugarBox’s technology is patented by the US Patent office, earning them a major reverence.

GIVING BRANDS AN OPTIMIZED REACH
Brands are an integral component of our lives, and every brand wants more eyeballs and visits. And, this is why SugarBox is bundled with an SDK.

“Our platform doesn’t just help brands rather every single app, to help brands”, states Rohit

While in a particular POI, the SDK passes beyond the location to partners, who can add supportive tags that give the app more intelligence regarding the user’s location and context. The process helps brands show relevant ads that can be beneficial to users.

NOT WITHERED BY CHALLENGES
SugarBox has faced several hurdles on its way forward. In 2017, SugarBox came under the banner of Zee Entertainment integrating the Zee5 app into its platform. While the app was delivering local content, everything from outside required Internet access. It nearly took a year to structure a tailored solution that can tend to the situation. From there, the app successfully ran offline and included everything – From APIs, User Info, subscription, etc.

Another case study was the era of the pandemic. 2020 tested the might of every individual and business alike. “Like everyone else, it was a period of continuous turbulence”, says Rohit. While setting the solution for 1,500 trains, was quite ambitious, it put all the other plans on hold, for that fiscal year. Only 3 out of 15 apps stayed afloat since app developers were wrestling to survive. Nonetheless, the period helped them improve in-house operations and sustain their resources. The period also rewarded them with one of their greatest fiscal milestones. By integrating the Zee5 App into its platform, SugarBox earned a boon of ₹522 Cr in 2020.

WELL RECOGNIZED IN THE INDUSTRY
Young and energetic Rohit Paranjpe is an innovator by heart and widely praised in the industry. His entrepreneurial passion is extended to two other venture initiatives Digitainment (A one-stop Digital Entertainment that handheld the first video streaming solution in India), Mobile Infotainment (A one of-a-kind interactive, in-transport entertainment, and media platform). In acknowledgment of his entrepreneurial efforts,
he was honored with ‘Top 50 Tech Innovators Awards’, by Intercon Dubai. He was also featured in ‘TechTors to watch out for in 2020’ by BW Disrupt.

Just like his entrepreneurship, Rohit pursues enthusiasm in his personal life too. He is an avid reader and has a knack for sports like Football and Tennis. He passes this enthusiasm to his team members encouraging them to play at least twice a week. Also, he enjoys traveling and is a dog parent.

MILESTONES FOR THE ROAD AHEAD
With the experience and hands-on expertise, Rohit is laying out several plans for SugarBox. With POIs in metros like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, etc. it aims to attain a PAN India coverage including urban and rural by the end of 2025. It’s foreseeing deployment in rural regions, aiming for 100 Gram Panchayats, with Govt. hospitals across India.

SugarBox also aims to cross over boundaries and build an offshore presence. With its technological patents, it aims to collaborate with neighboring nations, providing technology that provides faster data access.