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Risk Factors - TPTW
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Risk Factors Related to our Business:
Risk Factors Related to Our Stock:
Risks Relating to Our Intellectual Property and Potential Litigation:
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL
The following is a summary of some of the information contained in this document. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this document to “our Company,” “us,” “we,” “our”, “TPT”, “TPTW”, “TPT Global,” or the “Company” are to TPT Global Tech, Inc.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
We are based in San Diego, California, and operate as a technology-based company with divisions providing telecommunications, construction and product distribution, media content for domestic and international syndication as well as technology solutions. We operate as a Media Content Hub for Domestic and International syndication, Technology/Telecommunications company using our own proprietary Global Digital Media TV and Telecommunications infrastructure platform and also provide technology solutions to businesses domestically and worldwide. We offer Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) and carrier-grade performance and support for businesses. Our cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media and collaboration features in today's global technology markets. We also operate as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a Master Distributor for Pre-Paid Cellphone services, Mobile phones, Cellphone Accessories and Global Roaming Cellphones.
Our executive offices are located at 501 West Broadway, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101 and the telephone number is (619) 400-4996. We maintain a website at www.tptglobaltech.com, and such website is not incorporated into or a part of this filing.
HISTORY
We were originally incorporated in 1988 in the state of Florida. TPT Global, Inc., a Nevada corporation formed in June 2014, merged with Ally Pharma US, Inc., a Florida corporation, (“Ally Pharma”, formerly known as Gold Royalty Corporation) in a “reverse merger” wherein Ally Pharma issued 110,000,000 shares of Common Stock, or 80% ownership, to the owners of TPT Global, Inc. in exchange for all outstanding common stock of TPT Global Inc. and Ally Pharma agreed to change its name to TPT Global Tech, Inc. (jointly referred to as “the Company” or “TPTG”).
The following acquisitions have resulted in entities which have been consolidated into TPTG since the reverse merger in 2014.
| (1) | On September 11, 2023, Everett Lanier and the Company agreed to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release (“Settlement Agreement”). See Note 11. |
| (2) | Through the acquisition of Asberry, TPT’s ownership was decreased to 86% from 100% through Asberry. |
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
CORPORATE ORGANIZATION CHART
OTCPINK Stock Symbol
Currently there is a limited public trading market for our stock on OTCPINK under the symbol “TPTW.”
Our Key Operating Divisions:
TPT SpeedConnect: ISP and Telecom (Held within TPT’s majority controlled subsidiary Asberry 22 Holdings, Inc.)
The Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of SpeedConnect LLC (“SpeedConnect”) for $1.75 million, including the assumption of all contracts and liabilities pertinent to operations and conveyed them into a wholly-owned subsidiary TPT SpeedConnect. SpeedConnect was founded in 2002 and operates as a national, predominantly rural, wireless telecommunications residential and commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP). TPT SpeedConnect’s primary business model is subscription based, monthly reoccurring revenues, from wireless delivered, high-speed Internet connections utilizing its company built and owned national network. SpeedConnect also resells third-party satellite Internet, DSL Internet, IP telephony and DISH TV products. This Acquisition closed on May 7, 2019.
SpeedConnect was a privately-held Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) provider. Today, we believe TPT SpeedConnect serves approximately 2,000 residential and commercial wireless broadband Internet customers, in Arizona, Idaho, Michigan, Montana and Texas.
TPT SpeedConnect is a full-service ISP. The company’s main back office is run by company employees, and includes, network management, network monitoring and maintenance, significant allocations of registered address in public IP4 and IP6 space, employee based customer service, installation services, automated resources and application based scheduling and tracking, paper, ACH, credit card, and email billing, warehousing, fulfillment, integrated customer premise provisioning, walled garden collections and customer self-restarts, bandwidth usage tracking, integrated, secure, and deep financial and operations dash board reporting, collections, accounting, payables, owned and licensed backhaul, intelligent bandwidth management, consumption rated billing, customer payment portals, and all wrapped in a mature, first hit on all search engines, Internet Brand. The company today services approximately 2,000 residential and commercial Internet customers over its approximately 100+-cellular tower footprint across 5 Midwestern States.
Today’s urban ISP landscape is highly competitive and dominated by some of the world’s largest companies. Names like Comcast, AT&T, Cox, Charter and DISH are household words. Home Internet service has become synonymous with Cable. However, this is limited to the high-density top 100 markets. Beyond that the competition becomes more small licensed free wireless providers and satellite. Wire-line providers, unless backed with government subsidies, do not build beyond 15 homes per street mile. SpeedConnect services both rural and non-rural areas, and historically has done well in both marketplaces, however the margins are improved in the more rural areas due to reduced voluntary and involuntary customer attrition.
TPT SpeedConnect’s key suppliers include but are not limited to; Juniper, ZTE, Huawei, Cisco, Sandvine, American Tower, SBA Tower, Crown Castle, CenturyLink, SuddenLink, South Dakota Networks, 123 dot net, Genesee Telephone, Air Advantage Fiber, Iron Mountain, ConVergence, CDW, Talley, Tessco, Bursma Electronics, DragonWave, Ceragon Networks, Telrad, Arris, AP, APD, Plante Morran, Fifth Third, Sprint and others.
An Agreement and Plan of Merger ("Agreement") was made and entered into as of March 24, 2023 by and among TPT SpeedConnect LLC, a Colorado Limited Liability Company (wholly-owned subsidiary of TPT Global Tech, Inc.) ("SPC"), and Asberry 22 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware Corporation ("ASHI"), and SPC Acquisition, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASHI, domiciled in Colorado ("Acquisition Sub") primarily for the opportunities of capital raising. SPC then converted to a Corporate entity and Acquisition Submerged with and into SPC (the "Merger"). The separate corporate existence of Acquisition Sub ceased and SPC continues as the surviving corporation in the Merger and as wholly-owned subsidiary of ASHI. All of the properties, rights and privileges, and power of SPC, vest in the Subsidiary, and all debts, liabilities and duties of SPC are the debts, liabilities and duties of the Subsidiary. The shares of common stock of Acquisition Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time is converted into and exchange for 1,000 validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Subsidiary's common stock.
TPT Global Tech, Inc. was issued a total of 4,658,318 common shares of ASHI (the "ASHI Common Stock"), as a result of the merger, constituting 86% of the then issued and outstanding common stock. TPT Global Tech, Inc. also has purchased all of the 500,000 Series A Super Majority Voting Preferred Shares of ASHI for a convertible note payable of $500,000 due in 180 days which bears interest at 6.0% per annum and is convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of the volume weighted average price for the preceding 5 market trading days. This note payable has not been paid and is considered delinquent. Discussions are ongoing with the holder of the note payable.
Blue Collar Production Division
Our production division, Blue Collar Productions (formerly Blue Collar, Inc.), creates original live action and animated content productions and has produced hundreds of hours of material for the television, theatrical, home entertainment and new media markets. Mr. Rowen, our CEO of Blue Collar, works closely with major television networks, cable channels and film studios to produce home entertainment products.
The Documentary film group at Blue Collar recently completed a film on the cultural impact of Goodfellas: 20 Years Later that featured Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, Lorraine Bracco, Leonardo DiCaprio and many others. They have also produced a series of film anthologies for Turner Classic Movies. Blue Collar is currently in production on Built To Fail, which is a look at the history of street wear. The film features Tommy Hilfiger, Russell Simmons and a host of notable street wear designers. They are also in pre-production on The 29 Club, a look at notable musicians who all tragically died at age 29; Memories in Music, which is an in-depth study of the impact of memory through music on Alzheimer’s patients and Faces of Vegas, an exploration into the culture of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Blue Collar Productions currently has the feature film Looking For Alaska, based on the John Green novel, producing for Paramount Pictures. The company produced for a pilot for MTV for a possible series, “My Jam” aired in the Fall of 2016. Blue Collar has also produced two seasons of “Caribbean’s Next Top Model Season.”
Blue Collar Productions designs branding and marketing campaigns and has had contracts with some of the world’s largest companies including PepsiCo, Intel, HP, WalMart and many other Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, they create motion picture, television and home entertainment marketing campaigns for studios including Sony, DreamWorks, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Studios, Paramount Studios, and Warner Brothers.
The CEO of this division, Mr. Rowen, has worked with filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Brett Ratner and James Cameron. Mr. Rowen also has very close working relationships with actors including Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Robert Downey, Jr., Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, Sofia Vergara, Mariska Hargitay and many others.
Prior to starting Blue Collar Productions, Mr. Rowen functioned as the head of home entertainment production for DreamWorks SKG from 1997 to 2000. He also serves as the President of Long Leash Entertainment, an aggregator of entertainment based intellectual property and creator of high-end entertainment content.
Technology Company Overview
Our Company was formed as the successor of two US Corporations, Ally Pharma US, a Pharmaceutical technology research company founded in 1988 and TPT Global Inc. a Media Content, Voice and Data, Interconnect and International gateway provider. TPT Global Tech is headquartered in San Diego, California and operates as a holding company for its Media, Smartphone, Network, Content and SaaS (Software as a Services) domestic and international businesses.
Historically and through key acquisitions we launched Telecommunications wholesale and retail operations in the United States and Internationally. These first acquisitions with their Customer Bases, Distribution Channels and Technology are the base for our organic growth strategy and provide opportunities to cross sell our platforms and New Media Technology products and services Domestically and Internationally.
We are based in San Diego, California and operate as a technology-based company with divisions providing telecommunications, medical technology and product distribution, media content for domestic and international syndication as well as technology solutions. We operate as a Media Content Hub for Domestic and International syndication, Technology/Telecommunications company using on our own proprietary Global Digital Social Media and Mobile TV and Telecommunications infrastructure platform and we also provide technology solutions to businesses worldwide. We offer Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS),
Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) and carrier-grade performance and support for businesses over our private IP MPLS fiber and wireless network in the United States. Our cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media and collaboration features in today's global technology markets. We also operate as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a Master Distributor for Pre-Paid Cellphone services, Mobile phones, Cellphone Accessories and Global Roaming Cellphones.
Our technologies “Gathers Big Data” to predict our customers’ viewing and spending habits. We then deliver Products and Services to support that estimated demand and share advertising revenues with our Content, Digital Media and Linear Broadcast Partners worldwide.
Each of our four divisions contributes to the launch of our global Content delivery platform “VuMe” formerly known as “ViewMe Live” and creates cross pollinating revenue opportunities and a closed Global E-commerce Eco environment which we believe will help us execute our short- and long-term corporate objectives. Our Content Division TPT Media and Entertainment LLC which consists of Blue Collar Productions (our TV and Film content Production company) creates original content and in some cases third party content. Once Content has been produced, we will then broadcast and deliver that content over our proprietary VuMe Mobile TV and Social media Platform domestically and internationally.
Our corporate goal is to work within our four in house divisions (Smartphone, Network, Content and SaaS) to launch hardware abs software sales and build a viewer subscriber base domestically and internationally. This edge device deployment would deliver free Content, free Linear Broadcast feeds and Social Media features on our Free proprietary VuMe Mobile app platform which includes in app users subscription models with the anticipation to aggregate and showcase our original and third-party Content, Digital Media and Linear broadcast feeds from and too the four corners of the Globe.
We have generated revenues in 2023, 2022 and 2021, primarily through operating as a Broadband Internet provider. The Company can also operate its approximate 58 miles Fiber optic ring throughout the greater Phoenix valley offering such services as Basic Residential Phone service, Basic Business phone service, POT’s lines, Basic Fiber Broadband Internet services, Wireless Internet Services, Toll Free 800 services, EFax, Erate, Dedicated T-1 Services, Auto Attendant, SIP Trunks, Mobile and VoIP services. These offerings will continue for the foreseeable future weighted heavily towards offering more Wireless Internet services and the Fiber Ring will be transformed into a Private Test facility to be offered for rent to businesses needing a private network to test new products for proof of concept purposes. Since the acquisition of the assets of SpeedConnect in 2019, we operate as a Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) provider and are considered one of the nation’s largest rural wireless broadband Internet providers serving approximately 2,000 residential and commercial wireless broadband Internet customers, in Arizona, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, and Texas.
We, and our related acquired companies are seeking to be an innovative Media-Telecom/CUBS (Cloud Unified Businesses Services) company and one of the first to combine recurring Telecom, Media and Data/Cloud Services revenue under one roof, then bring all relevant data from those services into a proprietary telecom infrastructure and information matrix platform capable of delivering a “Daily and Intelligent Dashboard” to our Domestic and International customers. Such a planned cohesive combination of services and information from a single provider has been heretofore nonexistent. We intend to pioneer an integrate communication services and information technology suites to empower individuals and companies with vital communications, Smartphone, Network, Content, SaaS (Software as A Service), New Media Technology products and services, and valuable relevant diagnostic information both Domestically and Internationally.
We are currently able to deliver a live Global Mobile TV Broadcast and Social Media Platform utilizing a Mobile App technology on our proprietary Content Delivery Network “VuMe”. We plan to expand our Cloud Unified Business Services (CUBS) technology-based business services unifying multiple services from the cloud including applications developed for our medical division.
CUBS (Cloud Unified Business Services) - We are a CUBS provider, acquiring customers and then cross selling additional products and services through our proprietary Wrap Around Relationship Marketing (WARM) system, intending to make the customers very sticky – prone to not leave as a customer.
Planned Activities
Big Data & Predictive Analytics - Our capability to utilize our proprietary aggregation platform to gather data from our hardware and software edge device (End Users) deployments positions the Company to be a leader in predictive analytics.
Cross-Sales – Our growth strategy through complimentary acquisitions may create opportunities to cross and sell its New Generation, New Media technology products and services to a growing customer base across multiple distribution channels, both domestically and internationally.
Market Launch - Through our acquisition of VuMe from Matrixsites, we have acquired the live backend broadcast Network technology for our Global Mobile TV and Social Media platform. Subject to raising capital of ($500,000 to $5,000,000) from our fund-raising activities, we believe we are within 60 to 90 days of launching our “VuMe” Mobile APP delivery platform.
Liquidity and Capital Resource Needs
We anticipate needing an estimated $50,000,000 in capital to continue our business operations and expansion. We do not have committed sources for these additional funds and will need to be obtained through debt or equity placements or a combination of those.
Estimate of Liquidity and Capital Resource Needs
Although the items set forth above indicate management’s present estimate of our liquidity and capital resource needs, we may reallocate the proceeds or utilize them for other corporate purposes. Our actual use proceeds may vary from these estimates because of a number of factors, including whether we are successful in completing future acquisitions, whether we obtain additional funding, what other obligations have been incurred by us, the operating results of our initial acquisition activities, and whether we are able to operate profitably. If our need for working capital increases, we may seek additional funds through loans or other financing. There are no current commitments for any such financing opportunity, and there can be no assurance that these funds may be obtained in the future if the need arises.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS/FORMATIONS OF OPERATING DIVISIONS/SUBSIDIARIES
Acquisitions – Potential and Terminated
Geokall UK Ltd. Acquisition and Purchase Agreement
On October 31, 2023, as amended on April 9, 2024, the Company entered into an Acquisition and Purchase Agreement with Geokall UK Ltd. (“Geokall”), a UK Limited Company, and its owners (“Sellers”) (altogether, the “Parties”) for all of the assets, liabilities, intellectual property, and technology of Geokall in exchange for 200,000 shares of TPT restricted Series F Convertible Preferred Stock with a stated price of $5.00 USD per share with the Designation of Rights and Privileges similar to TPT’s Series E Preferred Shares, but which Series F Preferred Shares designation has not yet been submitted or approved by the Secretary of State of Florida, and cannot be assured. In addition, TPT agrees that upon a successful fund-raising event, TPT will provide Geokall with working capital in the amount up to $500,000. An audit based on SEC Standards of Geokall UK Ltd financial statements, including footnotes, must be obtained and the Parties agree that the purchase price may be subject to change based on the results of the audit. The closing may occur prior to the audit being completed if Parties agree.
Other Terminated Acquisitions
The Company had pending agreements to acquire, and had disclosed in prior filings, Broadband Infrastructure Inc. and Tekmovil Holdings LLC. Both of these intended acquisitions have terminated by mutual agreement, or have gone beyond their allowed closing date in accordance with the acquisitions in place.
Our Business Methods
Centralized Platform and New Generation Network
Upon the closing of our acquisition of GeoKall, we will be operating a next-generation broadband network reselling other companies’ networks on a wholesale arbitrage basis (buying and reselling other companies’ capacity).”Geokall ESim Platform”. We will be interconnected to U.S. and International carriers to date. Once funded, we intend to deploy our own in-country networks in the targeted emerging markets. This will enable us to be able to provide better quality termination and increase our operating margins. We believe our platform will produce substantial operational cost savings. Because of our pricing advantage, we will be able to offer our clients products and services at an attractive pricing structure, creating a strong competitive advantage. We believe that based on our intended low network operating costs and low-cost infrastructure, we will be able to penetrate emerging markets with little network build-out and at a reasonable price. We believe that our service offerings will be well received in emerging markets based on existing relationships and pricing structure, which will enable us to set the industry standard with little competition.
Once we establish in-country networks, we will be able to market Phones, Networks, Content and SaaS products targeted to specific subgroups that coincide with the country/region where we have a network in place or a strategic partnership network in place.
Use of Incumbent Networks
Under formal agreements we can privately brand and resell incumbent carriers’ underlying broadband networks, while deploying our own Wimax/Wi-Fi/GSM service plans and mobile handsets.
As a true value add, our Geokall ESim platform allows us to manage the billing and routing, offering our customers a seamless, branded network from anywhere we maintain a relationship. By way of incumbent operator networks, we can sell and market to retail and wholesale customers without the high infrastructure costs associated with deploying our own network. If and when the revenues justify the cost of constructing our own network, we plan to investigate adding a wireless Broadband/ GSM network and transfer our customer base in a final step to reduce costs of goods sold long-term.
Wholesale Termination
Wholesale termination is the reselling of excess network capacity on a reciprocal basis to other telecom carriers both domestically and internationally. Due to the large number of carrier relationships we have in the US and abroad, we believe we can immediately increase our wholesale termination in each country in which we have a license to operate. This wholesale activity generates additional cash flow immediately if successfully implemented. Wholesale termination is a low risk, low margin business.
Service Description
Our next-generation wireless Broadband/GSM network relies on non-line-of-sight technology. This will provide a level of performance comparable to that delivered by evolving Worldwide Interoperability of Microwave Access (WiMAX) standards. The cost advantage equates to substantial reductions of fixed costs as compared to building traditional, legacy, and switched networks.
Our products and marketing strategy unifies the various features available in today’s telecommunication environment including:
Our Business Segments
Our business segment consists generally of providing strategic, legacy and data integration products and services to small, medium and enterprise business, wholesale and governmental customers, including other communication providers. Our strategic products and services offered to these customers include our collocation, hosting, broadband, VoIP, information technology and other ancillary services. Our services offered to these customers primarily include local and long-distance voice, inducing the sale of unbundled network elements (“UNEs”), switched access and other ancillary services. Our product offerings include the sale of telecommunications equipment located on customers’ premises and related products and professional services, all of which are described further below.
Our products and services include local and long-distance voice, broadband, Ethernet, collocation, hosting (including cloud hosting and managed hosting), data integration, video, network, public access, VoIP, information technology and other ancillary services.
We offer our customers the ability to bundle together several products and services. For example, we offer integrated and unlimited local and long-distance voice services. Our customers can also bundle two or more services such as broadband, video (including through our strategic partnerships), voice services. We believe our customers value the convenience and price discounts associated with receiving multiple services through a single company.
Most of our products and services are provided using our telecommunications network, which consists of voice and data switches, copper cables, fiber-optic cables and other equipment.
Described in greater detail below are our key products and services are as follows:
TPT SpeedConnect: ISP and Telecom (Held within TPT’s majority controlled subsidiary Asberry 22 Holdings, Inc.)
On May 7, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of SpeedConnect LLC (“SpeedConnect”) for $1.75 million, including the assumption of all contracts and liabilities pertinent to operations and conveyed them into a wholly owned subsidiary TPT SpeedConnect. The Acquisition closed on May 7, 2019. SpeedConnect was founded in 2002 by its CEO John Arthur Ogren and is in its 17th year of operations as a national, predominantly rural, wireless telecommunications residential and commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP). TPT SpeedConnect’s primary business model is subscription based, monthly reoccurring revenues, from wireless delivered, high-speed Internet connections utilizing its company built and owned national network. SpeedConnect also resells third-party satellite Internet, DSL Internet, IP telephony and DISH TV products.
SpeedConnect is a privately-held Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) provider. Today, TPT SpeedConnect is one of the nation’s largest rural wireless broadband Internet providers which serves approximately 2,000 residential and commercial wireless broadband Internet customers, in Arizona, Idaho, Michigan, Montana and Texas.
TPT SpeedConnect is a full-service ISP. The company’s back office is run by company employees, and includes network management, network monitoring and maintenance, significant allocations of registered address in public IP4 and IP6 space, employee based customer service, installation services, automated resources and application based scheduling and tracking, paper, ACH, credit card, and email billing, warehousing, fulfillment, integrated customer premise provisioning, walled garden collections and customer self-restarts, bandwidth usage tracking, integrated, secure, and deep financial and operations dash board reporting, collections, accounting, payables, owned and licensed backhaul, intelligent bandwidth management, consumption rated billing, customer payment portals, and all wrapped in a mature, first hit on all search engines, Internet Brand. The company today services approximately 2,000 residential and commercial Internet customers over its approximately 100+-cellular tower footprint across 5 Midwestern States.
Today’s urban ISP landscape is highly competitive and dominated by some of the world’s largest going concerns. Names like Comcast, AT&T, Cox, Charter and DISH are household words. Home Internet service has become synonymous with Cable. However, this is limited to the high-density top 100 markets. Beyond that the competition becomes more small licensed free wireless providers and satellite. Wire-line providers, unless backed with government subsidies, do not build beyond 15 homes per street mile. SpeedConnect services both rural and non-rural areas, and historically has done well in both marketplaces, however the margins are improved in the more rural areas due to reduced voluntary and involuntary customer attrition.
TPT SpeedConnect’s key suppliers include but are not limited to; Juniper, ZTE, Huawei, Cisco, Sandvine, American Tower, SBA Tower, Crown Castle, CenturyLink, SuddenLink, South Dakota Networks, 123 dot net, Genesee Telephone, Air Advantage Fiber, Iron Mountain, ConVergence, CDW, Talley, Tessco, Bursma Electronics, DragonWave, Ceragon Networks, Telrad, Arris, AP, APD, Plante Morran, Fifth Third, Sprint and others.
An Agreement and Plan of Merger ("Agreement") was made and entered into as of March 24, 2023 by and among TPT SpeedConnect LLC, a Colorado Limited Liability Company (wholly-owned subsidiary of TPT Global Tech, Inc.) ("SPC"), and Asberry 22 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware Corporation ("ASHI"), and SPC Acquisition, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASHI, domiciled in Colorado ("Acquisition Sub") primarily for the opportunities of capital raising. SPC then converted to a Corporate entity and Acquisition Submerged with and into SPC (the "Merger"). The separate corporate existence of Acquisition Sub ceased and SPC continues as the surviving corporation in the Merger and as wholly-owned subsidiary of ASHI. All of the properties, rights and privileges, and power of SPC, vest in the Subsidiary, and all debts, liabilities and duties of SPC are the debts, liabilities and duties of the Subsidiary. The shares of common stock of Acquisition Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time is converted into and exchange for 1,000 validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Subsidiary's common stock.
TPT Global Tech, Inc. was issued a total of 4,658,318 common shares of ASHI (the "ASHI Common Stock"), as a result of the merger, constituting 86% of the then issued and outstanding common stock. TPT Global Tech, Inc. also has purchased all of the 500,000 Series A Super Majority Voting Preferred Shares of ASHI for a convertible note payable of $500,000 due in 180 days which bears interest at 6.0% per annum and is convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of the volume weighted average price for the preceding 5 market trading days.
Blue Collar Production Division
Our production division, Blue Collar Productions (formerly Blue Collar, Inc.), creates original live action and animated content productions. Blue Collar creates original live action and animated content and has produced hundreds of hours of material for the television, theatrical, home entertainment and new media markets.
The Documentary film group at Blue Collar recently completed a film on the cultural impact of Goodfellas: 20 Years Later that featured Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, Lorraine Bracco, Leonardo DiCaprio and many others. They have also produced a series of film anthologies for Turner Classic Movies. Blue Collar is currently in production on Built To Fail, which is a look at the history of street wear. The film features Tommy Hilfiger, Russell Simmons and a host of notable street wear designers. They are also in pre-production on The 29 Club, a look at notable musicians who all tragically died at age 29; Memories in Music, which is an in-depth study of the impact of memory through music on Alzheimer’s patients and Faces of Vegas, an exploration into the culture of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Blue Collar Productions currently has the feature film Looking For Alaska, based on the John Green novel, producing for Paramount Pictures. The company produced for a pilot for MTV for a possible series, “My Jam” aired in the Fall of 2016. Blue Collar has also produced two seasons of “Caribbean’s Next Top Model Season.”
Blue Collar Productions designs branding and marketing campaigns and has had contracts with some of the world’s largest companies including PepsiCo, Intel, HP, WalMart and many other Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, they create motion picture, television and home entertainment marketing campaigns for studios including Sony, DreamWorks, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Studios, Paramount Studios, and Warner Brothers.
The CEO of this division, Mr. Rowen, has worked with filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Brett Ratner and James Cameron. Mr. Rowen also has very close working relationships with actors including Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Robert Downey, Jr., Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, Sofia Vergara, Mariska Hargitay and many others.
Prior to starting Blue Collar Productions, Mr. Rowen functioned as the head of home entertainment production for DreamWorks SKG from 1997 to 2000. He also serves as the President of Long Leash Entertainment, an aggregator of entertainment based intellectual property and creator of high-end entertainment content.
Media Content
We operate as a Media Content Hub for Domestic and International syndication, Technology/Telecommunications company using on our own proprietary Global Digital Media TV and Telecommunications infrastructure platform “VuMe” and we also provide technology solutions to businesses worldwide. We offer Software as a Service (SaaS), Technology Platform as a Service (PAAS), Cloud-based Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) and carrier-grade performance and support for businesses over our private IP MPLS fiber and wireless network in the United States. Our cloud-based UCaaS services allow businesses of any size to enjoy all the latest voice, data, media and collaboration features in today's global technology markets. We also operate as a Master Distributor for Nationwide Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and Independent Sales Organization (ISO) as a Master Distributor for Pre-Paid Cellphone services, Mobile phones, Cellphone Accessories and Global Roaming Cellphones.
Our technologies “Gathers Big Data” to predict our customers’ viewing and spending habits. We then deliver Products and Services to support that estimated demand and share advertising revenues with our Content, Digital Media and Linear Broadcast Partners worldwide.
Each of our four divisions contributes to the launch of our global Content delivery platform “VuMe” and creates cross pollinating revenue opportunities and a closed Global E-commerce Eco environment which we believe will help us execute our short and long term corporate objectives. Our Content Division which consists of Blue Collar Productions (our TV and Film content Production company) creates original content and in some cases third party content. Once Content has been produced we will then broadcast and delivered that content over our proprietary Mobile TV Platform on our proprietary TruCom Telecommunication Network infrastructure domestically and internationally.
CUBS (Cloud Unified Business Services) –
We are a CUBS provider (Cloud Unified Businesses Services) company and one of the first to combine recurring Telecom, Media and Data/Cloud Services revenue under one roof, then bring all relevant data from those services into a proprietary telecom infrastructure and information matrix platform capable of delivering a “Daily and Intelligent Dashboard” to our Domestic and International customers. Such a planned cohesive combination of services and information from a single provider has been heretofore nonexistent. We intend to pioneer an integrate communication services and information technology suites to empower individuals and companies with vital communications, Smartphone, Network, Content, SaaS (Software as A Service), New Media Technology products and services, and valuable relevant diagnostic information both Domestically and Internationally.
We are currently able to deliver a live Global TV Broadcast and Social Media Platform utilizing a Mobile App technology on our proprietary Content Delivery Network. We plan to expand our Cloud Unified Business Services (CUBS) technology-based business services unifying multiple services from the cloud.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Financing Arrangements
Standby Equity Commitment Agreement
On February 15, 2024, the Company entered into a Standby Equity Commitment Agreement, dated February 14, 2024 (the "SECA") with MacRab LLC, a Florida limited liability company (the "MacRab"). The SECA provides the Company with an option to sell up to $3,000,000 worth of the Company's common stock to MacRab, in increments, over the period ending twenty-four (24) months after the date that a related registration statement is deemed effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the SECA. The purchase price per share, for each respective put under the SECA, is equal to 90% of the average of the two (2) lowest volume weighted average prices of the Common Stock during the six (6) trading days following the clearing date associated with the respective put under the SECA. The Company will pay a finders fee on each increment drawn of up to 8% in cash and 8% in restricted common shares of the Company.
1800 Diagonal Financing
Dated February 7, 2024, but consummated on February 12, 2024, TPT Global Tech, Inc. and 1800 Diagonal Lending LLC entered into a Convertible Promissory Note (“1800 Diagonal Note #4”) totaling $92,000. The 1800 Diagonal Note #4, upon the terms and subject to certain general limitations and conditions, bears an interest rate of 12%, 22% default, including a one-time earned interest charge of 12% or $11,040, resulted in cash received by the Company of $75,000 net of expenses and discount of $12,000. Required payments shall be 9 monthly payments of $11,449 starting March 15, 2024 with a total payback of $103,040. The Holder may convert the outstanding unpaid principal amount into restricted shares of Common Stock of the Company at a discount of 35% of the Market Price, as indicated or upon default. There are no warrants or options attached to this Note. The Company has initially reserved 750,000,000 shares of Common Stock for conversion pursuant to the 1800 Diagonal Note #4. As a condition of funding this 1800 Diagonal Note #4, the Company increased share reserves on previous 1800 Diagonal Lending Notes by 750,000,000 shares.
Dated March 25, 2024, TPT Global Tech, Inc. and 1800 Diagonal Lending LLC entered into a Convertible Promissory Note (“1800 Diagonal Note #5”) totaling $66,000. The 1800 Diagonal Note #5, upon the terms and subject to certain general limitations and conditions, bears an interest rate of 19%, 22% default, including a one-time earned interest charge of 19% or $12,540, resulted in cash received by the Company of $50,000 net of expenses and discount of $11,000. Required payments shall be $47,124 on September 30, 2024 and $10,472 on each of October 30 2024, November 30, 2024 and December 30, 2024 with a total payback of $78,540. The Holder may convert the outstanding unpaid principal amount into restricted shares of Common Stock of the Company at a discount of 39% of the Market Price, as indicated or upon default. There are no warrants or options attached to this Note. The Company has initially reserved 1,400,000,000 shares of Common Stock for conversion pursuant to the 1800 Diagonal Note #5.
FirstFire Financing
On May 6, 2024, the Company received $40,000 as an advance from FirstFire Global Opportunity Fund, LLC. This advance is intended to be an advance from an intended $75,000 convertible promissory note that is being drafted and will be consummated in the near future. There is no agreed upon definite terms as of the advance but that they include convertibility to common shares at a discount to market and a reservation of 1,250,000,000 common shares with the transfer agent for conversion. 625,000,000 of these shares have been reserved at the time of the advance. The purpose of the advance was for working capital purposes.
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
On January 17, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and by-laws of the Company amended the Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized number of common shares by Ten Billion Five Hundred Million (10,500,000,000) which increased the total authorized common shares to Fifteen Billion (15,000,000,000) with all common shares having the then existing rights powers and privileges as per the existing amended Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.
Consulting Agreements
Roy D. Foreman Business Development and Professional Services Consulting Agreement
On January 30, 2024, TPT Global Tech, Inc. dba TPT Entertainment and Media LLC and Roy D. Foreman (“Mr. Foreman”) entered into a Business Development and Professional Services Consulting Agreement. TPT engaged Mr. Foreman as President of the TPT’s US Domestic and International Boxing Division to provide business development and/or professional services related to making introductions to funding sources and the launch of TPT’s Live Mobile TV Broadcasting on TPT’s VuMe Super App platform.
Mr. Foreman will receive $500,000 USD, payable in TPT equity stock as compensation for consultant services as President of the TPT Global Tech dba TPT Media and Entertainment Division for which $100K USD of those service have been considered rendered. TPT equity stock shall mean common or preferred stock as created, or which may exist, by TPT Global Tech and agreed to by Mr. Foreman. The remaining payment will be rendered upon a successful Launch of the VuMe Boxing division or a successful strategic partnership, branding, marketing, distribution or Network affiliation agreement. Once first bridge financing has been raised Mr. Foreman will receive $7,500.00 per month as a consultant fee until additional capital has been raised to move consultant to W2 employment status with full employee benefits and the participation in the company’s employee stock option plan. At this stage Mr. Foreman will enter into a full company employment agreement.
Sean Jones Business Development and Professional Services Consulting Agreement
On April 15, 2024, TPT Global Tech, Inc. dba TPT Entertainment and Media LLC and D. Sean Jones (“Mr. Jones”) entered into a Business Development and Professional Services Consulting Agreement. TPT engaged Mr. Jones as Executive Vice President of Business Development and In-House Counsel to provide business development and/or professional services related to making introductions to funding sources and the launch of TPT’s Live Mobile TV Broadcasting on TPT’s VuMe Super App platform.
Mr. Jones will receive $375,000 of stated value of TPT Global Tech Series F Preferred Shares, $5.00 per share, or 75,000 shares as compensation for services considered rendered as Executive Vice President of Business Development and In-House Counsel.
At this time, there is no designation for the TPT Global Tech Series F Preferred shares. It is intended that the Series F preferred shares will have the same or similar features to the TPT Global Tech Series E preferred shares, but this cannot be assured without a definite completed designation accepted by the State of Florida. Ultimately, the designation submitted and approved by the state of Florida will be the governing designation for the Series F shares and used for this agreement.
Additional compensation shall be provided upon a successful launch of VuMe or a successful strategic partnership, branding, marketing, distribution, or network affiliation agreement. Mr. Jones shall have the option to receive, upon the successful launch of VuMe, monthly compensation commensurate with TPT's upper level management and transition to W2 employment status with full employee benefits and participation in the company's employee stock option plan.
Common Stock Issuances
Subsequent to December 31, 2023, FirstFire and 1800 Diagonal exercised their rights to convert $151,636 of principal amounts into 410,050,045 of shares of common stock.
Amendment and Restatement of the TPT Global Tech, Inc. Stock Option, Compensation, and Award Incentive Plan.
On February 1, 2024, by unanimous written consent, the Board of Directors and Majority Shareholder of TPT Global Tech, Inc. (the “Company”) approved and adopted an amendment and restatement of the 2024 TPT Global Tech, Inc. Stock Option, Compensation, and Award Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the maximum number of common shares, with a par value of $0.001 (“Common Shares”), available for grant to participants under the Plan to 3,500,000,000 Common Shares. In addition, the Plan was amended to define “Eligible Person” as an Employee, Consultant (Person or Professional Services Company) or Director of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary. A company other than a Professional Services Company is NOT eligible and “Issuance for Compensation for Services” shall mean the issuance for valuable and adequate consideration determined by the Board as determined by performance pursuant to an agreement. This Plan amends and supersedes any and all prior Plans.
CORPORATE MARKETING STRATEGY
Our corporate marketing strategy revolves around positioning VuMe as a trailblazing and consumer-centric technology brand, with a keen focus on VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology.
Brand Positioning: VuMe will be positioned as an innovator, committed to enhancing the digital lifestyle of users. Our brand will stand for cutting-edge technology, user convenience, and a seamless fusion of communication and entertainment.
Target Audience: Identifying specific target demographics for each product is crucial. For VuMe Super App, our target includes tech-savvy individuals seeking an all-in-one solution. VuMe Mobile targets a premium audience interested in high-performance devices. GSM eSIM appeals to global travelers and professionals requiring secure, flexible connectivity.
Product Messaging:
Digital Presence: A robust online presence is critical. A user-friendly website, active social media channels, and SEO strategies will ensure visibility. Engaging content, such as blogs and videos, will be deployed to showcase product features and benefits.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Strategic partnerships with influencers, tech reviewers, and app developers will be forged to generate buzz and enhance the VuMe Super App ecosystem. Telecom operator collaborations will seamlessly integrate GSM eSIM technology.
Customer Engagement: Implementing a loyalty program for VuMe users, gathering and acting on customer feedback, and providing excellent customer support are essential components of our strategy. Building a community around our products will enhance brand loyalty.
Offline Presence: VuMe Mobile sales will be facilitated through retail partnerships. Participation in tech expos and establishing experience zones in key locations will allow potential users to interact with and experience VuMe products firsthand.
Promotions and Campaigns: Targeted marketing campaigns during key sales seasons, special promotions for early adopters, and referral programs will drive awareness and adoption. These efforts will be aligned with market trends and consumer preferences.
Monitoring and Analytics: Utilizing analytics tools to track campaign performance, monitoring social media sentiments, and making data-driven decisions will be integral to our strategy. Real-time adjustments will ensure our marketing efforts remain effective.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with data protection and telecom regulations is non-negotiable. Clearly communicating privacy and security measures will build trust among users, establishing VuMe as a responsible and reliable brand.
By implementing these detailed strategies, we aim to not only introduce but establish VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology as leaders in their respective domains, creating a lasting impact in the competitive technology landscape.
MARKETING OBJECTIVE:
Our comprehensive marketing objectives for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology are designed to establish a strong market presence and drive sustained growth. Firstly, we aim to increase brand awareness by an ambitious 30% within the first quarter. This will be achieved through a multifaceted approach involving targeted digital marketing campaigns, strategic SEO initiatives, and engaging social media content to ensure VuMe becomes a recognized and trusted name in the tech industry.
For VuMe Super App, our goal is to drive user adoption by realizing a 20% increase in app downloads over the next six months. This involves the implementation of compelling promotional campaigns, strategic partnerships with influencers to enhance visibility, and optimizing the app's presence on various app stores. Simultaneously, our focus on VuMe Mobile aims to position it as a premium choice among mobile service providers and smartphones, with an objective to attain some level of market share domestically within the next fiscal year. This will be achieved through strategic retail partnerships, leveraging influencer endorsements, and delivering exceptional customer experiences to establish VuMe Mobile as a preferred brand among tech enthusiasts.
To enhance user engagement for VuMe Super App, we aim to increase daily active users (DAU) within the next 6 quarters. This involves the implementation of loyalty programs, regular feature updates, and personalized content recommendations to create a dynamic and engaging user experience. Simultaneously, create targeted sales growth for VuMe Mobile within the next fiscal year. This goal will be achieved through strategic retail promotions, exclusive launch events, and leveraging positive user testimonials to establish VuMe Mobile as a top-tier smartphone choice.
Expanding our offline presence is another critical objective, with the aim to establish VuMe as a recognizable brand in physical retail spaces through partnerships with at least 100 retail outlets within the next six months. This initiative aims to provide customers with hands-on experiences with VuMe Mobile, strengthening our offline presence and accessibility.
Optimizing customer support is a pivotal goal, with the objective of achieving a customer satisfaction rate of 90% within the first year of operations. This involves the implementation of an efficient and responsive customer support system, addressing user queries and concerns promptly to enhance overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Maximizing influencer collaborations is integral to our strategy, with the objective of increasing the reach and credibility of VuMe products. Collaborating with at least 10 key influencers within the tech and lifestyle space with an objective to generate over 25% growth in social media mentions and positive reviews within the next six months.
Lastly, ensuring regulatory compliance is a foundational objective. We aim to achieve and maintain full compliance with data protection and telecom regulations in all target markets. Regular audits and updates to policies will be conducted to ensure user trust and legal adherence, underscoring our commitment to responsible business practices.
These detailed and interconnected marketing objectives form a robust strategy, providing a comprehensive roadmap for our marketing team to drive the success of VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology in a competitive and dynamic market landscape.
ADVERTISING OBJECTIVE:
Our advertising objectives for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology are finely tuned to maximize visibility, user engagement, and overall market penetration. Primarily, we aim to create widespread awareness of our products through targeted advertising campaigns, ensuring increase in brand recognition within the first year. This involves deploying a mix of digital advertising channels, including social media platforms, online display ads, and search engine advertising, to reach a broad audience and establish VuMe as a prominent and trusted tech brand.
For VuMe Super App, the advertising objective is to drive user adoption by achieving increase in app downloads over the next serveral months. Our strategy involves creating compelling and visually appealing advertisements that highlight the app's multifunctionality and user-friendly features. Collaborative efforts with influencers and strategic placement within app store advertising spaces will be pivotal to achieving this objective.
Simultaneously, advertising efforts for VuMe Mobile aim to position it as a premium choice among Mobile Service Providers and smartphones. Our objective is to attain market share in high-end devices within the next fiscal year. This involves crafting visually striking and informative advertisements that showcase VuMe Mobile's competitive pricing and cutting-edge hardware, exceptional design, and standout features. Collaborations with tech reviewers and influencers will be leveraged to enhance credibility and reach among the target audience.
In promoting GSM eSIM technology, our advertising objective is to increase adoption in targeted markets within the next nine months. We will focus on educational advertising campaigns that highlight the benefits of GSM eSIM, emphasizing its flexibility, security features, and global connectivity advantages. Strategic partnerships with telecom operators will be emphasized in our advertising efforts to convey the seamless integration of GSM eSIM into modern mobile communication.
To enhance user engagement for VuMe Super App, advertising efforts will focus on promoting exclusive features and content, encouraging downloads, and conveying a sense of community through the app. We aim to achieve increase in daily active users within the next several quarters through targeted ad placements, in-app promotions, and user testimonial-driven campaigns.
Our advertising objectives for VuMe Mobile include achieving growth in sales within the next fiscal year. This will be accomplished through visually appealing and emotionally resonant advertisements that highlight VuMe Mobile's unique selling points. Special promotions, limited-time offers, and exclusive launch events will be strategically advertised to create a sense of urgency and desirability among the target audience.
Expanding our offline presence is a crucial advertising objective, and efforts will be directed towards creating visually captivating in-store displays, outdoor advertising, and collaborations with retail partners. This initiative aims to drive foot traffic, create brand recognition, and ultimately contribute to achieving our goal of partnering with at least 100 retail outlets within the next 12 months.
Maximizing influencer collaborations is integral to our advertising strategy, aiming to increase reach and credibility. Collaborating with at least 10 key influencers within the tech and lifestyle space will be highlighted in our advertising efforts, showcasing their experiences and endorsements to build trust and enthusiasm among the audience.
Lastly, our advertising objectives emphasize regulatory compliance. Advertisements will include clear communication about data protection measures, privacy policies, and compliance with telecom regulations. This ensures transparency and trustworthiness, essential elements in the tech industry.
In summary, our advertising objectives form a comprehensive and synergistic approach, leveraging various channels and strategies to drive the success of VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology in the competitive and dynamic market landscape.
SALES & MERCHANDISING OBJECTIVES:
Our sales and merchandising objectives for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology are intricately designed to optimize revenue generation and create a compelling in-store presence. Firstly, our primary sales objective is to achieve a substantial increase in revenue within the next fiscal year. This will be accomplished through a combination of strategic pricing, bundling options, and targeted promotional campaigns to drive sales of both VuMe Super App subscriptions and VuMe Mobile phone services and devices.
For VuMe Super App, our sales strategy focuses on increasing subscription-based revenue within the next six months. This involves offering tiered subscription plans, exclusive in-app purchases, and limited-time promotions to incentivize users to upgrade to premium features. Collaborations with content creators and partnerships to integrate additional services within the app will further contribute to revenue growth.
Simultaneously, the sales objective for VuMe Mobile is achieved in phone service and device sales within the next fiscal year. We will implement targeted retail promotions, exclusive launch events, and strategic partnerships with retailers to enhance the visibility and desirability of VuMe Mobile devices. The introduction of special edition models and limited-time offers will be leveraged to create excitement and drive sales among tech enthusiasts.
In the case of GSM eSIM technology, our sales objective is to achieve adoption of eSIM-enabled devices within the +next nine months. Strategic collaborations with telecom operators, targeted advertising, and offering exclusive deals for devices with GSM eSIM technology will drive the adoption of this innovative connectivity solution.
Merchandising objectives are focused on creating an impactful in-store presence for VuMe Mobile. The goal is to establish partnerships with at least 100 retail outlets within the next six months, ensuring prominent and visually appealing displays that showcase the features and benefits of VuMe Mobile devices. Training retail staff to provide in-depth product knowledge and creating interactive displays will enhance the overall customer experience and contribute to increased sales.
Furthermore, maximizing cross-selling opportunities between VuMe Super App subscriptions and VuMe Mobile devices is a key merchandising objective. Bundling options, exclusive offers for app subscribers, and in-store promotions will encourage customers to explore the integrated ecosystem, creating a seamless and appealing user experience.
In conclusion, our sales and merchandising objectives are tightly aligned with our overall business strategy, aiming to drive revenue growth, increase product adoption, and create an immersive in-store experience. These objectives form a cohesive plan that leverages both digital and physical channels to promote the success of VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology in the competitive tech market.
PURSUE BRAND RECOGNITION THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES
To pursue brand recognition throughout the United States for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology, our comprehensive strategy encompasses various channels and initiatives. Firstly, we will launch targeted digital marketing campaigns that leverage popular social media platforms, online display ads, and search engine optimization to reach a broad audience. Engaging content highlighting the unique features and benefits of our products will be disseminated to create a strong online presence.
Additionally, strategic partnerships with influencers and tech enthusiasts will be cultivated to extend our brand's reach and credibility.
Simultaneously, offline strategies will be implemented to enhance brand visibility. This includes participation in prominent tech expos and events across key cities in the U.S., providing an opportunity for potential users to experience VuMe Mobile and GSM eSIM technology firsthand. Collaborations with retail partners will facilitate in-store displays, creating a physical presence that complements our digital efforts. Establishing experience zones in high-traffic locations will allow users to interact with our products, fostering a deeper connection with the brand.
Educational campaigns about GSM eSIM technology will be launched to showcase its benefits, such as flexibility, security, and global connectivity. Targeted advertising in relevant publications, both digital and print, will contribute to building awareness and understanding of this innovative technology. Furthermore, collaborations with telecom operators will be emphasized to integrate GSM eSIM seamlessly into the U.S. mobile connectivity landscape.
Public relations efforts will play a pivotal role in our strategy, with press releases, media coverage, and partnerships with industry publications to highlight VuMe's innovative solutions. Leveraging user testimonials and success stories will contribute to the organic spread of positive word-of-mouth, enhancing brand recognition.
Moreover, our strategy includes community engagement initiatives, such as sponsoring local events and supporting causes aligned with our brand values. This grassroots approach aims to create a sense of community around VuMe products and establish a strong emotional connection with users.
Continuous monitoring and analytics will guide our efforts, allowing us to adapt and refine our strategy based on real-time market feedback and trends. By fostering a consistent and compelling brand narrative across all touchpoints, we aim to position VuMe as a household name synonymous with innovation and a seamless digital experience throughout the United States.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Our plan includes a direct sales program targeting businesses, small business and home office users of communications. The direct sales efforts will be supported with third party marketing integration. To further enhance the sales process, we will offer an offering program including services and product sheets, coupons, point of sale materials (banners, shelf talkers, and end cap displays and danglers) and internet marketing programs.
Based on the above benefit scenarios, we plan to seize the following opportunities:
The purpose of our marketing efforts is to move the product sales from their current position into the rapid growing “popularity” stage. Our strategy includes the following marketing programs: Branding; Merchandising; Direct; Display Advertising; Media; Public Relations; Publicity; Events; Investor Relations; Metrics Dashboard; and, Personal Sales. Our objective is to gain the sales momentum required to reach the “brand preference” stage of product growth as soon as possible. This is the stage where we plan sales growth at a steady and stabilized pace.
THE DIRECT MARKETING PROGRAM
The direct marketing program for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology is meticulously designed to establish direct and personalized connections with our target audience. Through targeted email campaigns, we will deliver tailored content, showcasing the multifunctionality of the VuMe Super App, the cutting-edge features of VuMe Mobile, and the benefits of GSM eSIM technology. These emails will include exclusive promotions, personalized offers, and educational content to engage and nurture leads.
In addition to email marketing, direct mail campaigns will be employed to reach a diverse audience. High-quality, visually appealing mailers will be sent to targeted demographics, introducing them to the unique features of VuMe Mobile and the revolutionary capabilities of GSM eSIM technology. These direct mail pieces will include incentives such as limited-time discounts and access to exclusive content, encouraging recipients to explore VuMe products further.
To maximize customer engagement and loyalty, a comprehensive loyalty program will be implemented. This program will reward users for their continued use of the VuMe Super App, mobile devices, and adoption of GSM eSIM technology. Rewards may include special discounts, early access to new features, and exclusive content. The program will be communicated directly to users through in-app notifications, emails, and personalized messages.
Furthermore, telemarketing efforts will be employed, targeting specific demographics to promote VuMe Mobile and GSM eSIM technology. Skilled representatives will provide information, address inquiries, and guide potential customers through the features and benefits of our products. The telemarketing program will also include follow-up calls to nurture leads and gather valuable feedback.
To enhance the user experience and drive direct sales, a user-friendly and secure e-commerce platform will be established. This platform will allow customers to make direct purchases of VuMe Mobile devices and Phone services, subscribe to premium features of the VuMe Super App, and explore GSM eSIM-enabled devices. The platform will be optimized for mobile users, ensuring a seamless and convenient shopping experience.
Continuous monitoring and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) will be integral to the success of the direct marketing program. Metrics such as conversion rates, open rates, and customer feedback will be closely tracked to refine and optimize the program over time. By fostering direct connections with our audience through personalized and targeted efforts, the direct marketing program aims to drive awareness, engagement, and direct sales for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology.
THE MEDIA MARKETING PROGRAM
The media marketing program for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology is intricately crafted to leverage various media channels and platforms for maximum reach and impact. Our strategy encompasses a mix of traditional and digital media to effectively target diverse audiences. High-impact television and radio advertisements will showcase the features and benefits of VuMe Mobile and GSM eSIM technology, reaching a broad audience and building brand awareness. Additionally, strategic partnerships with popular streaming services will allow us to place targeted ads, ensuring visibility among tech-savvy audiences who consume content on digital platforms.
Digital media marketing efforts will be a focal point, utilizing social media platforms for targeted campaigns, sponsored content, and influencer collaborations. Engaging video content will be created to demonstrate the functionalities of the VuMe Super App and highlight the unique aspects of VuMe Mobile. Paid social media advertising will further amplify our reach and engage with our audience in a dynamic and interactive manner.
Search engine marketing (SEM) strategies will be implemented to optimize online visibility. This includes paid search advertising to capture users actively searching for related products and services, enhancing the discoverability of VuMe Mobile and GSM eSIM technology. Additionally, display advertising on relevant websites and platforms will reinforce brand messaging and drive traffic to our digital channels.
To further enhance our digital presence, content marketing initiatives will include blogs, articles, and interactive content that educates the audience about the advantages of GSM eSIM technology and the features of VuMe Super App. Email marketing campaigns will deliver personalized content and exclusive offers directly to the inboxes of potential users, fostering engagement and driving conversions.
Strategic public relations efforts will play a vital role, with press releases, media placements, and collaborations with industry influencers and tech publications. This will position VuMe as an innovative and authoritative brand in the tech space, contributing to positive brand perception and increased media coverage.
Moreover, event marketing will be incorporated to create direct touchpoints with our audience. Participation in tech expos, product launches, and sponsorship of relevant industry events will provide opportunities for hands-on interactions with VuMe Super app, VuMe Mobile and GSM eSIM technology. These events will be complemented by live demonstrations, product showcases, and exclusive offers to generate excitement and engagement.
The media marketing program will be continuously monitored and optimized using analytics tools to assess the performance of various channels and campaigns. Regular analysis of key metrics, such as impressions, engagement rates, and conversion rates, will inform strategic adjustments to ensure the program remains effective and aligned with our overall marketing objectives. Through a multi-faceted media marketing approach, we aim to maximize visibility, engagement, and positive brand perception for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology across diverse audiences.
THE PUBLIC RELATIONS/PUBLICITY PROGRAM
The Public Relations/ Publicity Program for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology is designed to strategically enhance brand image, generate positive media coverage, and foster a strong reputation within the tech industry. A key component of this program involves crafting compelling press releases to announce major product launches, updates, and partnerships. These press releases will be distributed to a targeted list of tech journalists, bloggers, and influencers to secure widespread media coverage and build anticipation among the audience.
Strategic media placements will be a focus, with a concerted effort to secure features and interviews in reputable tech publications, both online and offline. These placements will highlight the innovative features of VuMe Super App, the cutting-edge design of VuMe Mobile, and the transformative capabilities of GSM eSIM technology. Additionally, collaborations with influential tech reviewers will be sought to provide unbiased and credible assessments of our products, enhancing their visibility and credibility in the market.
Incorporating influencer partnerships into our PR strategy will amplify our reach. Engaging tech influencers and thought leaders in the industry to endorse and showcase VuMe products will create organic and authentic endorsements. These influencers will be strategically selected to align with our target audience and brand values, contributing to a positive and relatable brand image.
Strategic event participation is also integral to our PR program. VuMe will actively participate in key industry events, tech expos, and conferences. These events will serve as platforms for live product demonstrations, interactive experiences, and networking opportunities with industry professionals and journalists. By creating a physical presence at these events, we aim to generate buzz, establish direct connections, and garner media attention.
The PR program will leverage social media platforms to disseminate key messages and engage with the audience. Engaging content, press releases, and event updates will be shared across social channels to maintain an active online presence. Additionally, a crisis communication plan will be in place to address any potential challenges promptly and transparently, ensuring that our communication remains proactive and constructive.
Building a strong narrative around corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives is a vital aspect of our PR strategy. By aligning with causes that resonate with our brand values, VuMe will contribute to social good, creating positive associations and enhancing our brand reputation.
Regularly monitoring media coverage and sentiment analysis will guide our PR efforts. Feedback from media outlets, influencers, and the audience will be analyzed to refine our messaging and strategies continuously. The success of the PR program will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as media impressions, sentiment analysis, and brand mentions to ensure that our messages are effectively communicated and positively received. Through a strategic and proactive Public Relations/ Publicity Program, VuMe aims to establish a favorable brand image, build credibility, and foster positive relationships within the tech industry and beyond.
TARGET CUSTOMER
Our target customer profile for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology is carefully crafted to address the diverse needs of tech-savvy individuals seeking innovation, convenience, and seamless digital experiences. Our primary audience for VuMe Super App includes tech enthusiasts, young professionals, and individuals who prioritize efficiency in managing various aspects of their digital lives. With its multifunctional features, customizable interface, and user-friendly design, the app caters to those seeking an all-in-one solution for communication, entertainment, and productivity.
VuMe Mobile is tailored for discerning consumers who value competitive premium phone services and design, cutting-edge technology, and standout features in their smartphones. Our target customers for VuMe Mobile are individuals who appreciate top-tier hardware, exceptional camera capabilities, extended battery life, and an overall premium mobile experience. This includes professionals, content creators, and those who view their smartphones as essential tools for both work and leisure.
The audience for GSM eSIM technology encompasses global travelers, professionals, and individuals who value the flexibility and security of a virtual, programmable SIM card. The technology provides a hassle-free and future-oriented solution to mobile connectivity, appealing to those who seek seamless global roaming options, improved security features, and the convenience of managing multiple profiles on a single device.
Our target customers share common characteristics such as a strong reliance on technology, a desire for innovation, and an appreciation for products that simplify and enhance their digital experiences. This demographic spans across age groups, with a focus on millennials and professionals who are early adopters of technology trends. By understanding the diverse needs and preferences of our target customers, our marketing and product development efforts are tailored to create a cohesive ecosystem that resonates with their lifestyles and positions VuMe as their preferred choice for cutting-edge technology solutions.
THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET
The International Market Plan for VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology is strategically crafted to extend our reach beyond domestic borders, tapping into global markets and catering to diverse consumer needs. For VuMe Super App, localization efforts will be a priority, ensuring the app's content, features, and user interface are adapted to suit different languages and cultural preferences. International digital marketing campaigns will leverage targeted social media ads, influencer collaborations, and localized content to raise awareness and drive downloads in key international markets.
VuMe Mobile's international market strategy involves identifying regions with a strong demand for premium smartphones and aligning marketing efforts accordingly. Collaborations with international retailers and strategic partnerships with telecom operators will facilitate distribution, making VuMe Mobile accessible to consumers worldwide. Tailored advertising campaigns will emphasize the device's global appeal, exceptional design, and advanced features, positioning it as a top choice in the international smartphone market.
GSM eSIM technology, designed for global connectivity, will be strategically introduced in regions with high international travel demands. Collaborations with international telecom operators will be pivotal to integrating GSM eSIM seamlessly into the global mobile landscape. Educational campaigns will highlight the technology's benefits, especially for travelers and professionals requiring flexible and secure connectivity across borders.
The international market plan also involves participation in international trade shows, tech expos, and events to showcase VuMe products and foster global partnerships. Establishing relationships with international influencers and tech reviewers will enhance credibility and trust among the target audience in diverse markets.
Furthermore, compliance with international regulations and standards will be prioritized to ensure a seamless entry into new markets. Understanding and adhering to local data protection laws, telecom regulations, and cultural nuances will be integral to building trust and credibility.
To maximize customer support for international users, multilingual customer service teams will be established, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly across different time zones. Localization efforts will extend to user manuals, product packaging, and customer communication, ensuring a cohesive and culturally sensitive experience.
Continuous market research and analysis will guide the adaptation of marketing strategies based on regional preferences, competition, and technological trends in each international market. The flexibility of our approach ensures that VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology resonate with diverse audiences, making a meaningful impact in the international tech landscape.
EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT
VuMe is proud to be led by a highly experienced management team, boasting a combined 200 years of collective expertise in diverse fields crucial to the success of our ventures. At the helm is our visionary CEO, bringing decades of strategic leadership and a proven track record in navigating the ever-evolving tech industry. Complementing this, our COO contributes with an extensive background in operations and a keen eye for efficiency, ensuring seamless execution of our business strategies.
Heading our product development is a Chief Technology Officer with a wealth of experience in technological innovation and a history of bringing cutting-edge products to market. The Chief Marketing Officer brings a creative flair and a deep understanding of consumer behavior, steering our marketing efforts with insights gained from years of successfully positioning products in competitive landscapes.
Our Chief Financial Officer, armed with decades of financial acumen, ensures the fiscal health of VuMe, guiding us through sound financial practices and strategic investments. Additionally, our Chief Legal Officer, with an extensive legal career, ensures that VuMe operates with the utmost integrity, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and safeguarding the company's legal interests.
The synergy of this seasoned management team provides VuMe with a unique advantage in the tech industry. Drawing from a wealth of experiences, successes, and lessons learned, our leadership is adept at steering the company through challenges, fostering innovation, and ensuring VuMe's position at the forefront of technological advancements. This depth of experience not only brings stability but also sets the stage for continued growth, innovation, and success in the dynamic and competitive tech landscape.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
Our Goals
Our primary goal is to continue to grow our business by improving value to our current customers and vendors. In providing a high-quality network we intend to continue to grow our business. Additionally, we intend to purchase established telecommunications and technology companies that will immediately generate and increase traffic (revenue) to our Company’s retail and wholesale network. Companies that we are strategically aligned with have in their core business synergistic retail products and services that include, but are not limited to, Telecom Cloud Services Media, Merchant Services/Mobile Banking, Cloud Services and Media (e.g. credit/debit card processing, check/ACH payment processing, ecommerce/merchant processing, web hosting, voice, data, GSM/Wi-Fi Mobile, Mobile Money Transfers, IPTV, VOD and Live Mobile Broadcasting, Prepaid Phone Service and ESim travel plans). If we acquire a strategic partner as a subsidiary, we believe we will have the ability to aggregate their analogous technology platforms onto our proprietary Software Access System operating platform for integration and efficiency.
We intend to work our media to accelerate cohesively in the mobile technology sectors: LIVE Broadcast, Video on Demand (VOD) Apps, and Digital Video Magazine (DVM) Apps. While “white labeling” our technologies as SaaS, our primary focus is what we believe is the first Global LIVE Mobile TV broadcast and Social Media Platform or Network, VuMe Live. The VuMe Live Network™ is a 24-hour LIVE worldwide mobile TV network, delivered via iOS and Android apps. The VuMe Live Network™ presents a diversity of Linear Broadcast Channels (Domestically and International), coupled with Social Media Platforms with combined functions that compete with some of the largest and most powerful Digital Media platforms, to connected audiences who live a mobile-centric life.
Network Services
Domestic and Global Telecommunications offerings include: Mobile TV, Phone, Internet, Fiber Optic, Wireless, Hosted PBX, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Engineering, Cabling, Wiring and Cloud services. Our telecommunications division has pioneered innovative, hosted firewall and managed MPLS service technologies (SuperCore MPLS) and was the industry’s first to engineer patent-pending Bulletproof™ failover services utilizing our own fiber optic and wireless networks to guarantee business continuity and service uptime.
As a retail and business media and telecommunications provider operating a high-speed Fiber Optic Network and Wireless Network in the USA at a cost competitive rate for new technologies, we are growing our operations through sales of our core voice & data connectivity products to small and midsized business clients. We have a growth strategy through acquisitions in order to increase regional operations and deploy more technologies to niche & underserved markets. Unified Cloud Services, Unified Communications (UC) or Unified Communications/Collaboration (UCC) has been a topic of interest to users looking to evolve from a disorderly combination of media, voice, email and message communications to something more structured. Our goal is to target existing and new small and medium businesses (“SMBs”) to transition their older voice system businesses, expand their software collaboration offerings, and most recently build cloud service offerings. Cloud solution gives our customers the flexibility to support a myriad of mobile devices as part of their hardware strategy, whether it's launching a bring-your-own-device initiative, implementing a one-to-one program or equipping SMBs with mobile computing carts full of tablets, netbooks, or notebooks in a secured environment.
Scalability and Cost Efficiency
Our proprietary Software Access System platform currently runs our global operations. In short, it does this by connecting our customer base with the most profitable vendor route while calculating least cost routing, analyzing route quality, and respecting “dipping” protocols. Based on the demand, we have the ability to scale to meet the needs of our customers. Comparable “off the shelf” software systems in the marketplace can cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars just to purchase, not to mention expensive service contracts, which may continue in perpetuity after the original purchase. Our proprietary platform, in which we have invested and have developed over several years, allows us to operate a global network with better efficiency, which we believe differentiates us from other competitors in the marketplace.
We believe our competitive advantages are:
TPT Global Tech and VuMe have established significant competitive advantages that position them as leaders in their respective fields within the technology industry.
TPT Global Tech:
VuMe:
Together, TPT Global Tech and VuMe leverage their respective strengths to create a synergistic force in the technology industry. TPT Global Tech's expertise in telecommunications and technology solutions complements VuMe's innovative approach to mobile devices and digital ecosystems, providing a comprehensive and competitive offering to a wide range of consumers and businesses.
Our Strategy
Our business, marketing, and sales strategy is structured around:
Our comprehensive strategy is structured around a cohesive integration of business, marketing, and sales initiatives, aligning to propel our organization towards sustained growth and success.
Business Strategy: Our business strategy is founded on innovation, agility, and adaptability. We prioritize technological advancements, aiming to be at the forefront of industry trends. Strategic diversification is a key element, ensuring that our product and service portfolio remains dynamic and well-aligned with emerging market demands. Meticulous attention to customer feedback and market insights informs our decision-making processes, allowing us to tailor our offerings to evolving consumer needs. Additionally, a commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices underscores our corporate responsibility, contributing to positive brand perception and long-term value creation.
Marketing Strategy: Our marketing strategy revolves around creating a strong brand presence, fostering customer engagement, and differentiating our products in the competitive landscape. Building brand awareness is achieved through targeted digital marketing campaigns, social media initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Content marketing plays a crucial role, providing valuable insights and establishing our brand as an authority in the industry. Collaborations with influencers and thought leaders enhance our credibility and reach, while personalized and emotionally resonant storytelling connects with our audience on a deeper level. Localization efforts in international markets ensure cultural relevance and resonance with diverse audiences.
Sales Strategy: Our sales strategy is meticulously designed to drive revenue growth and maximize customer acquisition. A customer-centric approach guides our sales team, prioritizing customer needs and providing tailored solutions. Strategic pricing and bundling options are employed to create compelling value propositions, while targeted promotions and limited-time offers generate urgency and desirability. Collaborations with retail partners and e-commerce optimization ensure accessibility and convenience for customers. The integration of a robust customer relationship management (CRM) system enables personalized interactions, streamlining the sales process and fostering long-term customer loyalty.
Integration and Synergy: The integration of these strategies is where the synergy occurs. The insights gained from our business strategy inform our product development, ensuring that our offerings remain innovative and in tune with market demands. Marketing initiatives, in turn, are crafted to amplify the unique selling points of our products, creating a consistent brand narrative. Sales strategies leverage these narratives to drive revenue and customer acquisition. The continuous feedback loop ensures that all aspects of our strategy are adaptive, responsive, and aligned toward a common goal — the sustainable growth and success of our organization in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the technology industry.
In essence, our business, marketing, and sales strategies are interconnected elements of a comprehensive plan, working in harmony to propel our organization towards leadership, innovation, and customer-centric excellence.
Our Intended Network Services Marketing Plan and Product Roll Out for 2024
Our sales and marketing approach to our business and consumer customers emphasizes customer-oriented sales, marketing and service. Our marketing plans include marketing our products and services primarily through direct sales representatives, inbound call centers, local retail stores, telemarketing and third parties, including retailers, satellite television providers, door to door sales agents and digital marketing firms. We support our distribution with digital marketing, direct mail, bill inserts, newspaper and television advertising, website promotions, public relations activities and sponsorship of community events and sports venues.
Similarly, our sales and marketing approach to our business customers includes a commitment to provide comprehensive communications and IT solutions for business, wholesale and governmental customers of all sizes, ranging from small offices to select enterprise customers. We strive to offer our business customers stable, reliable, secure and trusted solutions. Our marketing plans include marketing our products and services primarily through digital advertising, direct sales representatives, inbound call centers, telemarketing and third parties, including telecommunications agents, system integrators, value-added resellers and other telecommunications firms. We support our distribution through digital advertising, events, television advertising, website promotions and public relations.
Marketing Designs
We have designed our services and products offered to be:
With the popularity of social media, people are demanding fast broadband connectivity on an increasingly mobile basis. We believe that our services meet this demand and will market this in our efforts to increase our subscriber growth rate.
OUR COMPANY STRENGTHS
We believe the following competitive strengths enable us to meet the demand for simple, reliable and portable wireless broadband connectivity:
Experienced Management Team. Stephen J. Thomas, our Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, has been an active entrepreneur, operator and investor in the industry for more than 17 years in VoIP and wireless communications industry. He previously served as Director of Network Optimization/Validation for WorldxChange, Inc. and CEO and President of New Orbit Communications, Inc., which focused on International Operator Services in United States, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala.
FUTURE PLANS
Our VuMe Technology Plan
We offer VuMe technology for which we plan to expand marketing. We believe SaaS VuMe (VuMe) could become a leading Digital Social Media and Mobile TV technology platform in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. Our proprietary software platform can reach a worldwide audience of approximately one billion mobile viewers. VuMe addresses global mobile distribution of LIVE and Video on Demand (“VOD”) content as a white label Software as a Service (“SaaS”).
VuMe OTT live streaming technology is similar to what you see with satellite TV such as Dish Network and DirecTV, as well as cable companies. Almost all currently existing live streaming cannot do live broadcast streaming at this level and usually has anywhere from 1 minute to 10 minute delays or continuous buffering, never loading the video. With VuMe, there is the ability to have “worldwide” access for a live streaming event equal to standard television broadcasting with tens of millions of simultaneous users. We believe that VuMe is the first technology to be able to achieve this level of live streaming. In emerging countries that do not have fiber, cable and satellite TV, access to VuMe is simple and cost effective, as long as there is a cellular connection on a 3G network or higher (regardless of provider)[1]. VuMe aims to provide uninterrupted live streaming on mobile devices without buffering, crashes, pixilation, or audio and video syncing issues. One practical application of this technology is that a viewer can move from a Wi--Fi connection to a 3G connection without interruption. VuMe has a unique user interface with multi-channel access and built-in social media, and we believe it is unlike anything currently on the market. VuMe also has the capability to do a Live Linear Broadcast with VOD. VuMe’s technology has the potential to reduce web content pirating since high quality TV broadcast is now easily accessed worldwide on mobile devices.
[1] Subject to the laws and regulations of each country.
Currently, we believe we are the only company that does all the above in the industry and we believe VuMe has the potential to expand our technologies and applications even further.
The hottest technology in the over the top (“OTT”) market and the biggest challenge in the OTT market is “Live Linear Channel Broadcasting” and “Live Event Broadcasting” to equal standard television broadcasting on cable and satellite TV. This type of technology is superior to video on demand (VOD) streaming technology in both acquisition and delivery. The growth of OTT video delivery has been significant. Revenue in the OTT Video market is projected to reach $316 billion in 2024. VuMe has many technology advantages including: Artificial Intelligence (“AI”); the ability to simultaneously access millions of users simultaneously with virtually no latency equivalent to standard television broadcasting; global distribution (without interruption) on cellular and Wi-Fi; and a fully interactive menu user interface and worldwide advertising brokers in place.
VuMe’s content delivery network (“CDN”) can potentially reach tens of millions of mobile devices (tablets and smartphones) and has the potential to scale to one billion video streams globally. It loads content within seconds, not only for Wi-Fi, but also more importantly, on cellular networks that are 3G and higher. VuMe’s core technology is fully developed and is able to support clients on a turnkey native mobile app in less than 60 days. We have already achieved major milestones as the world’s largest private conduit build out for global deployment of LIVE and VOD streaming content. Our OTT live streaming technology is unique and proprietary. Here are some highlights on how VuMe can help from telecommunication companies to TV station broadcasters to digital film libraries.
VuMe has the ability to create a “Master Network Mobile App” that can allow for a multiple channel build out, each with its own unique Pay Per View charge (optional). This means a company can have a live event channel per country with a different price per user based on the economics of that country. VuMe has unlimited channel build out (e.g. a company could have 50 channels or 1000 channels). Any telecommunications company can have professional looking displays and user interfaces for mobile with VuMe, similar to what the large telecommunications companies provide. A Master Network App also allows a network to expand into other categories by country (e.g. additional sports categories for various sports by country). Expansion can focus on audience aggregation for sports and other forms of entertainment categories. Pay-Per View is an option for these expanded categories as well. We have built-in worldwide ad brokers for pre-roll commercial ads so that revenue can be generated as soon as possible. There is also potential to upsell to existing advertisers and sponsors and it can be brand specific by country.
VuMe Distribution Plan
VuMe Technology's ambitious global distribution plan represents a strategic initiative poised to significantly impact the Mobile TV broadcasting and social media industries. This comprehensive approach encompasses a range of key strategies aimed at expanding market reach, leveraging innovative technologies, and establishing pivotal partnerships.
In the realm of market expansion, VuMe is set to enter new global markets by collaborating with essential stakeholders, including telecom operators, content providers, and technology companies. Through these collaborations, the company aims to establish a robust and extensive distribution network that can effectively reach diverse audiences around the world. The emphasis on localized content delivery is a key component of this strategy, ensuring that the content provided is not only of high quality but also culturally relevant, resonating with the unique preferences of users in different regions.
Integral to VuMe's global distribution plan is the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This technological integration is designed to elevate user experiences within the Mobile TV broadcasting and social media realms. By providing an immersive and interactive content delivery platform, VuMe seeks to redefine industry standards and offer users a novel and engaging entertainment experience.
In the context of Mobile TV broadcasting, the impact of VuMe's global distribution plan is evident in the enhancement of user experiences. The provision of high-quality content, coupled with advanced features, sets VuMe apart. The strategy not only caters to a diverse audience but also transcends geographical barriers, making on-the-go entertainment accessible to users worldwide.
The social media industry, too, experiences a transformative impact with VuMe's global distribution plan. The introduction of opportunities for content monetization, coupled with interactive engagement through AR and VR technologies, positions VuMe as a catalyst for innovation. Additionally, the seamless integration across various social media platforms fosters a cohesive and dynamic content ecosystem, reinforcing VuMe Technology's role as a trailblazer in the convergence of entertainment and technology on a global scale.
In conclusion, VuMe Technology's global distribution plan is a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy that not only expands market reach but also redefines the standards for user experiences in both Mobile TV broadcasting and social media. Through strategic partnerships, localized content delivery, and innovative technological integrations, VuMe is poised to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment landscape, offering users a dynamic and immersive content ecosystem that transcends geographical boundaries.
Mobile Device Viewer Market Expansion
In general, viewers are consuming more content via mobile TV distribution, while rapidly abandoning expensive subscriptions from standard satellite TV and cable networks. The rise of high-quality content on low-cost platforms, such as mobile devices, continues to negatively impact the standard TV industry. The media business is being forced to evolve and adjust to massive disruptions in content distribution methods. Traditional media models are functionally broken and will continue to be disrupted by technology, which is driven by the needs of the younger generation. The future of media is dependent on new technology platforms. These platform models (e.g. smart TV, connected TV boxes, mobile TV devices) are the future of content distribution. Google, through YouTube, has changed the face of video content distribution. Amazon continues to disrupt the book industry. Apple has redefined music and application distribution. And Microsoft is continuing to change the engagement model and distribution of content through its Xbox TV game console.
We believe mobile delivery has a growing appeal to advertisers and subscribers. As brands continue to shift budgets to mobile advertising, they must reassess their approach to customer acquisition to ensure they continue to reach potential customers effectively.
Digital ad spend grew 12% in 2020 despite hit from pandemic. Source CNBC/IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) said the top 10 companies held a 78.1% share of the revenues in 2020, with overall revenues of that group alone exceeding $109 billion. The top 10 companies accounted for a 75.9% share of revenues in 2018, rising to 76.6% in 2019. The IAB said companies ranked 11th to 25th account for just 6.2% of revenues, while smaller companies make up 15.7%. The IAB stated that spending during the third and fourth quarters of 2020 was up by 11.7% and 28.7% year-over-year, respectively.
Social media ad revenues reached $41.5 billion in 2020, the report said, making up nearly 30% of all internet ad revenue. Digital video saw 20.6% year-over-year growth, increasing its share of total internet ad revenue by 1.3% to reach 18.7%. Programmatic ad revenue also increased by 24.9% to reach $14.2 billion in 2020.
Content Mining Plan
Once our planned SaaS media applications, smart phones and tablets are launched into the domestic and international markets, content analytics or marketing data will be gathered from these devices. The data generated from these applications and devices will give us an advantage insight into our subscribers viewing and buying habits. Once data has been scrubbed of personally identifying information, we plan to be able to create original or lease content from broadcast partners to service what our analytics are telling us to produce (or license), with the intent on moving us closer towards predictive analytics. Predictive analytics is being able to predict what our customer likes based on their viewing habits and then produce that content targeted to our subscriber and then “push” that new (or licensed) content to them.
Our differentiation from web streaming
We are not a website-based video streaming technology. VuMe is strictly a native mobile app focused on video streaming technology for mobile platforms. We are not a dashboard-based video content company where users upload content; we are a complete turnkey SaaS application. A survey released in May 2015, sponsored by Level 3 Communications, stated, “Offering both VOD and Live Linear channels will be critical for OTT providers to entice new prospects and gain market share. This trend is a critical one. For existing OTT providers, offering a VOD service may not be enough to maintain, much less grow, market share.” The trend towards adding live linear channel content has the potential to become “table stakes” in the OTT game over the next several years, with both breaking news and live sports content leading the way in terms of interest for OTT service providers adding live linear channels.
SaaS White Label
We plan to white label our suite of SaaS technologies for yearly licensing and monthly maintenance fees. The prospective user base for the SaaS White Label Suite is extensive as there are more than 200,000 TV broadcasters worldwide alone, and many of them are seeking to migrate to the vast mobile video streaming market space. The sizeable population of potential SaaS clients includes standard television broadcasters in every country, direct marketing companies, low-powered antenna broadcasters (such as universities and churches), IPTV broadcasters, and large content (film and TV) providers that are seeking to further monetize their properties for worldwide syndication.
The SaaS suite includes full app development on Apple iOS, Google Android and Roku connected boxes, user interface (menu system), advertising broker network for pre---roll commercial ads (from date of launch), 24/7 LIVE monitoring of inbound and outbound signals, data analytics, seamless updating to all platforms, Amazon web service (AWS) blade servers, and coverage up to the first 20 million streams. The white label product is offered to stand-alone.
User Interface
In a preprogrammed live linear broadcast application, viewers have free access via a playlist by category and have the ability to “catch--up” with what they may have missed in the LIVE broadcast, regardless of its original airdate. The video-on-demand (VOD) feature provides the opportunity to access additional viewers and monetize past content. After several years in development, we believe that VuMe has a significant first to market advantage and that no other companies currently have a comparable commercialized offering.
Our Plan for Strategic Partnering with Telecommunication & Media Companies
Currently in the world, viewers usually need to have a contract with a cable provider (e.g. AT&T, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cablevision in the U.S.) or satellite TV provider (e.g. DirecTV and DISH Network in the U.S.) and be in range of a residential or business Wi-Fi to be able to watch over the top (OTT) content on a connected TV device, website or mobile access. VuMe is capable of offering a nearly unlimited number of channels to mobile users virtually anywhere and everywhere, with global reach, far exceeding two U.S. satellite companies (DirecTV and DISH Network), which have 500+ channels each and are only available in the U.S.
We believe VuMe will immediately appeal to any channel that is currently on DirecTV and DISH Network for global mobile linear broadcast participation, simply because these platforms are only available in the U.S. market.
VuMe can provide low-powered TV stations (often found in churches and universities), along with high--powered stations, the ability to reach the entire global market. Other potential users are owners of libraries of digitized content, and LIVE event venues such as music concerts, sporting events, festivals, beauty pageants, summer and winter Olympic Games, award shows, red carpet events, trade shows and conventions. Enthusiasts can produce their own show in any area and could launch their own channels for travel, food, spirits, sports, outdoor recreation, retro TV shows, children, cartoons, comedy, drama, reality, education, automobiles, health, corporations, shopping, soap opera, game shows, dating, religion, etc., providing extensive possibilities for media expansion. Content providers will not be limited by the major TV networks and film studios for distribution rights.
We have targeted Telecommunication and Media Company Opportunities to offer:
Geo Fencing Available (The ability to offer broadcast territories by region or regional Networks)
Our Plan to Act as a Reseller with Territorial Rights –
Our business is subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware before making an investment decision. These risks are discussed more fully in the “Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-K.
Our Corporate Information
We are a Florida corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 501 W. Broadway, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101, and our telephone number is (619) 301-4200. Our website address is http://www.tptglobaltech.com. Information on or accessed through our website is not incorporated into this Form 10-K and is not a part of this filing.
CYBER RISKS
Like other large telecommunications companies, we are a constant target of cyber-attacks of varying degrees, which has caused us to spend increasingly more time and money to deal with increasingly sophisticated attacks. Some of the attacks may result in security breaches, and we periodically notify our customers, our employees or the public of these breaches when necessary or appropriate. None of these resulting security breaches to date have materially adversely affected our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We rely on several other communications companies to provide services or products for our offerings. We may lease a significant portion of our core fiber network from our competitors and other third parties. Many of these leases will lapse in future years. Our future ability to provide services on the terms of our current offerings will depend in part upon our ability to renew or replace these leases, agreements and arrangements on terms substantially similar to those currently in effect.
For additional information regarding our systems, network, cyber risks, capital expenditure requirements and reliance upon third parties, see "Risk Factors."
COMPETITION, COMPETITORS, REGULATION AND TAXATION
In the competitive landscape faced by VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology, the interplay of competition, competitors, regulation, and taxation creates a dynamic and challenging environment. The market is characterized by intense competition from a spectrum of players, including established technology giants and agile startups. These competitors offer a range of products and services, such as advanced mobile devices and integrated digital applications, that directly compete with VuMe's offerings. The varied nature of these competitors necessitates that VuMe continuously innovate in its products, marketing strategies, and customer service to maintain its competitive edge.
VuMe, however, is competitively positioned to capture market share from its competitors due to several key factors. First, VuMe Super App offers an integrated, all-in-one solution that effectively combines communication, entertainment, and productivity features. This multifunctionality differentiates it in a market where most apps focus on single functionalities. Additionally, VuMe Mobile is designed with cutting-edge technology and premium features that appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking for high-quality and high-performance devices. The incorporation of GSM eSIM technology positions VuMe as a leader in innovative connectivity solutions, catering to the needs of global travelers and tech enthusiasts who value convenience and security.
Regulation and compliance are critical in the technology sector, especially concerning data privacy, security, and consumer protection. VuMe's commitment to adhering to regional and international regulations bolsters its reputation as a trustworthy and reliable brand. This adherence to regulatory standards not only ensures legal compliance but also builds customer trust, which is crucial in capturing market share.
In terms of taxation, VuMe's strategic financial planning and understanding of complex tax structures across different regions contribute to its competitive positioning. Efficient management of taxation requirements ensures financial stability and allows VuMe to offer competitive pricing, further enhancing its market appeal.
In summary, while the competitive landscape presents numerous challenges, VuMe is well-positioned to gain market share from its competitors. Its unique product offerings, commitment to innovation, adherence to regulatory standards, and strategic financial management place it at a competitive advantage. By leveraging these strengths, VuMe is poised to become a formidable player in the technology sector, differentiating itself in a market crowded with diverse competitors.
Competition
In summary, the competitive landscape facing VuMe Super App, VuMe Mobile, and GSM eSIM technology is both diverse and dynamic, marked by the presence of a wide array of competitors ranging from established tech giants to emerging startups. These competitors offer similar products and services, creating a highly competitive environment. A key characteristic of this landscape is the rapid pace of technological advancements, which necessitates continuous innovation and adaptation to stay ahead. Established brands benefit from significant market penetration and strong brand loyalty, presenting a challenge for newer entrants like VuMe to build recognition and trust. Pricing strategies vary significantly across competitors, with some focusing on premium offerings while others target cost-conscious consumers with more affordable options. Global reach and the ability to effectively localize products to meet regional preferences are crucial in achieving international market success. Furthermore, offering exceptional customer experiences and responsive service is a major differentiator in this space. Lastly, adherence to data privacy and security regulations is critically important in gaining consumer trust. VuMe's approach in this competitive scenario involves capitalizing on its unique integrations and features, such as the all-encompassing VuMe Super App, the advanced functionalities of VuMe Mobile, and the innovative aspects of GSM eSIM technology. A focus on building strong brand recognition, delivering customer-centric solutions, and maintaining a cutting-edge technological edge are central to VuMe's strategy to establish itself as a formidable player in the competitive technology market.
General
We compete in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market, and we expect intense competition to continue. In addition to competition from larger national telecommunications providers, we are facing increasing competition from several other sources, including cable and satellite companies, wireless providers, technology companies, cloud companies, broadband providers, device providers, resellers, sales agents and facilities-based providers using their own networks as well as those leasing parts of our network. Technological advances and regulatory and legislative changes have increased opportunities for a wide range of alternative communications service providers, which in turn have increased competitive pressures on our business. These alternate providers often face fewer regulations and have lower cost structures than we do. In addition, the communications industry has, in recent years, experienced substantial consolidation, and some of our competitors in one or more lines of our business are generally larger, have stronger brand names, have more financial and business resources and have broader service offerings than we currently do.
Wireless telephone services are a significant source of competition with our legacy carrier services. It is increasingly common for customers to completely forego use of traditional wireline phone service and instead rely solely on wireless service for voice services. We anticipate this trend will continue, particularly as our older customers are replaced over time with younger customers who are less accustomed to using traditional wireline voice services. Technological and regulatory developments in wireless services, Wi-Fi, and other wired and wireless technologies have contributed to the development of alternatives to traditional landline voice services. Moreover, the growing prevalence of electronic mail, text messaging, social networking and similar digital non-voice communications services continues to reduce the demand for traditional landline voice services. These factors have led to a long-term systemic decline in the number of our wireline voice service customers.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, which obligates carriers to permit competitors to interconnect their facilities to the carrier's network and to take various other steps that are designed to promote competition, imposes several duties on a carrier if it receives a specific request from another entity which seeks to connect with or provide services using the carrier's network. In addition, each carrier is obligated to (i) negotiate interconnection agreements in good faith, (ii) provide nondiscriminatory "unbundled" access to all aspects of the carrier's network, (iii) offer resale of its telecommunications services at wholesale rates and (iv) permit competitors, on terms and conditions (including rates) that are just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory, to collocate their physical plant on the carrier's property, or provide virtual colocation if physical colocation is not practicable. Current FCC rules require carriers to lease a network element only in those situations where competing carriers genuinely would be impaired without access to such network elements, and where the unbundling would not interfere with the development of facilities-based competition.
As a result of these regulatory, consumer and technological developments, carriers also face competition from competitive local exchange carriers, or CLECs, particularly in densely populated areas. CLECs provide competing services through reselling a carrier’s local services, through use of a carrier's unbundled network elements or through their own facilities.
Technological developments have led to the development of new products and services that have reduced the demand for our traditional services, as noted above, or that compete with traditional carrier services. Technological improvements have enabled cable television companies to provide traditional circuit-switched telephone service over their cable networks, and several national cable companies have aggressively marketed these services. Similarly, companies providing VoIP services provide voice communication services over the Internet which compete with our traditional telephone service and our own VoIP services. In addition, demand for our broadband services could be adversely affected by advanced wireless data transmission technologies being deployed by wireless providers and by certain technologies permitting cable companies and other competitors to deliver faster average broadband transmission speeds than ours.
Similar to us, many cable, technology or other communications companies that previously offered a limited range of services are now offering diversified bundles of services, either through their own networks, reselling arrangements or joint ventures. As such, a growing number of companies are competing to serve the communications needs of the same customer base. Such activities will continue to place downward pressure on the demand for and pricing of our services.
As customers increasingly demand high-speed connections for entertainment, communications and productivity, we expect the demands on our network will continue to increase over the next several years. To succeed, we must continue to invest in our networks or engage partners to ensure that they can deliver competitive services that meet these increasing bandwidth and speed requirements. In addition, network reliability and security are increasingly important competitive factors in our business.
Additional information about competitive pressures is located under the heading “Risk Factors.”
Competitors
In connection with providing strategic services to our business customers, which includes our small, medium and enterprise business, wholesale and governmental customers, we compete against other telecommunication providers, as well as other regional and national carriers, other data transport providers, cable companies, CLECs and other enterprises, some of whom are substantially larger than us. Competition is based on price, bandwidth, quality and speed of service, promotions and bundled offerings. In providing broadband services, we compete primarily with cable companies, wireless providers, technology companies and other broadband service providers. We face competition in Ethernet based services in the wholesale market from cable companies and fiber-based providers. In regards to our medical division, we compete with other medical testing facilities and other companies developing SaaS technologies to test and monitor medical testing activities.
Our competitors for providing integrated data, broadband, voice services and other data and SaaS services to our business customers range from small to mid-sized businesses. Due to the size of some of these companies, our competitors may be able to offer more inexpensive solutions to our customers. To compete, we focus on providing sophisticated, secure and performance-driven services to our business customers through our infrastructure.
The number of companies providing business services has grown and increased competition for these services, particularly with respect to smaller business customers. Many of our competitors for strategic services are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as we are and therefore, they are able to avoid significant regulatory costs and obligations.
Government Regulation
Government regulations in the technology sector play a crucial role in shaping the operational landscape for companies like VuMe. These regulations typically focus on ensuring data privacy, securing consumer rights, managing competition, and upholding cybersecurity standards. Data protection laws, such as the GDPR in the European Union and various national laws in other countries, require companies to handle consumer data with utmost care, providing transparency about its use and granting users control over their personal information. This necessitates robust data management systems and regular compliance checks for companies operating internationally. Additionally, consumer protection regulations mandate that technology products meet certain safety and performance standards, often requiring rigorous testing and quality assurance processes. Antitrust laws are also significant, designed to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition in the market. These laws can affect company strategies, particularly regarding mergers, acquisitions, and market entry. Cybersecurity regulations are increasingly important, as companies are required to implement strong security measures to protect against data breaches and cyber threats. These regulations often evolve rapidly, responding to new technological developments and emerging security challenges. For companies like VuMe, navigating these government regulations is essential not only for legal compliance but also for maintaining consumer trust and a strong market reputation. Regular updates to compliance strategies and proactive engagement with regulatory developments are critical in this constantly changing regulatory landscape.
Overview
As discussed further below, our operations are subject to significant local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations.
We are subject to the significant regulations by the FCC, which regulates interstate communications, and state utility commissions, which regulate intrastate communications. These agencies (i) issue rules to protect consumers and promote competition, (ii) set the rates that telecommunication companies charge each other for exchanging traffic, and (iii) have traditionally developed and administered support programs designed to subsidize the provision of services to high-cost rural areas. In most states, local voice service, switched and special access services and interconnection services are subject to price regulation, although the extent of regulation varies by type of service and geographic region. In addition, we are required to maintain licenses with the FCC and with state utility commissions. Laws and regulations in many states restrict the manner in which a licensed entity can interact with affiliates, transfer assets, issue debt and engage in other business activities. Many acquisitions and divestitures may require approval by the FCC and some state commissions. These agencies typically have the authority to withhold their approval, or to request or impose substantial conditions upon the transacting parties in connection with granting their approvals.
The following description discusses some of the major industry regulations that may affect our traditional operations, but numerous other regulations not discussed below could also impact us. Some legislation and regulations are currently the subject of judicial, legislative and administrative proceedings which could substantially change the manner in which the telecommunications industry operates and the amount of revenues we receive for our services.
Neither the outcome of these proceedings, nor their potential impact on us, can be predicted at this time. For additional information, see "Risk Factors."
The laws and regulations governing our affairs are quite complex and occasionally in conflict with each other. From time to time, we are fined for failing to meet applicable regulations or service requirements.
Federal Regulation
Federal regulation in the technology sector is an essential aspect that companies like VuMe must navigate meticulously. These regulations are primarily aimed at ensuring consumer protection, data privacy, cybersecurity, and fair competition. In the United States, federal bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) play key roles in enforcing these regulations. The FCC oversees telecommunications, managing spectrum allocation and setting standards for communication devices, which is particularly relevant for companies dealing with mobile technologies and wireless communication. The FTC focuses on protecting consumer rights and preventing deceptive business practices, which includes overseeing advertising, marketing, and data privacy practices. Additionally, regulations like the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) impose specific requirements on companies handling children's data and health-related information, respectively. Cybersecurity is another critical area, with federal mandates requiring robust security measures to protect against data breaches and cyber threats, a concern that is increasingly paramount in the tech industry. Compliance with these federal regulations is not just a legal necessity but also crucial for maintaining consumer trust and a solid market reputation. Companies like VuMe must continuously monitor and adapt to these regulatory changes, incorporating them into their business operations and strategies to ensure compliance and protect their customer base. Licensing is the short-term solution to obtaining the necessary spectrum as building out spectrum is a long and difficult process that can be costly and require a disproportionate amount of our management resources.
General
We are required to comply with the Communications Act of 1934. Among other things, this law requires our local exchange carriers to offer various of our legacy services at just and reasonable rates and on non-discriminatory terms. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 materially amended the Communications Act of 1934, primarily to promote competition.
The FCC regulates interstate services we provide, including the special access charges we bill for wholesale network transmission and the interstate access charges that we bill to long-distance companies and other communications companies in connection with the origination and termination of interstate phone calls. Additionally, the FCC regulates a number of aspects of our business related to privacy, homeland security and network infrastructure, including our access to and use of local telephone numbers and our provision of emergency 911 services. The FCC has responsibility for maintaining and administering support programs designed to expand nationwide access to communications services (which are described further below), as well as other programs supporting service to low-income households, schools and libraries, and rural health care providers. Changes in the composition of the five members of the FCC or its Chairman can have significant impacts on the regulation of our business.
In recent years, our operations and those of other telecommunications carriers have been further impacted by legislation and regulation imposing additional obligations on us, particularly with regards to providing voice and broadband service, bolstering homeland security, increasing disaster recovery requirements, minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing privacy. These laws include the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, and laws governing local telephone number portability and customer proprietary network information requirements. In addition, the FCC has heightened its focus on the reliability of emergency 911 services. The FCC has imposed fines on us and other companies for 911 outages and has adopted new compliance requirements for providing 911 service. We are incurring capital and operating expenses designed to comply with the FCC's new requirements and minimize future outages. All of these laws and regulations may cause us to incur additional costs and could impact our ability to compete effectively against companies not subject to the same regulations.
Over the past several years, the FCC has taken various actions and initiated certain proceedings designed to comprehensively evaluate the proper regulation of the provisions of data services to businesses. As part of its evaluation, the FCC has reviewed the rates, terms and conditions under which these services are provided. The FCC's proceedings remain pending, and their ultimate impact on us is currently unknown.
We are also regulated for our medical services activities. See discussion below.
Telephony Services
We operate traditional telecommunications services in our Arizona subsidiary, and those services are largely governed under rules established for CLECs under the Communications Act. The Communications Act entitles our CLEC subsidiary to certain rights, but as telecommunications carriers, it also subjects them to regulation by the FCC and the states. Their designation as telecommunications carriers also results in other regulations that may affect them and the services they offer.
Interconnection and Intercarrier Compensation
The Communications Act requires telecommunications carriers to interconnect directly or indirectly with other telecommunications carriers. Under the FCC's intercarrier compensation rules, we are entitled, in some cases, to compensation from carriers when they use our network to terminate or originate calls and in other cases are required to compensate another carrier for using its network to originate or terminate traffic. The FCC and state regulatory commissions, including those in the states in which we operate, have adopted limits on the amounts of compensation that may be charged for certain types of traffic. As noted above, the FCC has determined that intercarrier compensation for all terminating traffic will be phased down over several years to a "bill-and-keep" regime, with no compensation between carriers for most terminating traffic by 2018 and is considering further reform that could reduce or eliminate compensation for originating traffic as well.
Universal Service
Our CLEC subsidiary is required to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (“USF”). The amount of universal service contribution required of us is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that states may impose state universal service fees on CLEC telecommunications services.
State Regulation
Our CLEC subsidiary telecommunications services are subject to regulation by state commissions in each state where we provide services. In order to provide our services, we must seek approval from the state regulatory commission or be registered to provide services in each state where we operate and may at times require local approval to construct facilities. Regulatory obligations vary from state to state and include some or all of the following requirements: filing tariffs (rates, terms and conditions); filing operational, financial, and customer service reports; seeking approval to transfer the assets or capital stock of the broadband communications company; seeking approval to issue stocks, bonds and other forms of indebtedness of the broadband communications company; reporting customer service and quality of service requirements; outage reporting; making contributions to state universal service support programs; paying regulatory and state Telecommunications Relay Service and E911 fees; geographic build-out; and other matters relating to competition.
Other Regulations
Our CLEC subsidiary telecommunications services are subject to other FCC requirements, including protecting the use and disclosure of customer proprietary network information; meeting certain notice requirements in the event of service termination; compliance with disabilities access requirements; compliance with CALEA standards; outage reporting; and the payment of fees to fund local number portability administration and the North American Numbering Plan. As noted above, the FCC and states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks. Communications with our customers are also subject to FCC, FTC and state regulations on telemarketing and the sending of unsolicited commercial e-mail and fax messages, as well as additional privacy and data security requirements.
Broadband
Regulatory Classification. Broadband Internet access services were traditionally classified by the FCC as "information services" for regulatory purposes, a type of service that is subject to a lesser degree of regulation than "telecommunications services." In 2015, the FCC reversed this determination and classified broadband Internet access services as "telecommunications services." This reclassification has subjected our broadband Internet access service to greater regulation, although the FCC did not apply all telecommunications service obligations to broadband Internet access service. The 2015 Order could have a material adverse impact on our business as it may justify additional FCC regulation or support efforts by States to justify additional regulation of broadband Internet access services. In December 2017, the FCC adopted an order that in large part reverses the 2015 Order and reestablishes the "information service" classification for broadband Internet access service. The 2017 Order has not yet gone into effect, however, and the 2015 Order will remain binding until the 2017 Order takes effect. The 2017 Order is expected to be subject to legal challenge that may delay its effect or overturn it.
Net Neutrality, and Current Status. The 2015 Order also established a new "Open Internet" framework that expanded disclosure requirements on Internet service providers ("ISPs") such as cable companies, prohibited blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization of Internet traffic on the basis of the content, and imposed a "general conduct standard" that prohibits unreasonable interference with the ability of end users and edge providers to reach each other. The FCC's 2017 Order eliminates these rules except for certain disclosure requirements (see the official release summary from the FCC below). Additionally, Congress and some states are considering legislation that may codify "network neutrality" rules.
The Federal Communications Commission has made the following official release about the Restoring Internet Freedom Order:
"The FCC's Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which took effect on June 11, (2018) provides a framework for protecting an open Internet while paving the way for better, faster and cheaper Internet access for consumers. It replaces unnecessary, heavy-handed regulations that were developed way back in 1934 with strong consumer protections, increased transparency, and common-sense rules that will promote investment and broadband deployment. The FCC's framework for protecting Internet freedom has the following key parts:
1. Consumer Protection
The Federal Trade Commission will police and take action against Internet service providers for anticompetitive acts or unfair and deceptive practices. The FTC is the nation's premier consumer protection agency, and until the FCC stripped it of jurisdiction over Internet service providers in 2015, the FTC protected consumers consistently across the Internet economy.
2. Transparency
A critical part of Internet openness involves Internet service providers being transparent about their business practices. That's why the FCC has imposed enhanced transparency requirements. Internet service providers must publicly disclose information regarding their network management practices, performance, and commercial terms of service. These disclosures must be made via a publicly available, easily accessible company website or through the FCC's website. This will discourage harmful practices and help regulators target any problematic conduct. These disclosures also support innovation, investment, and competition by ensuring that entrepreneurs and other small businesses have the technical information necessary to create and maintain online content, applications, services, and devices.
Internet Service Providers must clearly disclose their network management practices on their own web sites or with the FCC. For more information about these disclosures, you can visit https://www.fcc.gov/isp- disclosures.
Removes Unnecessary Regulations to Promote Broadband Investment
The Internet wasn't broken in 2015, when the previous FCC imposed 1930s-era regulations (known as "Title II") on Internet service providers. And ironically, these regulations made things worse by limiting investment in high-speed networks and slowing broadband deployment. Under Title II, broadband network investment dropped more than 5.6% -- the first time a decline has happened outside of a recession. The effect was particularly serious for smaller Internet service providers (fixed wireless companies, small-town cable operators, municipal broadband providers, electric cooperatives, and others) that don't have the resources or lawyers to navigate a thicket of complex rules...."
The items listed in this internet Order are for carriers such as Century Link, which is our contract internet provider, and we are in compliance with the areas that we are responsible for which are few. We generate the last mile of internet service, but we are actually a reseller of Century Link services as they provide the bandwidth to us.
Access for Persons with Disabilities. The FCC's rules require us to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to "advanced communications services" ("ACS"), such as electronic messaging and interoperable video conferencing. They also require that certain pay television programming delivered via Internet Protocol include closed captioning and require entities distributing such programming to end users to pass through such captions and identify programming that should be captioned.
Other Regulation. The 2015 Order also subjected broadband providers' Internet traffic exchange rates and practices to potential FCC oversight and created a mechanism for third parties to file complaints regarding these matters. In addition, our provision of Internet services also subjects us to the limitations on use and disclosure of user communications and records contained in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. Broadband Internet access service is also subject to other federal and state privacy laws applicable to electronic communications.
Additionally, providers of broadband Internet access services must comply with CALEA, which requires providers to make their services and facilities accessible for law enforcement intercept requests. Various other federal and state laws apply to providers of services that are accessible through broadband Internet access service, including copyright laws, telemarketing laws, prohibitions on obscenity, and a ban on unsolicited commercial e-mail, and privacy and data security laws. Online content we provide is also subject to some of these laws.
Other forms of regulation of broadband Internet access service currently being considered by the FCC, Congress or state legislatures include consumer protection requirements, cyber security requirements, consumer service standards, requirements to contribute to universal service programs and requirements to protect personally identifiable customer data from theft. Pending and future legislation in this area could adversely affect our operations as an Internet service provider and our relationship with our Internet customers.
Additionally, from time to time the FCC and Congress have considered whether to subject broadband Internet access services to the federal Universal Service Fund ("USF") contribution requirements. Any contribution requirements adopted for Internet access services would impose significant new costs on our broadband Internet service. At the same time, the FCC is changing the manner in which Universal Service funds are distributed. By focusing on broadband and wireless deployment, rather than traditional telephone service, the changes could assist some of our competitors in more effectively competing with our service offerings.
VoIP Services
We provide telephony services using VoIP technology ("interconnected VoIP"). The FCC has adopted several regulations for interconnected VoIP services, as have several states, especially as it relates to core customer and safety issues such as e911, local number portability, disability access, outage reporting, universal service contributions, and regulatory reporting requirements. The FCC has not, however, formally classified interconnected VoIP services as either information services or telecommunications services. In this vacuum, some states have asserted more expansive rights to regulate interconnected VoIP services, while others have adopted laws that bar the state commission from regulating VoIP service.
Universal Service. Interconnected VoIP services must contribute to the USF used to subsidize communication services provided to low income households, to customers in rural and high cost areas, and to schools, libraries, and rural health care providers. The amount of universal service contribution required of interconnected VoIP service providers is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that states may impose state universal service fees on interconnected VoIP providers.
Local Number Portability. The FCC requires interconnected VoIP service providers and their "numbering partners" to ensure that their customers have the ability to port their telephone numbers when changing providers. We also contribute to federal funds to meet the shared costs of local number portability and the costs of North American Numbering Plan Administration.
Intercarrier Compensation. In an October 2011 reform order and subsequent clarifying orders, the FCC revised the regime governing payments among providers of telephony services for the exchange of calls between and among different networks ("intercarrier compensation") to, among other things, explicitly include interconnected VoIP. In that Order, the FCC determined that intercarrier compensation for all terminating traffic, including VoIP traffic exchanged in TDM format, will be phased down over several years to a "bill-and-keep" regime, with no compensation between carriers for most terminating traffic by 2018. The FCC is considering further reform in this area, which could reduce or eliminate compensation for originating traffic as well.
Other Regulation. Interconnected VoIP service providers are required to provide enhanced 911 emergency services to their customers; protect customer proprietary network information from unauthorized disclosure to third parties; report to the FCC on service outages; comply with telemarketing regulations and other privacy and data security requirements; comply with disabilities access requirements and service discontinuance obligations; comply with call signaling requirements; and comply with CALEA standards. In August 2015, the FCC adopted new rules to improve the resiliency of the communications network. Under the new rules, providers of telephony services, including interconnected VoIP service providers, must make available eight hours of standby backup power for consumers to purchase at the point of sale. The rules also require that providers inform new and current customers about service limitations during power outages and steps that consumers can take to address those risks.
LICENSES
None.
TITLE TO PROPERTIES
None.
BACKLOG OF ORDERS
None.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
We have no government contracts.
COMPANY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We are not conducting any research.
NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED
We have approximately 10 employees who work approximately 20 hours per week. All officers work approximately 50 hours per week. Directors work as needed.
WEBSITE
Our corporate website address is www.tptglobaltech.com.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES/ASSETS
Our executive offices are located in San Diego, California. We do not own any real property, but lease and office space consisting of approximately 3,000 sq. ft. among all of our corporate and subsidiary locations. We believe that substantially all of our property and equipment is in good condition, subject to normal wear and tear, and that our facilities have sufficient capacity to meet the current needs of our business.
PATENTS, TRADE NAMES, TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS
Either directly or through our subsidiaries, we have rights in various patents, trade names, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property necessary to conduct our business. Our services often use the intellectual property of others, including licensed software. We also occasionally license our intellectual property to others as we deem appropriate.
We periodically receive offers from third parties to purchase or obtain licenses for patents and other intellectual property rights in exchange for royalties or other payments. We also periodically receive notices, or are named in lawsuits, alleging that our products or services infringe on patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties. In certain instances, these matters can potentially adversely impact our operations, operating results or financial position. For additional information, see “Risk Factors”.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
RISK FACTORS
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS RELATING TO TPT GLOBAL’S PLANS, STRATEGIES, OBJECTIVES, EXPECTATIONS, INTENTIONS AND ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES, AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE OUR COMPANY’S ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM ANY FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE FOLLOWING: OUR ABILITY OF TO IMPLEMENT OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY; ABILITY TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FINANCING; TPT GLOBAL’S LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; UNKNOWN LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURE ACQUISITIONS; ABILITY TO MANAGE GROWTH; SIGNIFICANT COMPETITION; ABILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENTED EMPLOYEES; AND FUTURE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS; AND OTHER FACTORS DESCRIBED IN THIS FILING OR IN OTHER OF TPT GLOBAL’S FILINGS WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. TPT GLOBAL IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PUBLICLY UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.
Special Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information herein contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results may materially differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties set forth in this report. Although management believes that the assumptions made and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that the underlying assumptions will, in fact, prove to be correct or that actual results will not be different from expectations expressed in this report.
We desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This filing contains a number of forward-looking statements that reflect management’s current views and expectations with respect to our business, strategies, products, future results and events, and financial performance. All statements made in this filing other than statements of historical fact, including statements addressing operating performance, clinical developments which management expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements related to our technology, market expectations, future revenues, financing alternatives, statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, and non-historical information, are forward looking statements. In particular, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “may,” variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements, and their absence does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from historical results as well as those expressed in, anticipated, or implied by these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect any future events or circumstances.
Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on management’s current expectations and projections about future events, are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions (including those described below), and apply only as of the date of this filing. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risks to be discussed in this Form 10-K and in the press releases and other communications to shareholders issued by us from time to time which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors which may affect our business. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, see “Forward-Looking Statements.”
RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Many of our competitors are better established and have resources significantly greater than we have, which may make it difficult to attract and retain subscribers.
We will compete with other providers of telephony service, many of which have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources, larger customer bases, longer operating histories, greater name recognition and more established relationships in the industry. In addition, a number of these competitors may combine or form strategic partnerships. As a result, our competitors may be able to offer, or bring to market earlier, products and services that are superior to our own in terms of features, quality, pricing or other factors. Our failure to compete successfully with any of these companies would have a material adverse effect on our business and the trading price of our common stock.
The market for broadband and VoIP services is highly competitive, and we compete with several other companies within a single market:
Moreover, we expect other existing and prospective competitors, particularly if our services are successful; to adopt technologies or business plans similar to ours or seek other means to develop a product competitive with our services. Many of our competitors are well-established and have larger and better developed networks and systems, longer-standing relationships with customers and suppliers, greater name recognition and greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we have. These competitors can often subsidize competing services with revenues from other sources, such as advertising, and thus may offer their products and services at lower prices than ours. These or other competitors may also reduce the prices of their services significantly or may offer broadband connectivity packaged with other products or services. We may not be able to reduce our prices or otherwise alter our services correspondingly, which would make it more difficult to attract and retain subscribers.
Our Acquisitions could result in operating difficulties, dilution and distractions from our core business.
We have evaluated, and expect to continue to evaluate, potential strategic transactions, including larger acquisitions. The process of acquiring and integrating a company, business or technology is risky, may require a disproportionate amount of our management or financial resources and may create unforeseen operating difficulties or expenditures, including:
| · | difficulties in integrating acquired technologies and operations into our business while maintaining uniform standards, controls, policies and procedures; |
Acquisitions of and joint ventures with companies organized outside the United States often involve additional risks, including:
The anticipated benefit of any of our acquisitions or investments may never materialize. Future investments, acquisitions or dispositions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses, or write-offs of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition. Future investments and acquisitions may require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all.
Our substantial indebtedness and our current default status and any restrictive debt covenants could limit our financing options and liquidity position and may limit our ability to grow our business.
Our indebtedness could have important consequences to the holders of our common stock, such as:
As of December 31, 2023, the total debt or financing arrangements was $9,889,567, of which approximately $7,795,326 or 19% of total current liabilities is past due. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had financing lease liability-related amounts of $738,847. Our inability to renegotiate our indebtedness may cause lien holders to obtain possession of a good portion of our assets which would significantly alter our ability to generate revenues and obtain any additional financing. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had financing lease liability-related amounts of $710,776. Our inability to renegotiate our indebtedness may cause lien holders to obtain possession of a good portion of our assets which would significantly alter our ability to generate revenues and obtain any additional financing.
We may experience difficulties in constructing, upgrading and maintaining our network, which could adversely affect customer satisfaction, increase subscriber turnover and reduce our revenues.
Our success depends on developing and providing products and services that give subscribers a high-quality internet connectivity and VoIP experience. If the number of subscribers using our network and the complexity of our products and services increase, we will require more infrastructure and network resources to maintain the quality of our services. Consequently, we expect to make substantial investments to construct and improve our facilities and equipment and to upgrade our technology and network infrastructure. If we do not implement these developments successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies, operational failures or unforeseen costs during implementation, the quality of our products and services could decline.
We may experience quality deficiencies, cost overruns and delays on construction, maintenance and upgrade projects, including the portions of those projects not within our control or the control of our contractors. The construction of our network requires the receipt of permits and approvals from numerous governmental bodies, including municipalities and zoning boards. Such bodies often limit the expansion of transmission towers and other construction necessary for our business. Failure to receive approvals in a timely fashion can delay system rollouts and raise the cost of completing construction projects. In addition, we typically are required to obtain rights from land, building and tower owners to install our antennas and other equipment to provide service to our subscribers. We may not be able to obtain, on terms acceptable to us, or at all, the rights necessary to construct our network and expand our services.
We also face challenges in managing and operating our network. These challenges include operating, maintaining and upgrading network and customer premises equipment to accommodate increased traffic or technological advances, and managing the sales, advertising, customer support, billing and collection functions of our business while providing reliable network service at expected speeds and VoIP telephony at expected levels of quality. Our failure in any of these areas could adversely affect customer satisfaction, increase subscriber turnover, increase our costs, decrease our revenues and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
If we do not obtain and maintain rights to use licensed spectrum in one or more markets, we may be unable to operate in these markets, which could adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategy.
Even though we have established license agreements, growth requires that we plan to provide our services obtaining additional licensed spectrum both in the United States and internationally, we depend on our ability to acquire and maintain sufficient rights to use licensed spectrum by obtaining our own licenses or long-term spectrum leases, in each of the markets in which we operate or intend to operate. Licensing is the short-term solution to obtaining the necessary spectrum as building out spectrum is a long and difficult process that can be costly and require a disproportionate amount of our management resources. We may not be able to acquire, lease or maintain the spectrum necessary to execute our business strategy.
Using licensed spectrum, whether owned or leased, poses additional risks to us, including:
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our business and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business, brand and reputation with investors may be harmed.
In addition, reporting a material weakness may negatively impact investors’ perception of us. We have allocated, and will continue to allocate, significant additional resources to remedy any deficiencies in our internal control. There can be no assurances that our remedial measures will be successful in curing the any material weakness or that other significant deficiencies or material weaknesses will not arise in the future.
Interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could impair our ability to provide our products and services, which could damage our reputation and harm our operating results.
We have experienced service interruptions in some markets in the past and may experience service interruptions or system failures in the future. Any unscheduled service interruption adversely affects our ability to operate our business and could result in an immediate loss of revenues. If we experience frequent or persistent system or network failures, our reputation and brand could be permanently harmed. We may make significant capital expenditures to increase the reliability of our systems, but these capital expenditures may not achieve the results we expect.
Our products and services depend on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems. Any damage to or failure of our systems could result in interruptions in our service. Interruptions in our service could reduce our revenues and profits, and our brand could be damaged if people believe our network is unreliable. Our systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, terrorist attacks, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, computer denial of service attacks or other attempts to harm our systems, and similar events. Some of our systems are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning may not be adequate. The occurrence of a natural disaster or unanticipated problems at our network centers could result in lengthy interruptions in our service and adversely affect our operating results.
The industries in which we operate are continually evolving, which makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and increases the risk of your investment. Our products and services may become obsolete, and we may not be able to develop competitive products or services on a timely basis or at all.
The markets in which we and our customers compete are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and communications protocols, and continuous improvements in products and services. Our future success depends on our ability to enhance current products and to develop and introduce in a timely manner new products that keep pace with technological developments, industry standards and communications protocols, compete effectively on the basis of price, performance and quality, adequately address end-user customer requirements and achieve market acceptance. There can be no assurance that the deployment of wireless networks will not be delayed or that our products will achieve widespread market acceptance or be capable of providing service at competitive prices in sufficient volumes. In the event that our products are not timely and economically developed or do not gain widespread market acceptance, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected. There can also be no assurance that our products will not be rendered obsolete by the introduction and acceptance of new communications protocols.
The broadband services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing, frequent new service introductions and evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. We believe that our success depends on our ability to anticipate and adapt to these challenges and to offer competitive services on a timely basis. We face a number of difficulties and uncertainties associated with our reliance on technological development, such as:
As the products and services offered by us and our competitors develop, businesses and consumers may not accept our services as a commercially viable alternative to other means of delivering wireless broadband and VoIP telephony services.
If we are unable to successfully develop and market additional services and/or new generations of our services offerings or market our services and product offerings to a broad number of customers, we may not remain competitive.
Our future success and our ability to increase net revenue and earnings depend, in part, on our ability to develop and market new additional services and/or new generations of our current services offerings and market our existing services offerings to a broad number of customers. However, we may not be able to, among other things:
If we fail to develop new service offerings, or if we incur unexpected expenses or delays in product development or integration, we may lose our competitive position and incur substantial additional expenses or may be required to curtail or terminate all or part of our present planned business operations.
Our failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if any of our current or future services offerings contain undetected errors or design defects or do not work as expected for our customers, our ability to market these services offerings could be substantially impeded, resulting in lost sales, potential reputation damage and delays in obtaining market acceptance of these services offerings. We cannot assure you that we will continue to successfully develop and market new or enhanced applications for our services offerings. If we do not continue to expand our services offerings portfolio on a timely basis or if those products and applications do not receive market acceptance, become regulatory restricted, or become obsolete, we will not grow our business as currently expected.
We operate in a very competitive environment.
There are three types of competitors for our service offerings.
| (1) | The value-added resellers and other vendors of hardware and software for on-site installation do not typically have an offering similar to our cloud-based services. However, they are the primary historic service suppliers to our targeted customers and will actively work to defend their customer base. |
| (2) | There are a number of providers offering services, but they typically offer only one or two applications of their choosing instead of our offering which bundles customer’s chosen services. |
| (3) | There are a few providers that offer more than two applications from the cloud. However currently, these providers typically offer only those applications they have chosen. |
Our industry is characterized by rapid change resulting from technological advances and new services offerings. Certain competitors have substantially greater capital resources, larger customer bases, larger sales forces, greater marketing and management resources, larger research and development staffs and larger facilities than our and have more established reputations with our target customers, as well as distribution channels that are entrenched and may be more effective than ours. Competitors may develop and offer technologies and products that are more effective, have better features, are easier to use, are less expensive and/or are more readily accepted by the marketplace than our offerings. Their products could make our technology and service offerings obsolete or noncompetitive. Competitors may also be able to achieve more efficient operations and distribution than ours may be able to and may offer lower prices than we could offer profitably. We may decide to alter or discontinue aspects of our business and may adopt different strategies due to business or competitive factors or factors currently unforeseen, such as the introduction by competitors of new products or services technologies that would make part or all of our service offerings obsolete or uncompetitive.
In addition, the industry could experience some consolidation. There is also a risk that larger companies will enter our markets.
If we fail to maintain effective relationships with our major vendors, our services offerings and profitability could suffer.
We use third party providers for services. In addition, we purchase hardware, software and services from external suppliers. Accordingly, we must maintain effective relationships with our vendor base to source our needs, maintain continuity of supply, and achieve reasonable costs. If we fail to maintain effective relationships with our vendor base, this may adversely affect our ability to deliver the best products and services to our customers and our profitability could suffer.
Any failure of the physical or electronic security that resulted in unauthorized parties gaining access to customer data could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We use commercial data networks to service customers cloud based services and the associated customer data. Any data is subject to the risk of physical or electronic intrusion by unauthorized parties. We have a multi-homed firewalls and Intrusion Detection / Prevention systems to protect against electronic intrusion and two physical security levels in our networks. We have multi-homed firewalls and Intrusion Detection / Prevention systems to protect against electronic intrusion and two physical security levels in our networks. Our policy is to close all external ports as a default. Robust anti-virus software runs on all client servers. Systems have automated monitoring and alerting for unusual activity. We also have a Security Officer who monitors these systems. We have better security systems and expertise than our clients can afford separately but any failure of these systems could adversely affect our business growth and financial condition.
Demand for our service offerings may decrease if new government regulations substantially increase costs, limit delivery or change the use of Internet access and other products on which our service offerings depend.
We are dependent on Internet access to deliver our service offerings. If new regulations are imposed that limit the use of the internet or impose significant taxes on services delivered via the internet, it could change our cost structure and/or affect our business model. If new regulations are imposed that limit the use of the Internet or impose significant taxes on services delivered via the Internet it could change our cost structure and/or affect our business model. The significant changes in regulatory costs or new limitations on Internet use could impact our ability to operate as we anticipate, could damage our reputation with our customers, disrupt our business or result in, among other things, decreased net revenue and increased overhead costs. As a result, any such failure could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increasing regulation of our Internet-based products and services could adversely affect our ability to provide new products and services.
On February 26, 2015, the FCC adopted a new "network neutrality" or Open Internet order (the "2015 Order") that: (1) reclassified broadband Internet access service as a Title II common carrier service, (2) applied certain existing Title II provisions and associated regulations; (3) forbore from applying a range of other existing Title II provisions and associated regulations, but to varying degrees indicated that this forbearance may be only temporary and (4) issued new rules expanding disclosure requirements and prohibiting blocking, throttling, paid prioritization and unreasonable interference with the ability of end users and edge providers to reach each other. The 2015 Order also subjected broadband providers' Internet traffic exchange rates and practices to potential FCC oversight and created a mechanism for third parties to file complaints regarding these matters. The 2015 Order could limit our ability to efficiently manage our cable systems and respond to operational and competitive challenges. In December 2017, the FCC adopted an order (the "2017 Order") that in large part reverses the 2015 Order. The 2017 Order has not yet gone into effect, however, and the 2015 Order will remain binding until the 2017 Order takes effect. The 2017 Order is expected to be subject to legal challenge that may delay its effect or overturn it. Additionally, Congress and some states are considering legislation that may codify "network neutrality" rules.
Offering telephone services may subject us to additional regulatory burdens, causing us to incur additional costs.
We offer telephone services over our broadband network and continue to develop and deploy interconnected VoIP services. The FCC has ruled that competitive telephone companies that support VoIP services, such as those that we offer to our customers, are entitled to interconnect with incumbent providers of traditional telecommunications services, which ensures that our VoIP services can operate in the market. However, the scope of these interconnection rights are being reviewed in a current FCC proceeding, which may affect our ability to compete in the provision of telephony services or result in additional costs. It remains unclear precisely to what extent federal and state regulators will subject VoIP services to traditional telephone service regulation. Expanding our offering of these services may require us to obtain certain authorizations, including federal and state licenses. We may not be able to obtain such authorizations in a timely manner, or conditions could be imposed upon such licenses or authorizations that may not be favorable to us. The FCC has already extended certain traditional telecommunications requirements, such as E911 capabilities, Universal Service Fund contribution, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act ("CALEA"), measures to protect Customer Proprietary Network Information, customer privacy, disability access, number porting, battery back-up, network outage reporting, rural call completion reporting and other regulatory requirements to many VoIP providers such as us. If additional telecommunications regulations are applied to our VoIP service, it could cause us to incur additional costs and may otherwise materially adversely impact our operations. In 2011, the FCC released an order significantly changing the rules governing intercarrier compensation for the origination and termination of telephone traffic between interconnected carriers. These rules have resulted in a substantial decrease in interstate compensation payments over a multi-year period. The FCC is currently considering additional reforms that could further reduce interstate compensation payments. Further, although the FCC recently declined to impose additional regulatory burdens on certain point to point transport ("special access") services provided by cable companies, that FCC decision has been appealed by multiple parties. If those appeals are successfully, there could be additional regulatory burdens and additional costs placed on these services.
We may engage in acquisitions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business has changed significantly as a result of acquisitions, which entail numerous risks including:
We also participate in competitive bidding processes, some of which may involve significant cable systems. If we are the winning bidder in any such process involving significant cable systems or we otherwise engage in acquisitions or other strategic transactions in the future, we may incur additional debt, contingent liabilities and amortization expenses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also issue substantial additional equity which could dilute existing stockholders.
If our acquisitions do not result in the anticipated operating efficiencies, are not effectively integrated, or result in costs which exceed our expectations, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Significant unanticipated increases in the use of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services could increase our costs.
The rising popularity of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services poses risks for our broadband services. Examples of such services include peer-to-peer file sharing services, gaming services and the delivery of video via streaming technology and by download. If heavy usage of bandwidth-intensive broadband services grows beyond our current expectations, we may need to incur more expenses than currently anticipated to expand the bandwidth capacity of our systems or our customers could have a suboptimal experience when using our broadband service. In order to continue to provide quality service at attractive prices, we need the continued flexibility to develop and refine business models that respond to changing consumer uses and demands and to manage bandwidth usage efficiently. Our ability to undertake such actions could be restricted by regulatory and legislative efforts to impose so-called "net neutrality" requirements on broadband communication providers like us that provide broadband services. For more information, see "Regulation—Broadband."
We operate in a highly competitive business environment which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, pay television and telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite-delivered video signals, Internet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. Some of our competitors include AT&T and its DirecTV subsidiary, CenturyLink, DISH Network, Frontier and Verizon. In addition, our pay television services compete with all other sources of leisure, news, information and entertainment, including movies, sporting or other live events, radio broadcasts, home-video services, console games, print media and the internet.
In some instances, our competitors have fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater resources, greater operating capabilities and efficiencies of scale, stronger brand-name recognition, longstanding relationships with regulatory authorities and customers, more subscribers, more flexibility to offer promotional packages at prices lower than ours and greater access to programming or other services. This competition creates pressure on our pricing and has adversely affected, and may continue to affect, our ability to add and retain customers, which in turn adversely affects our business, financial condition and results of operations. The effects of competition may also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to service our debt. For example, we face intense competition from Verizon and AT&T, which have network infrastructure throughout our service areas. We estimate that competitors are currently able to sell a fiber-based triple play, including broadband, pay television and telephony services, and may expand these and other service offerings to our potential customers.
Our competitive risks are heightened by the rapid technological change inherent in our business, evolving consumer preferences and the need to acquire, develop and adopt new technology to differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors, and to meet consumer demand. We may need to anticipate far in advance which technology we should use for the development of new products and services or the enhancement of existing products and services. The failure to accurately anticipate such changes may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Consolidation and cooperation in our industry may allow our competitors to acquire service capabilities or offer products that are not available to us or offer similar products and services at prices lower than ours. For example, Comcast and Charter Communications have agreed to jointly explore operational efficiencies to speed their respective entries into the wireless market, including in the areas of creating common operating platforms and emerging wireless technology platforms. In addition, changes in the regulatory and legislative environments may result in changes to the competitive landscape.
In addition, certain of our competitors own directly or are affiliated with companies that own programming content or have exclusive arrangements with content providers that may enable them to obtain lower programming costs or offer exclusive programming that may be attractive to prospective subscribers. For example, DirecTV has exclusive arrangements with the National Football League that give it access to programming we cannot offer. AT&T also has an agreement to acquire Time Warner, which owns a number of cable networks, including TBS, CNN and HBO, as well as Warner Bros. Entertainment, which produces television, film and home-video content. AT&T's and DirecTV's potential access to Time Warner programming could allow AT&T and DirecTV to offer competitive and promotional packages that could negatively affect our ability to maintain or increase our existing customers and revenues. DBS operators such as DISH Network and DirecTV also have marketing arrangements with certain phone companies in which the DBS provider's pay television services are sold together with the phone company's broadband and mobile and traditional phone services.
Most broadband communications companies, which already have wired networks, an existing customer base and other operational functions in place (such as billing and service personnel), offer DSL services. We believe DSL service competes with our broadband service and is often offered at prices lower than our Internet services. However, DSL is often offered at speeds lower than the speeds we offer. In addition, DSL providers may currently be in a better position to offer Internet services to businesses since their networks tend to be more complete in commercial areas. They may also increasingly have the ability to combine video services with telephone and Internet services offered to their customers, particularly as broadband communications companies enter into co-marketing agreements with other service providers. In addition, current and future fixed and wireless Internet services, such as 3G, 4G and 5G fixed and wireless broadband services and Wi-Fi networks, and devices such as wireless data cards, tablets and smartphones, and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices, may compete with our broadband services.
Our telephony services compete directly with established broadband communications companies and other carriers, including wireless providers, as increasing numbers of homes are replacing their traditional telephone service with wireless telephone service. We also compete against VoIP providers like Vonage, Skype, GoogleTalk, Facetime, WhatsApp and magicJack that do not own networks but can provide service to any person with a broadband connection, in some cases free of charge. In addition, we compete against ILECs, other CLECs and long-distance voice-service companies for large commercial and enterprise customers. While we compete with the ILECs, we also enter into interconnection agreements with ILECs so that our customers can make and receive calls to and from customers served by the ILECs and other telecommunications providers. Federal and state law and regulations require ILECs to enter into such agreements and provide facilities and services necessary for connection, at prices subject to regulation. The specific price, terms and conditions of each agreement, however, depend on the outcome of negotiations between us and each ILEC. Interconnection agreements are also subject to approval by the state regulatory commissions, which may arbitrate negotiation impasses. These agreements, like all interconnection agreements, are for limited terms and upon expiration are subject to renegotiation, potential arbitration and approval under the laws in effect at that time.
We also face competition for our advertising sales from traditional and non-traditional media outlets, including television and radio stations, traditional print media and the Internet.
We face significant risks as a result of rapid changes in technology, consumer expectations and behavior.
The broadband communications industry has undergone significant technological development over time and these changes continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such changes have had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on consumer expectations and behavior. Our video business faces technological change risks as a result of the continuing development of new and changing methods for delivery of programming content such as Internet-based delivery of movies, shows and other content which can be viewed on televisions, wireless devices and other developing mobile devices. Consumers' video consumption patterns are also evolving, for example, with more content being downloaded for time-shifted consumption. A proliferation of delivery systems for video content can adversely affect our ability to attract and retain subscribers and the demand for our services and it can also decrease advertising demand on our delivery systems. Our broadband business faces technological challenges from rapidly evolving wireless Internet solutions. Our telephony service offerings face technological developments in the proliferation of telephony delivery systems including those based on Internet and wireless delivery. If we do not develop or acquire and successfully implement new technologies, we will limit our ability to compete effectively for subscribers, content and advertising. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction of new technologies, or that any new technologies will be rolled out across our footprint in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to anticipate and to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenues and growth may be constrained due to demand exceeding the capacity of our systems or our inability to develop solutions.
We anticipate generating revenues in the future from broadband connectivity, other Internet services, and broadband and in the cloud services. Demand and market acceptance for these recently introduced services and products delivered over the Internet is uncertain. Critical issues concerning the use of the Internet, such as ease of access, security, reliability, cost and quality of service, exist and may affect the growth of Internet use or the attractiveness of conducting commerce online. In addition, the Internet and online services may not be accepted as viable for a number of reasons, including potentially inadequate development of the necessary network infrastructure or delayed development of enabling technologies and performance improvements. To the extent that the Internet and online services continue to experience significant growth, there can be no assurance that the infrastructure of the Internet and online services will prove adequate to support increased user demands. In addition, the Internet or online services could lose their viability due to delays in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols required to handle increased levels of Internet or online service activity. Changes in, or insufficient availability of, telecommunications services to support the Internet or online services also could result in slower response times and adversely affect usage of the Internet and online services generally and us in particular. If use of the Internet and online services does not continue to grow or grows more slowly than expected, if the infrastructure for the Internet and online services does not effectively support growth that may occur, or if the Internet and online services do not become a viable commercial marketplace, our business could be adversely affected.
Certain aspects of our VoIP telephony services differ from traditional telephone service. The factors that may have this effect include:
Additionally, our VoIP emergency calling service is significantly more limited than the emergency calling services offered by traditional telephone companies. Our VoIP emergency calling service can only transmit to a dispatcher at a public safety answering point, or PSAP, the location information that the subscriber has registered with us, which may at times be different from the actual location at the time of the call. As a result, our emergency calling systems may not assure that the appropriate PSAP is reached and may cause significant delays, or even failures, in callers’ receipt of emergency assistance. Our failure to develop or operate an adequate emergency calling service could subject us to substantial liabilities and may result in delays in subscriber adoption of our VoIP telephony services or all of our services, abandonment of our services by subscribers, and litigation costs, damage awards and negative publicity, any of which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.
If our subscribers do not accept the differences between our VoIP telephony services and traditional telephone service, they may not adopt or keep our VoIP telephony services or our other services or may choose to retain or return to service provided by traditional telephone companies. Because VoIP telephony services represent an important aspect of our business strategy, failure to achieve subscribers’ acceptance of our VoIP telephony services may adversely affect our prospects, results of operations and the trading price of our shares.
We rely on contract manufacturers and a limited number of third-party suppliers to produce our network equipment and to maintain our network sites. If these companies fail to perform, we may have a shortage of components and may be required to suspend our network deployment and our product and service introduction.
We depend on contract manufacturers to produce and deliver acceptable, high-quality products on a timely basis. We also depend on a limited number of third parties to maintain our network facilities. If our contract manufacturer or other providers do not satisfy our requirements, or if we lose our contract manufacturers or any other significant provider, we may have an insufficient network service for delivery to subscribers, we may be forced to suspend portions of our wireless broadband network, enrollment of new subscribers, and product sales and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results may be harmed.
We rely on highly skilled executives and other personnel. If we cannot retain and motivate key personnel, we may be unable to implement our business strategy.
We will be highly dependent on the scientific, technical, and managerial skills of certain key employees, including technical, research and development, sales, marketing, financial and executive personnel, and on our ability to identify, hire and retain additional personnel. To accommodate our current size and manage our anticipated growth, we must expand our employee base. Competition for key personnel, particularly persons having technical expertise, is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain existing personnel or to identify or hire additional personnel. The need for such personnel is particularly important given the strains on our existing infrastructure and the need to anticipate the demands of future growth. In particular, we are highly dependent on the continued services of our senior management team, which currently is composed of a small number of individuals. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on the life of any employee. The inability of us to attract, hire or retain the necessary technical, sales, marketing, financial and executive personnel, or the loss of the services of any member of our senior management team, could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our future success depends largely on the expertise and reputation of our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen J. Thomas, Richard Eberhardt, and the other members of our senior management team. In addition, we intend to hire additional highly skilled individuals to staff our operations. Loss of any of our key personnel or the inability to recruit and retain qualified individuals could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy and operate our business.
We are currently managed by a small number of key management and operating personnel. Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel. Failure to do so likely would have an adverse impact on our business and the trading price of our common stock.
If our data security measures are breached, subscribers may perceive our network and services as not secure.
Our network security and the authentication of the subscriber’s credentials are designed to protect unauthorized access to data on our network. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or to sabotage networks change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate or implement adequate preventive measures against unauthorized access or sabotage. Consequently, unauthorized parties may overcome our encryption and security systems and obtain access to data on our network, including on a device connected to our network. In addition, because we operate and control our network and our subscribers’ Internet connectivity, unauthorized access or sabotage of our network could result in damage to our network and to the computers or other devices used by our subscribers. An actual or perceived breach of network security, regardless of whether the breach is our fault, could harm public perception of the effectiveness of our security measures, adversely affect our ability to attract and retain subscribers, expose us to significant liability and adversely affect our business prospects.
Our activities outside the United States could disrupt our operations.
We intend to invest in various international companies and spectrum opportunities through acquisitions and strategic alliances as these opportunities arise. Our activities outside the United States operate in environments different from the one we face in the United States, particularly with respect to competition and regulation. Due to these differences, our activities outside the United States may require a disproportionate amount of our management and financial resources, which could disrupt our U.S. operations and adversely affect our business.
In a number of international markets, we face substantial competition from local service providers that offer or may offer their own wireless broadband or VoIP telephony services and from other companies that provide Internet connectivity services. We may face heightened challenges in gaining market share, particularly in certain European countries, where a large portion of the population already has broadband Internet connectivity and incumbent companies already have a dominant market share in their service areas. Furthermore, foreign providers of competing services may have a substantial advantage over us in attracting subscribers due to a more established brand, greater knowledge of local subscribers’ preferences and access to significant financial or strategic resources.
In addition, foreign regulatory authorities frequently own or control the incumbent telecommunications companies operating under their jurisdiction. Established relationships between government-owned or government-controlled telecommunications companies and their traditional local providers of telecommunications services often limit access of third parties to these markets. The successful expansion of our international operations in some markets will depend on our ability to locate, form and maintain strong relationships with established local communication services and equipment providers. Failure to establish these relationships or to market or sell our products and services successfully could limit our ability to attract subscribers to our services.
We may be unable to protect our intellectual property, which could reduce the value of our services and our brand.
Our ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to protect our proprietary technologies, system designs and manufacturing processes. We may not be able to safeguard and maintain our proprietary rights. We rely on patents, trademarks and policies and procedures related to confidentiality to protect our intellectual property. Some of our intellectual property, however, is not covered by any of these protections.
We could be subject to claims that we have infringed on the proprietary rights of others, which claims would likely be costly to defend, could require us to pay damages and could limit our ability to use necessary technologies in the future.
Our competitors may independently develop or patent technologies or processes that are substantially equivalent or superior to ours. These competitors may claim that our services and products infringe on these patents or other proprietary rights. Defending against infringement claims, even meritless ones, would be time consuming, distracting and costly. Defending against infringement claims, even merit less ones, would be time consuming, distracting and costly. If we are found to be infringing proprietary rights of a third party, we could be enjoined from using such third party’s rights and be required to pay substantial royalties and damages and may no longer be able to use the intellectual property on acceptable terms or at all. Failure to obtain licenses to intellectual property could delay or prevent the development, manufacture or sale of our products or services and could cause us to expend significant resources to develop or acquire non-infringing intellectual property.
Our business depends on our brand, and if we do not maintain and enhance our brand, our ability to attract and retain subscribers may be impaired and our business and operating results harmed.
We believe that our brand is a critical part of our business. Maintaining and enhancing our brand may require us to make substantial investments with no assurance that these investments will be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain our brands, or if we incur significant expenses in this effort, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition may be harmed. We anticipate that maintaining and enhancing our brand will become increasingly important, difficult and expensive.
We are subject to extensive regulation.
Our acquisition, lease, maintenance and use of spectrum licenses are extensively regulated by federal, state, local, and foreign governmental entities. A number of other federal, state, local and foreign privacy, security and consumer laws also apply to our business. These regulations and their application are subject to continual change as new legislation, regulations or amendments to existing regulations are adopted from time to time by governmental or regulatory authorities, including as a result of judicial interpretations of such laws and regulations. Current regulations directly affect the breadth of services we are able to offer and may impact the rates, terms and conditions of our services. Regulation of companies that offer competing services, such as cable and DSL providers and incumbent telecommunications carriers, also affects our business indirectly.
We are also subject to regulation because we provide VoIP telephony services. As an “interconnected” VoIP provider, we are required under FCC rules, to comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, or CALEA, which requires service providers to build certain capabilities into their networks and to accommodate wiretap requests from law enforcement agencies.
In addition, the FCC or other regulatory authorities may in the future restrict our ability to manage subscribers’ use of our network, thereby limiting our ability to prevent or address subscribers’ excessive bandwidth demands. To maintain the quality of our network and user experience, we manage the bandwidth used by our subscribers’ applications, in part by restricting the types of applications that may be used over our network. Some providers and users of these applications have objected to this practice. If the FCC or other regulatory authorities were to adopt regulations that constrain our ability to employ bandwidth management practices, excessive use of bandwidth-intensive applications would likely reduce the quality of our services for all subscribers. Such decline in the quality of our services could harm our business.
In certain of our international markets, the services provided by our business may require receipt of a license from national, provincial or local regulatory authorities. Where required, regulatory authorities may have significant discretion in granting the licenses and in the term of the licenses and are often under no obligation to renew the licenses when they expire.
The breach of a license or applicable law, even if inadvertent, can result in the revocation, suspension, cancellation or reduction in the term of a license or the imposition of fines. In addition, regulatory authorities may grant new licenses to third parties, resulting in greater competition in territories where we already have rights to licensed spectrum. In order to promote competition, licenses may also require that third parties be granted access to our bandwidth, frequency capacity, facilities or services. We may not be able to obtain or retain any required license, and we may not be able to renew a license on favorable terms, or at all.
Our wireless broadband and VoIP telephony services may become subject to greater state or federal regulation in the future. The scope of the regulations that may apply to VoIP telephony services providers and the impact of such regulations on providers’ competitive position are presently unknown.
Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is also our largest stockholder, and as a result he can exert control over us and has actual or potential interests that may diverge from yours.
Mr. Thomas may have interests that diverge from those of other holders of our common stock, and he owns our super majority voting Series A stock. As a result, Mr. Thomas may vote the shares he owns or otherwise cause us to take actions that may conflict with your best interests as a stockholder, which could adversely affect our results of operations and the trading price of our common stock.
Through his control, Mr. Thomas can control our management, affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the approval of significant corporate transactions, a sale of our company, decisions about our capital structure and, the composition of our board of directors.
COVID-19 effects on the economy may negatively affect our Company business.
In December 2019, COVID-19 emerged and has subsequently spread worldwide. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic resulting in federal, state and local governments and private entities mandating various restrictions, including travel restrictions, restrictions on public gatherings, stay at home orders and advisories and quarantining of people who may have been exposed to the virus.
As the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and rapidly evolving, the Company's business may be negatively affected for a sustained time frame. At this point, we cannot reasonably estimate the duration and severity of this pandemic, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
RISK FACTORS RELATED TO OUR STOCK
We can give no assurance of success or profitability to our investors.
Cash flows generated from operating activities were not enough to support all working capital requirements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Financing activities described below have helped with working capital and other capital requirements.
We incurred $10,401,590 and $21,749,920, respectively, in losses, and we used $525,539 and $226,493, respectively, in cash for operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. We calculate the net cash used by operating activities by decreasing, or increasing in case of gain, our let loss by those items that do not require the use of cash such as depreciation, amortization, promissory note issued for research and development, note payable issued for legal fees, derivative expense or gain, gain on extinguishment of debt, loss on conversion of notes payable, impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets and share-based compensation which totaled to a net $6,259,293 for 2023 and $16,746,502 for 2022.
In addition, we report increases in assets and reductions in liabilities as uses of cash and decreases in assets and increases in liabilities as sources of cash, together referred to as changes in operating assets and liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had a net increase in our assets and liabilities of $3,738,248 primarily from an increase in accounts payable from lag of payments for accounts payable for cash flow considerations and an increase in the balances from our operating lease liabilities. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we had a net increase to our assets and liabilities of $4,776,925 for similar reasons. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we had a net increase to our assets and liabilities of $4,270,865 for similar reasons.
Cash flows from financing activities were $483,363 and $(180,525) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the year ended December 30, 2023, these cash flows were generated from proceeds from convertible notes, loans and advances of $433,500 and from notes payable – related parties of $166,188 offset by payment on convertible loans, advances and factoring agreements of $83,620. For the year ended December 31, 2022, these cash flows were generated from proceeds from convertible notes, loans and advances of $1,256,187 offset by payment on convertible loans, advances and factoring agreements of $1,391,580.
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities were $0 and $(22,747), respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 primarily related to the acquisition of property and equipment for 2022.
These factors raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
In order for us to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements, we will need to obtain additional debt or equity financing and look for companies with cash flow positive operations that we can acquire. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure additional debt or equity financing, that we will be able to acquire cash flow positive operations, or that, if we are successful in any of those actions, those actions will produce adequate cash flow to enable us to meet all our future obligations. Most of our existing financing arrangements are short-term. If we are unable to obtain additional debt or equity financing, we may be required to significantly reduce or cease operations.
Sales of common stock resulting from issuances of common stock for conversions by our convertible noteholders or Rule 144 sales in the future will have a depressive effect on our common stock price.
Most of our convertible noteholders have rights to convert their notes at significant discounts to the market prices as shown in the schedule below, for sale under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Act and perhaps under registration statements which the company is preparing to file in the next thirty days. Rule 144 provides in essence that a person who has held restricted securities for six months or is deemed to have held them due to the issuance by the Company of convertible notes under certain conditions, may sell those shares in brokerage transactions. There is no limit on the amount of restricted securities that may be sold by a non-affiliate after the owner has held the restricted securities for a period of six months. A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registration of shares of common stock of present stockholders underlying the convertible notes, will have a depressive effect upon the price of the common stock in the market, since they are issued at a discount to market-often 50-60% of the lowest bid for differing periods, and sales can be expected at some discounted prices, with larger than normal volumes. We have also issued preferred stock and options and warrants that allow for the purchase of shares at significant discounts to the market prices, often 50% of the ten-day low bids, or other highly discounted rates, which would allow the holders of those warrants to sell shares into the market at a profit over their discounted price, which could have the effect of depressing the price of the shares in the market.
The Company has convertible debt and preferred stock outstanding for which common shares would be required to be issued upon exercise by the holders. As of December 31, 2023, the following shares would be issued:
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Part of the consideration in the acquisition of Aire Fitness was the issuance of 500,000 restricted common shares of the Company vesting and issuable after the common stock reaches at least a $1.00 per share closing price in trading. To date, this has not occurred but may happen in the future upon which the Company will issue 500,000 common shares to the non-controlling interest owners of Aire Fitness.
Stock Options
There are currently no stock options outstanding.
On October 14, 2017, the Board of Directors and majority stockholders of TPT approved the 2017 TPT Global Tech, Inc. Stock Option and Award Incentive Plan (“the 2017 Plan.”) There are 20,000,000 shares of our common stock reserved under the 2017 Plan.
On February 1, 2024, by unanimous written consent, the Board of Directors and Majority Shareholder of TPT Global Tech, Inc. (the “Company”) approved and adopted an amendment and restatement of the 2024 TPT Global Tech, Inc. Stock Option, Compensation, and Award Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the maximum number of common shares, with a par value of $0.001 (“Common Shares”), available for grant to participants under the Plan to 3,500,000,000 Common Shares. In addition, the Plan was amended to define “Eligible Person” as an Employee, Consultant (Person or Professional Services Company) or Director of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary. A company other than a Professional Services Company is NOT eligible and “Issuance for Compensation for Services” shall mean the issuance for valuable and adequate consideration determined by the Board as determined by performance pursuant to an agreement. This Plan amends and supersedes any and all prior Plans.
Warrants
As of December 31, 2023, there were 129,116,666 warrants outstanding that expire in five years or in the years ended December 31, 2024 -2027. As part of the Convertible Promissory Notes payable – third party issuance in Note 5, the Company issued 1,000,000 warrants to purchase 1,000,000 common shares of the Company at 70% of the current market price. Current market price means the average of the three lowest trading prices for our common stock during the ten-trading day period ending on the latest complete trading day prior to the date of the respective exercise notice.
On January 31, 2022, TPT Global Tech, Inc. issued warrants in conjunction with the issuance of Talos and Blue Lake Note Agreements. Warrants to purchase 18,116,666 shares of common stock at $0.015 per share.
The warrants issued under these convertible promissory notes were considered derivative liabilities valued at $40,817 of the total $9,827,723 derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2023. See Note 5.
Current market price means the average of the three lowest trading prices for our common stock during the ten-trading day period ending on the latest complete trading day prior to the date of the respective exercise notice.
The exercise of the options, warrants, convertible promissory notes and Series A, B, C, D, and E Series Preferred Stock into shares of our common stock could have a dilutive effect to the holdings of our existing shareholders.
We may in the future issue more shares which could cause a loss of control by our present management and current stockholders.
We may issue further shares as consideration for the cash or assets or services out of our authorized but unissued common stock that would, upon issuance, represent a majority of the voting power and equity of our Company. The result of such an issuance would be those new stockholders and management would control our Company, and persons unknown could replace our management at this time. Such an occurrence would result in a greatly reduced percentage of ownership of our Company by our current shareholders, which could present significant risks to investors.
Our officers and directors may have conflicts of interests as to corporate opportunities which we may not be able or allowed to participate in.
Presently there is no requirement contained in our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or minutes which requires officers and directors of our business to disclose to us business opportunities which come to their attention. Our officers and directors do, however, have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to us to disclose to us any business opportunities which come to their attention, in their capacity as an officer and/or director or otherwise. Excluded from this duty would be opportunities which the person learns about through his involvement as an officer and director of another company. We have no intention of merging with or acquiring business opportunity from any affiliate or officer or director. (See “Conflicts of Interest” at page 81.)
We have agreed to indemnification of officers and directors as is provided by Florida Statutes.
Florida Statutes provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, and agents, under certain circumstances, against attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by them in any litigation to which they become a party arising from their association with or activities our behalf. We will also bear the expenses of such litigation for any of our directors, officers, employees, or agents, upon such person’s promise to repay us therefore if it is ultimately determined that any such person shall not have been entitled to indemnification. This indemnification policy could result in substantial expenditures by us that we will be unable to recoup.
Our directors’ liability to us and our shareholders is limited.
Florida Statutes exclude personal liability of our directors and our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty except in certain specified circumstances. Accordingly, we will have a much more limited right of action against our directors that otherwise would be the case. This provision does not affect the liability of any director under federal or applicable state securities laws.
Our Stock prices in the Market may be volatile.
The value of our Common stock following this offering may be highly volatile and could be subject to fluctuations in price in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include:
In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for shares of technology companies in particular, has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. We expect the value of our common stock will be subject to such fluctuations.
We may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy without substantial additional capital. Any such failure may adversely affect the business and results of operations.
Unless we can generate revenues sufficient to implement our Business Plan, we will need to obtain additional financing through debt or bank financing, or through the sale of shareholder interests to execute our Business Plan. We expect to need at least $50,000,000 in the next twelve months in capital or loans to complete our plans and operations. We may not be able to obtain this financing at all. We have not sought commitments for this financing, and we have no terms for either debt or equity financing, and we realize that it may be difficult to obtain on favorable terms. Moreover, if we issue additional equity securities to support our operations, Investor holdings may be diluted. Our business plans are at risk if we cannot continually achieve additional capital raising to complete our plans.
We are reliant, in part, on third party sales organizations, which may not perform as we expect.
We, from time to time, rely on the sales force of third-party sales organizations with support from our own selling resources. The third-party relationships and internal organization are not fully developed at this time and must be developed. We may not be able to hire effective inside salespeople to help our third-party sales organizations close sales. There is no assurance that any approaches will improve sales. Further, using only a direct sales force would be less cost-effective than our plan to use third-party sales organizations. In addition, a direct sales model may be ineffective if we were unable to hire and retain qualified salespeople and if the sales force fails to complete sales. Moreover, even if we successfully implement our business strategy, we may not have positive operating results. We may decide to alter or discontinue aspects of our business strategy and may adopt different strategies due to business or competitive factors.
Our growth may be affected adversely if our sales of products and services are negatively affected by competition or other factors.
The growth of our business is dependent, in large part, upon the development of sales for our services and product offerings. Market opportunities that we expect to exist may not develop as expected, or at all. For example, a substantial percentage of our service offerings is oriented around data access. If lower cost alternatives are developed, our sales would decrease, and our operating results would be negatively affected. Moreover, even if market opportunities develop as expected, new technologies and service offerings introduced by competitors may significantly limit our ability to capitalize on any such market opportunity. Moreover, even if market opportunities develop as expected, new technologies and services offerings introduced by competitors may significantly limit our ability to capitalize on any such market opportunity. Our failure to capitalize on expected market opportunities would adversely affect revenue growth.
The lack of operating history and the rapidly changing nature of the market in which we compete make it difficult to accurately forecast revenues and operating results. We anticipate that revenues and operating results might fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors including the following:
| · | the timing of sales for current services and products offerings; |
| · | the timing of new product implementations; |
| · | unexpected delays in introducing new services and products offerings; |
| · | increased expense related to sales and marketing, product development or administration; |
| · | the mix of products and our services offerings; |
| · | costs related to possible acquisitions of technology or business; and |
| · | costs of providing services. |
We may be unable to compete with larger, more established competitors.
The market for providing network delivered service solutions is competitive. We expect competition to intensify in the future. Many of our potential competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater recognition and significantly greater resources. As a result, competitors may be able to respond more quickly to emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements than we can. The continuous and timely introduction of competitively priced services offerings into the market is critical to our success, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to introduce such services offerings. We may not be able to compete successfully against competitors, and the competitive pressures we face may have an adverse effect on our business.
Our common stock will in all likelihood be thinly traded and as a result you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to liquidate your shares, after any conversion from Preferred Stock.
The shares of our common stock may be thinly-traded on the OTC Market, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near ask prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company which is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven, early stage company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of any of our Securities until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our Securities is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on Securities price. We cannot give you any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common Securities will develop or be sustained, or that any trading levels will be sustained. Due to these conditions, we can give investors no assurance that they will be able to sell their shares at or near ask prices or at all if they need money or otherwise desire to liquidate their securities of our Company.
The regulation of penny stocks by SEC and FINRA may discourage the tradability of our common stock or other securities.
We are a “penny stock” company. Our common stock currently trades on the OTCPINK under the symbol “TPTW” and will be subject to a Securities and Exchange Commission rule that imposes special sales practice requirements upon broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers or accredited investors. For purposes of the rule, the phrase “accredited investors” means, in general terms, institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000, or individuals having a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or having an annual income that exceeds $200,000 (or that, when combined with a spouse’s income, exceeds $300,000). For transactions covered by the rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Effectively, this discourages broker-dealers from executing trades in penny stocks. Consequently, the rule will affect the ability of purchasers to sell their securities in any market that might develop therefore because it imposes additional regulatory burdens on penny stock transactions.
In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted a number of rules to regulate “penny stocks". Such rules include Rules 3a51-1, 15g-1, 15g-2, 15g-3, 15g-4, 15g-5, 15g-6, 15g-7, and 15g-9 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because our securities constitute “penny stocks” within the meaning of the rules, the rules would apply to us and to our securities. The rules will further affect the ability of owners of shares to sell our securities in any market that might develop for them because it imposes additional regulatory burdens on penny stock transactions.
Shareholders should be aware that, according to Securities and Exchange Commission, the market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include (i) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (ii) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (iii) “boiler room” practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (iv) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (v) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired consequent investor losses. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our securities.
Inventory in penny stocks have limited remedies in the event of violations of penny stock rules. While the courts are always available to seek remedies for fraud against us, most, if not all, brokerages require their customers to sign mandatory arbitration agreements in conjunctions with opening trading accounts. Such arbitration may be through an independent arbiter. Investors may file a complaint with FINRA against the broker allegedly at fault, and FINRA may be the arbiter, under FINRA rules. Arbitration rules generally limit discovery and provide more expedient adjudication, but also provide limited remedies in damages, usually only the actual economic loss in the account. Investors should understand that if a fraud case is filed against a company in the courts, it may be vigorously defended and may take years and great legal expenses and costs to pursue, which may not be economically feasible for small investors.
That absent arbitration agreements related to brokerage accounts; specific legal remedies available to investors of penny stocks include the following:
If a penny stock is sold to the investor in violation of the requirements listed above, or other federal or states securities laws, the investor may be able to cancel the purchase and receive a refund of the investment.
If a penny stock is sold to the investor in a fraudulent manner, the investor may be able to sue the persons and firms that committed the fraud for damages.
The fact that we are a penny stock company will cause many brokers to refuse to handle transactions in the stocks, and may discourage trading activity and volume, or result in wide disparities between bid and ask prices. These may cause investors significant illiquidity of the stock at a price at which they may wish to sell or in the opportunity to complete a sale. Investors will have no effective legal remedies for these illiquidity issues.
We will pay no dividends in the foreseeable future on common stock.
We have not paid dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying such dividends in the foreseeable future. The Series D and Series E Preferred Stock will be paid 6% per annum on a cumulative basis, in cash or in registered common stock. The Series D Preferred Stock will be paid 6% per annum on a cumulative basis, in cash or in registered common stock.
Rule 144 sales of stock in the future may have a depressive effect on our stock price.
All of the outstanding shares of common stock held by our present officers, directors, and affiliate stockholders are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. As restricted Shares, common shares may be resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Act and as required under applicable state securities laws. Rule 144 provides in essence that a person who has held restricted securities for six months, under certain conditions, sell every three months, in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1.0% of a company’s outstanding common stock or the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks prior to the sale. There is no limit on the amount of restricted securities that may be sold by a non-affiliate after the owner has held the restricted securities for a period of six months. A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registration of shares of common stock of present stockholders, may have a depressive effect upon the price of the common stock in any market that may develop.
Any sales of our common stock, if in significant amounts, are likely to depress the future market price of our securities.
Outside of this offering, convertible debt arrangements and convertible preferred stock that exist, there are no intended sales of common stock.
Any new potential investors will suffer a disproportionate risk and there will be immediate dilution of existing investor’s investments.
Our present shareholders have acquired their securities at a cost significantly less than that which the investors purchasing hereto will pay for their stock holdings or at which future purchasers in the market may pay. Therefore, any new potential investors will bear most of the risk of loss.
We can issue future series of shares of preferred stock without shareholder approval, which could adversely affect the rights of common shareholders.
Our Articles of Incorporation permit our Board of Directors to establish the rights, privileges, preferences and restrictions, including voting rights, of future series of stock and to issue such stock without approval from our shareholders. The rights of holders of common stock may suffer as a result of the rights granted to holders of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. In addition, we could issue preferred stock to prevent a change in control of our Company, depriving common shareholders of an opportunity to sell their stock at a price in excess of the prevailing market price.
We will continue to be a reporting company due to the effectiveness of a Form 8-A to be filed concurrent with the acceptance of the NASDAQ listing.
We are subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, Section 13a, due to the effectiveness of previous offerings, pursuant to Section 15d of the Securities Act and we intend to be registered under Section 12(b) concurrent with a NASDAQ listing. As a result, shareholders will have access to the information required to be reported by publicly held companies under the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder. As a result, we will be subject to legal and accounting expenses that private companies are not subject to and this could affect our ability to generate operating income. As a result, we are subject to legal and accounting expenses that private companies are not subject to and this could affect our ability to generate operating income.
Sales of common stock resulting from issuances of common stock for conversions by our convertible noteholders or Rule 144 sales in the future will have a depressive effect on our common stock price.
Most of our convertible noteholders have rights to convert their notes at significant discounts to the market prices as shown in the schedule below, for sale under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Act and perhaps under registration statements which the company is preparing to file in the next thirty days. Rule 144 provides in essence that a person who has held restricted securities for six months, or is deemed to have held them due to the issuance by the Company of convertible notes under certain conditions, may sell those shares in brokerage transactions. Rule 144 provides in essence that a person who has held restricted securities for six months or is deemed to have held them due to the issuance by the Company of convertible notes under certain conditions, may sell those shares in brokerage transactions. There is no limit on the amount of restricted securities that may be sold by a non-affiliate after the owner has held the restricted securities for a period of six months. A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registration of shares of common stock of present stockholders underlying the convertible notes, will have a depressive effect upon the price of the common stock in the market, since they are issued at a discount to market-often 50-60% of the lowest bid for differing periods, and sales can be expected at some discounted prices, with larger than normal volumes. We have also issued warrants that allow for the purchase of shares at significant discounts to the market prices, often 50% of the ten day low bids, or other highly discounted rates, which would allow the holders of those warrants to sell shares into the market at a profit over their discounted price, which could have the effect of depressing the price of the shares in the market. We have also issued preferred stock and options and warrants that allow for the purchase of shares at significant discounts to the market prices, often 50% of the ten-day low bids, or other highly discounted rates, which would allow the holders of those warrants to sell shares into the market at a profit over their discounted price, which could have the effect of depressing the price of the shares in the market.
We may not successfully meet the NASDAQ Requirements for a listing of our stock, in which case this offering will not occur.
NASDAQ Requirements for listing include the following:
RISKS RELATING TO OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND POTENTIAL LITIGATION
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights.
There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain intellectual property protection that will effectively prevent any competitors from developing or marketing the same or a competing technology. In addition, we cannot predict whether we will be subject to intellectual property litigation the outcome of which is subject to uncertainty and which can be very costly to pursue or defend. We will attempt to continue to protect our proprietary designs and to avoid infringing on the intellectual property of third parties. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to protect our intellectual property or avoid suits by third parties claiming intellectual property infringement.
If our patents and other intellectual property rights do not adequately protect our service offering, we may lose market share to competitors and be unable to operate our business profitably.
Patents and other proprietary rights are anticipated to be of value to our future business, and our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends on the proprietary nature of our current or future technologies. We also rely upon trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovations and licensing opportunities to develop, maintain, and strengthen our competitive position. We cannot assure you that any future patent applications will result in issued patents, that any patents issued or licensed to us will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented or that the rights granted there under will provide a competitive advantage to us or prevent competitors from entering markets which we currently serve. Any required license may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all or may become invalid if the licensee’s right to such technology become challenged and/or revoked. In addition, some licenses may be non-exclusive, and therefore competitors may have access to the same technologies as we do. Furthermore, we may have to take legal action in the future to protect our trade secrets or know-how, or to defend them against claimed infringement of the rights of others. Any legal action of that type could be costly and time-consuming to us, and we cannot assure you that such actions will be successful. The invalidation of key patents or proprietary rights which we own or unsuccessful outcomes in lawsuits to protect our intellectual property may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may in the future become subject to claims that some, or the entire service offering violates the patent or intellectual property rights of others, which could be costly and disruptive to us.
We operate in an industry that is susceptible to patent litigation. As a result, we or the parties we license technology from may become subject to patent infringement claims or litigation. Further, one or more of our future patents or applications may become subject to interference proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, (“USPTO”) or the foreign equivalents thereof to determine the priority of claims to inventions. The defense of intellectual property suits, USPTO interference proceedings or the foreign equivalents thereof, as well as related legal and administrative proceedings, are both costly and time consuming and may divert management's attention from other business concerns. An adverse determination in litigation or interference proceedings to which we may become a party could, among other things:
Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
We place the utmost importance on the security of our systems and the data we handle. We maintain a comprehensive process for identifying, assessing, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats as part of our broader risk management system and processes.
To identify and assess risks from cybersecurity threats, we evaluate a variety of developments including threat intelligence, vulnerabilities of third parties, including any auditors or consultants who advise on our cybersecurity systems, evolving regulatory requirements, and observed cybersecurity incidents, among others. We regularly conduct risk assessments to evaluate the maturity and effectiveness of our systems and processes in addressing cybersecurity threats and to identify any areas for remediation and opportunities for enhancements. The results of such assessments are evaluated by management and reported to our board of directors, and we continue to adjust our cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices as necessary.
Our Board is responsible for the oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats and directly oversees our cybersecurity policies and practices, internal controls regarding information security, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity risks. The Board receives regular reports and updates on cybersecurity matters from our management, including developments on existing and new cybersecurity risks and how management is addressing and/or mitigating such risks, cybersecurity and data privacy incidents (if any), the status of key information security initiatives, vulnerability assessments, as well as on existing and emerging threat landscapes. Additionally, on at least an annual basis, the Board reviews and discusses with management our policies and programs with respect to cybersecurity threats.
We do not have a dedicated security team, but our Chief Executive Officer monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents in accordance with our incident response and recovery plans. Threats and incidents that are identified as potentially significant are promptly reported to the Board. Our dedicated CEO has over 20 years of experience in managing and monitoring cybersecurity.
While risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected and are not reasonably likely to materially affect our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, we cannot provide assurance that they will not be materially affected in the future by such risks or any future material incidents. See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding cybersecurity risks.
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