TANIP: Proposal for Incentivizing New App Developers through Sign-On Cost Coverage
Submitted by: Steven Bostic, TAN Council Member
Date: 03/11/2025
Abstract
This proposal introduces an incentive program to attract both new app developers and existing GSMA members into the Telcoin ecosystem by providing a one-time TEL issuance valued at the cost of basic GSMA estimated at $15,000 per developer. With funding from the SAFE, we aim to lower entry barriers, foster innovation within the Telcoin ecosystem, and support our broader mission of building a vast and diverse developer network.
Objective
The primary objective is for the TAN Council to incentivize new and current GSMA member app developers by covering their GSMA joining fees. This initiative will reduce financial hurdles, encourage high-quality participation, expand strategic partnerships within the GSMA network, and accelerate the development of applications that integrate Telcoinâs services and contribute to the overall ecosystem.
Rationale
Driving Talent Acquisition: The high GSMA membership fee can deter promising developers. By covering these costs, the TAN Council will attract a wider range of innovative talent to the Telcoin ecosystem.
Enhancing Credibility and Networking: GSMA membership offers developers valuable industry expansion and access, including participation in events and networking opportunities that are critical for integrating Telcoins technology into global mobile systems.
Accelerating Ecosystem Growth: Reducing upfront costs will stimulate rapid app development, expand Telcoins reach, and boost user engagement.
Proposed Incentive Details
Coverage Scope:
⢠GSMA Membership Fees: The TAN Council will provide a one-time TEL issuance currently estimated at $15,000 per developer.
⢠Additional Sign-On Costs: Additional qualifying expenses may be considered on a case by-case basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
⢠Open to current GSMA and new app developers joining the Telcoin ecosystem with a clearly defined project or concept.
⢠Applicants must submit a proposal via the TAN Forum, detailing how their app will integrate Telcoinâs services and contribute to our communityâs goals.
⢠Applicants will be authorized via the CCIP process.
Program Duration:
⢠The initiative will be piloted over a 12-month period, with the TAN Council evaluating its impact and potential for extension.
Vetting Process
TAN Council Review Team evaluates applications based on alignment with Telcoinâs goals, technical feasibility, and industry relevance.
Approved applicants receive initial funding for GSMA membership reimbursement.
Reporting and Adjustments
Adjust program parameters as necessary based on outcomes and community feedback.
Financial Resources and Budget
Objective: To secure allocated SAFE funds for selected Telcoin application developers GSMA basic membership fees.
Cost Breakdown:
GSMA Membership Fees:
Estimated Cost: $15,000 per developer.
⢠Justification: Offsetting this fee is crucial to lowering entry barriers and providing developers with industry access and credibility.
Additional Sign-On Costs (Optional):
⢠Estimated Cost: $500 - $1,000 per developer (one-time reimbursement) for other qualifying expenses.
⢠Justification: Covers supplementary costs that further support developers in integrating Telcoinâs technology.
Total Estimated Budget (assuming an initial target of 3 new app developers):
GSMA Membership Fee: $15,000 per developer â Total: $45,000
The TAN Council views this budget as a strategic investment in Telcoinâs future. By covering these high upfront costs, we can attract innovative developers, enhance our ecosystem, and drive long-term growth of the Telcoin platform.
Next Steps:
Secure formal approval from council members.
Launch the initiative and begin onboarding developers.
I also think this is a great initiative. My only concern is after a developer becomes a gsma member⌠they donât/cant devliver on the project. Should a condition be to have a working prototype of the proposed app which can then be evaluated before any incentives are supplied. That way we reduce risk of our exposure and increase the chance of having useful working apps on our network and ensuring a good ROI for the TA
They would have to apply for funding where we would then consider the status, focus, etcâŚ
âApplication and Verification Process
Developers will submit their applications directly through the TAN Forum channel. The TAN Council will serve as the application reviewers, forming a dedicated review committee to assess submissions and verify eligibilityâ
I could expand, but I think once the budget is passed, then we can instill guidelines, guardrails and procedures for approval, this be a separate IP
Telcoin isnât working in Brazil⌠the sms receive to active the account didnât work
Brazil market have a commodity potential. Have any plan to Latin America?
So I guess after tonightâs meeting maybe a shift to incentivize current members of the gsma . But what is that? What could be the incentive , are companies like the game company paying any fees etc. to telcoin that could be waived? Just trying to brainstorm and if Parker has some non gsma participants ready and waiting Iâm still onboard for that
I donât think itâs as much as a shift as more inclusive to current members as well. A few ideas were floated on how to manage; maybe a bounty or reimbursement. Nonetheless, exciting! I canât wait to go after some devs that will habe impact
If Iâm understanding correctly and its to include current GSMA members as well, then surely the forum topic title needs to change ! - but thats a minor ⌠I think the original idea was sound and a great idea- to attract non GSMA members to become members and to cover the first year sign on costs (which could be significant to them) in order to remove that obstacle. If the current thinking is to also ârewardâ existing members - then I think that is a different concept - with different criteria to apply. Which then makes evaluation more complex since your have to juggle different rules for different folks. Maybe a separate proposal should cover that aspect for existing members and keep this proposal aimed at helping & encouraging non members to join the club !! Also I think the original premise was to help up to 5 non members sign up and cover the first year membership. I think the way the proposal reads is that it could be construed to be on going each year for those developers that qualify so that needs to be made more clear imho.
We should open this up to all application developers - GSMA members or otherwise - to make it as fair as possible.
This should be a one time TEL issuance valued at the cost of basic GSMA membership (~15k USD worth of TEL). I think this largely negates the points of the âprogress checkpointâ and â ecosystem evaluation stagesâ.
New application developers will be authorized first via forum and then via CCIP.
Otherwise I think this TANIP looks good - Can we make the changes and aim to post to Snapshot tomorrow? Moving quickly should be an advantage here due to GSMA timings as mentioned by TGC in our last meeting.
I donât want to see developers truly delivering, they need to KYC and we reviewing the ideas of these developers should be done by high skilled people able to do so.
Itâs a lot of money and unfortunately there are a ton of scammers and larpers in this industry.