TANIP: Proposal for Incentivizing New App Developers through Sign-On Cost Coverage
Submitted by: Steven Bostic, TAN Council Member
Date: 02/17/2025
Abstract
This proposal is to consider launching an incentive program to attract new app developers by covering critical sign-on costs, particularly the GSMA membership fees—estimated at $15,000 per developer per year. By spearheading this initiative through the TAN Forum and Discord channels as our online portal and having the TAN Council serve as the application reviewers, 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. This proposal outlines the program’s objectives, rationale, implementation steps, and financial requirements, seeking approval for the necessary operational budget to drive this initiative.
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Objective
The primary objective is for the TAN Council to incentivize new app developers by covering their initial sign-on costs—especially the significant GSMA membership fees. This initiative will reduce financial hurdles, encourage high-quality participation, and accelerate the development of applications that integrate Telcoin’s 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 access, including participation in events and networking opportunities that are critical for integrating Telcoin’s technology into global mobile systems. - Accelerating Ecosystem Growth: Reducing upfront costs will stimulate rapid app
development, expand Telcoin’s reach, and boost user engagement.
- Proposed Incentive Details
- Coverage Scope:
• GSMA Membership Fees: The TAN Council will provide full or partial reimbursement for
the annual GSMA membership fee, currently estimated at $15,000 per developer per year.
• Additional Sign-On Costs: Additional qualifying expenses may be considered on a case by-case basis. - Eligibility Criteria:
• Open to new app developers joining the Telcoin ecosystem with a clearly defined project
or concept.
• Applicants must submit a proposal via the TAN Forum channel, detailing how their app will integrate Telcoin’s services and contribute to our community’s goals. - Program Duration:
• The initiative will be piloted over a 12-month period, with the TAN Council evaluating its
impact and potential for extension.
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Program Announcement, Implementation, and Guidelines
The TAN Council will publish official program guidelines in the TAN Forum and Discord channels, detailing eligibility, application procedures, and reimbursement policies. We will promote the initiative within the developer community through targeted marketing, Forum and Discord announcements, and other social media channels. -
Application 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 eligibility. -
Reimbursement Setup
Establish a transparent process whereby approved developers can submit receipts for their GSMA membership fees. Coordinate with Telcoin’s finance team to ensure prompt reimbursements and accurate record-keeping under TAN Council and with Compliance Council oversight. -
Monitoring and Evaluation
Track participation, app development progress, and overall ecosystem impact through periodic reviews conducted by the TAN Council. Monitor key performance metrics to measure success. Collect and incorporate developer feedback to continuously refine the program. -
Reporting and Adjustments
Query quarterly budget utilization reports. Adjust program parameters as necessary based on outcomes and community feedback. -
Financial Resources and Budget
Objective: To secure approval for the operational budget required to cover sign-on costs for new app developers, with a primary focus on GSMA membership fees.
Cost Breakdown:
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GSMA Membership Fees:
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Estimated Cost: $15,000 per developer per year.
• 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
Telcoin’s technology.
Total Estimated Budget (assuming an initial target of 5 new app developers):
- GSMA Membership Fee: $15,000 per developer → Total: $75,000
- Additional Sign-On Costs: $500 - $1,000 per developer → Total: $2,500 - $5,000
- Total Estimated Budget: $75,000 - $80,000
Budget Justification:
The TAN Council views this budget as a strategic investment in Telcoin’s future. By covering these high upfront costs, we can attract innovative developers, enhance our ecosystem, and drive long-term growth in Telcoin’s future.
- Conclusion and Funding Request
The TAN Council recommends approving this proposal and allocating an operational budget of $75,000 to $80,000 for the initial 12-month pilot program. This investment will effectively incentivize new app developers, lower entry barriers, and secure lasting benefits for the Telcoin community. The TAN Council is committed to driving this initiative through the TAN Forum and Discord channel and ensuring its success through rigorous review and oversight.
Next Steps:
- Obtain formal approval from the relevant stakeholders and community for the proposed budget and program guidelines, and submit for vote via snapshot.
- Establish a review and approval process within the TAN Council to overse implementation and evaluation.
- Launch the developer incentive initiative and promote it through targeted marketing and communication channels.
This proposal outlines a clear, actionable plan led by the TAN Council to strengthen Telcoin’s app ecosystem by providing essential financial support to new developers, fostering innovation, and expanding the reach of the platform.