Last November a new Crowdsourcing project was born, called Giffgaff, which boldly announced that it would become the Wikipedia of mobile phone networks.

A brand new mobile phone operator – but with a twist. One that would Crowdsource both its customers and customer support. Giffgaff members (customers) could earn points for introducing other customers as well as providing online customer support.

As a result giffgaff would keep their costs lower and pass it on to its members. So, 10 months later how are they doing? Well, they’ve failed to announce customer numbers – which probably means they have less than 10,000. If this is anything like true it’s kinda low for a mobile operator start-up. Particularly since they’re well funded by O2 (Telefonica). They do though state that they’ve dished out real dosh to their members – and their loyalty scheme is kinda unique for the mobile space.

According to the Guardian more than 40% of Giffgaff members were rewarded in June (they only pay out twice a year, June and December). The average user received £14, while 42 people earned more than £200. One 19-year-old Londoner received £206 for spreading the word among his friends and helping on the community forum. He’s putting the cash towards a new laptop for when he starts university in September.

Another earned £654 for sending emails to contacts, answering queries on the forum, and encouraging friends to sign up. Hey, that’ll get him an iPad. You paying notice now?!

And they do pass the benfits on to their members ‘cos their call and text rates are dead low and calls between giffgaff customers are free (which is pretty standard across other mobile networks). Giffgaff shouts out that they do not need to spend loads of dosh on TV advertising because their customers do it for them. Yeah, but it’s a bit chicken and egg. You need a load of customers first to get more customers. But, hey, at least they’ve served up a cool YouTube vid.

The next year may decide whether giffgaff is a new model for the mobile phone industry or another great wheeze a la Your Freedom? Either way they should kick it up a gear before O2 writes them off as just another wonky new product launch.

As Crowdsourcers we of course buy into them. So when you’re thinking of changing mobile phone operator check them out.