MTN ramps up efforts to support customers as Covid-19 spreads across markets

News Wireless Africa 23 MRT 2020
MTN ramps up efforts to support customers as Covid-19 spreads across markets

African mobile operator MTN said it's ramping up efforts to support customers and communities as Covid-19 has spread to seventeen of its 21 markets. CEO Rob Shuter said MTN started rolling out a series of mobile connectivity, digital and mobile fintech services for communities across its markets.

This includes waiving mobile money fees and relaxing transaction limits in several markets, including Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana and Zambia. 

MTN Irancell has reduced data costs by 60 percent for educational websites, sends awareness messages via SMS and provides access to VAS content at discounted prices. The company also supports health care workers by providing them with free calls. 

MTN Sudan, in collaboration with their Ministry of Health, has sent awareness messages to customers via SMS.

MTN Nigeria plans in the coming days to introduce its Y’ello HOPE package with several new measures to support customers. These include further amplifying government sensitisation efforts by using its own channels to deliver health and safety information, suspending fees for all money transfers using the agent network and closing some shops. 

In South Africa, MTN has zero-rated a USSD line for reporting infections and accessing other critical information. There are also two zero-rated Covid-19 channels live on its messaging platform Ayoba, sharing updated news and information. Also with immediate effect, a free 20MB Ayoba Data Lifeline can be accessed via the Ayoba app, and the Mobile Money app will allow for free peer-to-peer cash payments under ZAR 200 from 24 March.

 

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

MTN

Regions:

Africa,  Middle East

Tags:

Voice services, Data services, Messaging, e-Payment, Information services

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