MTN Uganda launches pay-as-you-go solar power system

MTN Uganda and Fenix International have developed a Pay As You Go energy solution designed to bring safe lighting, phone charging and more to those living off-grid across the country. The new product known as the ReadyPay Power System is available on a PAYG basis using MTN Mobile Money and works like a phone top-up to enable the user to make flexible payments according to their budget. 

ReadyPay kits start from UGX 40,000, including seven days of power. The customer then makes top up payments from UGX 1,000 per day to unlock the power until their kit is paid off. After that, owners get power for free. MTN CEO Ernst Fonternel said the amount one pays determines how long one can access the power. For example, on the most affordable kit, a payment of UGX 1,000 will provide power for a day, whilst a larger payment of UGX 30,000 will provide power for a month. 

Fonternel added that the product was initially launched in Lira in November with great success and is set to roll out nationwide in early 2014. ReadyPay is a solar power system that includes a solar panel, battery pack featuring two USB ports and two car lighter adapter ports plus a range of lights and phone charging accessories. Larger kits include radio or TV accessories, and additional accessories like hair clippers or torches are sold separately.