Clickatell and Virtual Terminal Network (VTN)
launch auto-recharge airtime platform for
MTN, Airtel, Etisalat and Glo in Nigeria
VTN VCASH subscribers in Nigeria can now set their phones
for auto-recharge. Clickatell, a leading mobile enablement
provider in Nigeria with a fast growing PIN-less airtime
distribution business, and VTNetwork Limited, which runs
VCASH and is one of Nigeria’s leading mobile payment
operators, launched an automated airtime-buying platform in
Nigeria – giving ordinary Nigerians, for the first time, autorecharge capabilities on their mobile phones.
This state-of-the-art service provides instantaneous
capability to automatically load value onto phones in real
time when their balances approach zero. This service it works
on the MTN, Airtel, Etisalat and Glo networks. ‘One hundred
percent of our one million users use airtime everyday and
need this service,’ said Peter Ojo, VTNetwork CEO. He added
that ‘even simple phones can utilise auto-recharge’.
VCASH subscribers can use auto-recharge 24/7 to replenish
set amounts of value according to their wishes. The power is
in the system’s ability to detect in real time that a phone‘s
airtime is nearly used up based on a subscriber’s set usage
pattern, and to then invoke airtime and apply the minutes
to the phone. The process is invisible, but the control is in
each VCASH user’s hands, with setting selections made via
a mobile phone or online. Monies in e-wallet attract reward
points, which extend the buying power of subscribers.
With a population of more than 160 million, Nigeria has
mobile phone penetration of 105 million and a massive market
for airtime sales. Samson Isa, Clickatell director for West
Africa said, ‘Clickatell is pleased to launch this auto-recharge
service in collaboration with VCASH in Nigeria. Being able
to top up one’s phone automatically, on presets determined
by each user, is groundbreaking work by VCASH for Nigeria
and we are pleased with this association. These locally grown
innovations are what make this an exciting industry. Each of
our markets is different.’
Peter Ojo, chief executive officer at VTN, said, ‘You’ll never
again be cut off when making an important call; as simple
as that’. He added, ‘We have automated the airtime vending
whereby Nigerians can conveniently schedule and do virtual
top ups any time, any day, on MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat
Networks. Nigerians in the Dias