Subscribers of MTN now have an option of purchasing airtime and data bundles from the telecom giant through WhatsApp.
The move, which marks a shift in data access in the telecommunications industry in Africa, will see users, purchase airtime and check their balance without leaving the addictive confines of WhatsApp.
According to Forbes, MTN has launched the MTN Chat where customers can also check their balances and store their credit or debit cards in the app for future purchases.
The service is provided by another South African company that has a global reach, Clickatell, which is a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider.
Gareth Murphy, MTN South Africa’s online channel general manager, told Forbes that this was a necessary adjustment for the telecoms industry.
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“It’s no secret that the telecommunications sector, around the world, has not excelled at this and we want to change that at MTN. Simple solutions that are easy to use, and which fit neatly into our customer’s lives, will help be a great differentiator for us,” Murphy is quoted as saying.
As reported by Forbes, this feature is only available to South African users for now, on a trial basis, before they launch it to the rest of the continent.
At the moment, users can either purchase an airtime or data voucher at retail stores or through their banking apps.
With MTN Chat on WhatsApp, users can Check airtime and data balance, Purchase airtime, Purchase data bundles and Add/Remove/Manage bank card.
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