COVID-19: MTNN gives N1.9billion Airtime, 300 Free SMS, Data Others

As part of its commitment towards curbing the spread of COVID -19 in its host community, MTN Nigeria (MTNN) has deployed its first phase of broad set of investments towards cushioning the effects of the pandemic.

The telecommunications giant, MTNN in a statement disclosed that it has given over N1.9billion worth of airtime, 300 free SMS monthly, free daily data access to customers and as well as free money transfers using the MoMo Agent Network among many others support of the national effort to contain the disease outbreak.

Supporting government response efforts, MTN revealed that over N500 million worth of airtime, data and analytics has been given through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in support to State governments to facilitate communications during travel restrictions.

More so, over N1.4 billion worth of airtime, data and devices was released by the telco for connectivity support to frontline health agencies including NCDC.

MTN noted that COVID-19 is a new test of our collective strength and also recognizes the fact that this is an extraordinary time and it is important that people stay connected to those they love. The telco said it would focus internally on its systems, processes and structures in order to ensure that the services it provides remain available to its customers.

“We are supporting government at federal and state levels with communication systems, analytical response management and risk profiling.  These tools will enhance the capacity and preparedness of each state to manage the outbreak proactively, enabling them to identify the vulnerable segments of the population who require social intervention during the lockdown.”

As a way of connecting customers with essential health information, MTNN promises free data access to be used to access websites with validated information on COVID.

Other packages has been put in place for its subscribers. According to the telco, this will make it easier to stay in touch and support each other.

MTNN promises up to 300 free SMS per month for all our subscribers, and free money transfers using the MoMo Agent Network from Y’ello Digital Financial Services subsidiary has suspended all transaction fees.

MTN has also partnered with Ayoba, a messaging OTT provider, to grant free daily data access to its subscribers.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Nigeria’s Internet Traffic increased by 10% – IXPN

Recognising the challenges currently faced by small businesses at this time, MTN – which serves about 2000 SMEs, has also provided all SME customers of its enterprise business with one less thing to worry about:  30 days grace on their March invoices. SME’s unable to pay March invoices will enjoy uninterrupted services through April. This ‘grace period’ is aimed at mitigating the impact of the shutdowns on small businesses, which are the engine of our economy. It will be further assessed as the situation evolves.

Importantly, MTN Foundation has committed N500 million towards addressing emerging medical needs.

The MTN Chairman Ernest Ndukwe said; “The threat that COVID-19 represents to Nigeria requires an unprecedented response from the public and the private sector. We must all work together to develop and deliver the solutions that will allow us to contain this threat and protect the most vulnerable in our communities across the country.

This first phase of support is targeted at the interventions that we are best positioned to deliver at this stage. As the situation evolves, we are fully committed to deepening and extending these commitments in order to provide all the support we can to the government, and to our people. It is only by working together, that we can overcome this challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the collaborative spirit with which all stakeholders are working to contain COVID-19.

We all have a role to play in stemming the upheaval we have seen brought on by this pandemic globally. To protect each other, our families and keep the most vulnerable in our communities healthy we must all make it a priority to STAY SAFE. Listen to health experts, be disciplined about personal hygiene and practice social distancing. Working together, we can change the course of this pandemic. And because ‘We are good together,’ we will get through this.”

“Despite this, it is important to understand that our networks have come under unprecedented pressure as demand has grown rapidly. While all networks ensure there is significant redundancy in place to support peak periods, the level of demand we are seeing consistently exceeds those levels and so, with our regulator, policymakers and colleagues in the industry, we are focused on increasing capacity and sustaining that capacity where it is most needed.” the statement addressed.