MTN Launches Whatsapp Airtime, Data Recharge Channel

MTN South Africa has launched a WhatsApp channel, World First, that lets its customers buy airtime and data bundles through the messaging app.

The solution was developed by a technology company, Clickatell, which is a WhatsApp Business Solution provider.

“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,” said Gareth Murphy, MTN South Africa’s online channel general manager as quoted by Forbes.

Read: 4 Start-ups To Represent Kenya AT Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa

Through the channel, customers will be able to check their balances and store their credit or debit cards in the app for future purchases.

The telco opted to use the app, which has over 1.9 billion users globally, and 49 percent of all mobile phone users in South Africa.

“It’s imperative that companies focus on improving self-service experiences to retain and grow customers and this is an important step for MTN, in addition to what we are doing to upgrade our overall customer journey,” says Mapula Bodibe, MTN SA’s executive for consumer business.