Access to Internet: MTN Launches Smart-feature-phone in Nigeria

  •  sold N8000
MTN Nigeria has launched 3G smart-feature-phone into the mobile market in the bid to aid internet penetration in the country ar affordable rate

The newly launched 3G phone has Kai Operating System “KaiOS” and has been deemed okay for rural communities yearning for devices with access to mobile internet.

Speaking at the launch of the phone at the MTN office in Lagos, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Rahul De described the device as the first smart-feature-phone meant to enhance connectivity to a large number of people.
MTN Nigeria
L-r: GM, Data & Devices, Abiodun Ajayi; Sales & Distribution Executive, Adekunle Adebiyi; Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor; Chief Marketing Officer, Rahul De and GM, Brand & Communications, Richard Iweanoge, all of MTN Nigeria…

“We want to bring connectivity to everybody. We believe that connectivity leads to growth in the nation’s economy.

“It is so exciting to us, because in the couple of years Nigeria has changed a lot. We are the telecom company that has been able to provide connectivity to a large number of people. Our aim is to provide service to everybody.  But high cost of some smartphones has become impediment to some people, especially those in the rural areas.

“One of the ways to tackle the challenge is through this cost-effective phone. You may have the cheapest network, but without the right phone you may not get connected.

Specifications

This first of its kind 3G KaiOS smart feature phone, allows customers to upgrade from a typical feature phone with only voice and text capabilities, to a fully connected device with a fast 3G internet connection, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, dual SIM 3G capabilities.

GM, Data & Devices, Abiodun Ajayi, during a demo on the phone’s functionality

It has an App Store and comes pre-loaded with the most popular Apps available in the market, including but not limited to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google Maps.

The phone which boasts of two cameras, a 2-day battery life with 2000mAh battery, is powered by the SC7731EF processor, has a 2.4-inch screen, 256MB RAM and 512MB of storage and runs on the increasingly popular KaiOS operating system

Suitable for individuals who are digital savvy and desire affordable smartphones, the MTN Smart is available in all MTN stores across Nigeria for just N8,000 and comes with free 500MB monthly data for the first six (6) months.

Why MTN launched the phone

“What we have seen is that growth of connectivity gets faster when the rural areas are connected. So, we are committed to the country and continent by offering the right handset; first Smart-Feature-Phone

“We are launching it at N8000 because affordability is a big challenge to the people.  It is our duty to sell at that rate because we have the interest of the people at heart”, Rahul De said.

Demo session

He stressed that the quality of the phone meets the parameter of any other smart phone.

According to research by the GSMA, the $100-$200 price tag of a smartphone is preventing 64% of people in Africa from upgrading their phones to 3G/4G devices that can access the internet.