It is agreed that with the years of technology dynamics, smartphones are playing a key position in communication but not every market can afford the hi-tech devices. With the technology advancement of the devices, the price of purchase more often than not is expected to go up hence making it hard for customers to own one.
Due to the gap created, East African country Rwanda has partnered with Germany to ensure that affordable smartphones are available and easily accessible. MTN Rwanda and Mobisol, which is the leading Germany-based provider of solar solutions have introduced a $44.6 MTN Steppa Android touchscreen smartphone in South Africa.
The smart phone model Tecno W2 is offered along with the Mobisol solar home system and affordable payment scheme. The high-performance smart phone is equipped with an Android operating system, a convenient dual SIM for usage of a second SIM card, large touch screen display, 8GB built-in storage space, a high-resolution camera with flash, Wifi and bluetooth connectivity and long battery life.
The promotion is made affordable by a convenient payment plan through MTN Mobile Money for as little as RWF 66 per day. This exciting offer will initially be found in the MTN Musanze Service Centre but will be rolled out to all Service Centres in the course of the year. It will however be available in all Mobisol Shops throughout Rwanda and is available to Mobisol customers.
In a joint statement between MTN Rwanda and Mobisol Rwanda in Kigali, Mr Ben Okello, Mobisol Rwanda Sales and Marketing Manager said; “Today we are proud to mark yet another milestone in the solar and telecommunications industry. In recent years, Mobisol and MTN have greatly contributed to Rwanda’s development goals by complementing the government’s efforts in electrifying Rwanda through our solar home systems. By launching the smart phone on a rent-to-own basis, Mobisol Rwanda, MTN Rwanda and Tecno are now making connectivity and mobile communication accessible to all Rwandans.”
Mr Okello went on to point out that one of the company’s objectives is to empower children who study in rural areas where there is no electricity. Using solar, they benefit from clean and efficient light at night and can access information via radio, TV and connect to the Internet via mobile phones – thus increasing their educational opportunities.
“At the same time, the reliable electricity through our high quality German engineered solar home systems we provide an opportunity for people to utilize it for various income generating activities. Many customers pay off their solar systems while making money by using solar haircutters in salons or run mobile phone charging stations in rural areas with no connection to the national grid”
“We also provide free installation, a comprehensive after sales service including long warranties and maintenance service for a minimum of three years. People may live in rural areas but they too want to enjoy the merits of real electrification. Moreover, they want to understand what is going on in the world and they too are aiming big. They want a modern lifestyle. We are here for that.” Okello said.
Yvonne Manzi Makolo, MTN’s chief marketing officer, emphasized that “MTN’s overriding mission is to be a vehicle for Rwanda’s economic growth and development, helping to promote Rwanda’s strong development potential from the provision of world-class telecommunications products and services, through to innovative and sustainable corporate social investment initiatives.”
