MTN Zambia CEO on how the MNO is keeping Zambia connected during COVID-19 pandemic

While we are facing a challenging time with the spread of Covid-19 in Zambia, staying connected has never been more important. MTN Zambia’s top priorities are to keep our customers connected and our employees safe and healthy.

We recognize that customers are relying on our network to connect with family, friends, colleagues, educators and emergency service and information providers. We have put contingency plans in place to keep the network running smoothly in view of the expected increased demand. Our network teams operate 24/7 to monitor our network performance and our technician workforce is able to rapidly respond to issues.

To support families who are working and schooling from home, we offer affordable data bundles and education solutions under tele-school and E-tutor in accordance with the Minister of Health’s directives. The E-Tutor app will be free of charge as long as the schools are closed.

We offer family entertainment solutions with many free and discounted options such as MTN tv+, V-skit, mingletainment, DSTV bundle and Music Time. Free messaging for all MTN Zambia customers will soon be available on Ayoba IM.

We have zero-rated mobile money transfers. Fees are waived for transfers up to ZMK 150, and we doubled the MoMo transaction limits to limit the exchange of paper money and coins. We are cooperating with the Bank of Zambia to drive cashless payments in the country and urge all MTN Zambia customers to use mobile money for payments to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in Zambia.

We want our customers to feel comfortable in our stores so they can come in and get help to stay connected. We have increased cleaning and sanitization efforts in the service centres for employees and customers.

For Business customers we offer flexible solutions so they can deal with the rapidly changing circumstances, such as data bundles for MiFi and routers, bulk SMS, MoMo account limit waiving and accelerated Office 365 onboarding for remote working.

Our employees are our company’s heart and soul, and we try to keep them as safe as possible. Employees in roles that allow the option to work from home will be given remote working access. Call centre and SIM registration teams will be equipped with tablets that include remote-working capabilities.

We provide our employees with continuous education on Covid-19 health measures and daily health checks to prevent workplace transmission. Travel has been restricted. Vulnerable staff with pre-existing conditions have been asked to self-isolate.

We support the Zambian Government and ZICTA by transmitting health communication messages on Covid-19 to our 7.5 million customers free of charge and ensuring reliable access to the help line providing information and emergency assistance related to the virus. We are also supporting selected health institutions by providing free talk time, handsets as well as sanitary devices.

MTN Zambia will ensure the network continuity that supports Zambia at this critical time, as we uphold our responsibility to keep you connected while we all remain safe.

Because, we are good together.

Bart Hofker – Chief Executive Officer

Source: MTN Zambia