MTN has launched a pilot project called MTN SurferLite in a bid to provide its feature phone customers with Internet access at "minimal cost".
The operator says SurferLite gives customers "easy access to relevant digital information and entertainment" on feature and Java enabled phones.
MTN general manager Peter Malebye says the SurferLite application provides an "introductory data service to the digital world" to customers by delivering an affordable experience that gives non-Internet customers access to content that would otherwise only be available on an Internet-enabled phone.
"The solution will provide mass market consumers with access to news, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, MTN Football, NBA Scores, Dictionary, Translations, Love Quotes, Sudoku and more," says MTN.
The operator plans to extend the capabilities of the platform to include accessibility to e-government services, local health and education related matters, job search and others in the future.
Malebye says the company has identified a gap between current content access solutions available in the market and what consumers really need. "We are piloting this service because it is an end-to-end solution that is tailored to the local needs of our consumers and also has the flexibility to grow with them."
He says MTN hopes to address the growing needs for access to basic Internet content by a large portion of the population, while leveraging other broadband technologies the company has built.
"MTN SurferLite is another step towards bridging the digital divide and getting closer to achieving 2020 broadband vision."
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