Net1 Mobile Solutions (N1MS) will look to grow its presence across Africa, following its recent launch of Pasavute - an advance airtime solution - through Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM).
The solution allows subscribers to purchase airtime on credit and repay the face value of the airtime at a later stage. The launch was in partnership with mobile marketing company Supa Pesa.
Philip Belamant, CEO of N1MS, says the company is seeking opportunities to expand its footprint in other African regions. "Although we can't mention clients by name, we are hoping to launch more of these products in other territories.
"We actively sell our product to mobile network operators and if they see the opportunity as big enough, they follow procedures and typically open a tender process just like TNM did," he adds.
N1MS is in talks with group networks across the continent, in a bid to bolster its client base, says Belamant.
Ranking eligibility
Pasavute, which means "no worries" in Malawian language Chichewa, uses a N1MS ranking process to determine whether customers would be eligible for advance airtime.
To calculate the risk profile and advance airtime value that a subscriber will qualify for, an Advance Airtime Server system analyses and processes historical usage data to generate a qualifying score.
A subscriber will only be provided with a loan that they can afford based on previous usage patterns.
"A key to the service is providing access to airtime for customers where there are no vendors or sales outlets, especially in case of emergencies," Belamant adds.
Local versions
SA's three biggest operators offer advance airtime solutions to customers who have been on the networks for six months or longer.
Vodacom allows qualifying customers to purchase either R5 of R10 advance airtime solutions, charged at a service fee of R1. Users qualify for the solution if they have been with the network for six months or longer, and have purchased a minimum total of R29 over three months.
MTN's Xtra Time solution requires customers to have used their SIM cards at least once in the 90 days before purchasing advance airtime.
Eligible Cell C subscribers can borrow between R5 and R100 in advance airtime, charged at a service fee of R1.
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