Internet penetration in Zambia is still low-MTN Mobile operator MTN-Zambia has observed that Internet penetration in Zambia was still low. In a statement issued from Lusaka shortly after announcing Phase Two of the MTN Appathon application developers, MTN Zambia Chief Sales and Distribution Officer Amon Jere said there is need for Zambians to develop interest in and exploit the various data propositions in the country. He noted that data in Zambia is wrongly perceived to be a preserve of the elite further saying providers are challenged to make it a mass market service as it has the potential to enrich people’s lives and in accordance with “our mission to make our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter”. “Data in Zambia is wrongly perceived to be a preserve of the elite. As a provider we are challenged to make it a mass market service to enrich people’s lives and in accordance with our mission to make our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter. Data is critical for social and economic development of every country. We are optimistic about our proposition as people will have easy access to information and improved communication between consumers, business and consumers and businesses to businesses as well as a tool for enhancing quality education,” he said. Mr. Jere also said there is need to remove barriers for penetration saying MTN is already doing this through various initiatives including the provision the country’s fastest internet through 3G and 4GLTE as well as affordable and relevant devices. As you can tell from our vision to lead the delivery of bold new digital world, we have strategically focused on the development of data in Zambia and we are continuously developing innovative and affordable ways to drive data and we are optimistic about our proposition as people will have easy access to information and improved communication between consumers, business and consumers and businesses and businesses. Meanwhile, MTN Zambia today announced the second phase of the ongoing Appathon. The MTN Appathon is a competition that challenges young Zambians to develop their own computer applications and submit them to MTN Zambia. Successful applications will be uploaded on the MTN platform (Appstore) for public use. Mr. Jere said MTN Zambia launched the Appathon to encourage innovation and give people a platform to showcase their talent. “Because these apps are home grown and data related, we are confident that data uptake will increase among our customers.” “Over the years, we have noted with interest that Zambia has massive young talent that needs support and exposure in order to realise its potential. We will continue to receive brilliant and inspiring proposals from Zambia’s young talent and we feel this is the best way we can support and expose them. The exposure for the developers, highlights the high demand and interest in open source solutions as we embrace the new world. As a leader in the digital space, we are optimistic about the possibilities which the MTN Appathon will bring,” he said. The Appathon is running in two phases. Phase One: was the period for participants to develop and submit their apps to MTN for two months. Phase Two, will be the public judging period for one month where submitted apps will compete for downloads to qualify for the initial shortlist. The shortlisted applications will be submitted to experts for confirmation of originality of concept, market relevance and commercial viability among other tests before being officially adopted. The Appathon has been set in five categories: Entertainment & Lifestyle, Productivity, Games,Education and Health & Wellness. The best applications in the each of the 5 categories will get a percentage of revenue from the application, K5,000 prize money, Samsung Galaxy S4 and free promotion of the application on MTN Play.
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 09:07:51 +0000
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