MTN zero-rates d6 Communicator

In a bid to broaden access to broadband and alleviate the costs associated with access to data, MTN has zero-rated d6 Communicator on its 32 million network.

The decision by MTN to zero-rate d6 Communicator is an acknowledgement of the mounting pressure on customers' disposable income and the consumer frugality due to the challenging economic climate.

The zero-rating of d6 Communicator is expected to facilitate seamless communication between parents and schools. d6 Communicator is an integrated Web-based communications solution that allows schools to communicate with parents on a variety of platforms. The solution uses a simple, Web-based control panel that allows users to upload news, calendar events, alerts, photographs, homework and links to useful resources.

MTN has put a 100MB cap in place to prevent abuse; however, average usage is 300kb or less so the data threshold is not expected to impact negatively on user experience.

Says Larry Annetts, Chief Consumer Officer of MTN South Africa: "MTN is mindful of the impact of the tough economic environment on its customers. As a caring organisation, MTN is always exploring and introducing cost-effective solutions that will help our customers to make their rands go much further. The decision to zero-rate d6 Communicator is part of MTN's strategy to provide affordable solutions that will help bridge the digital divide and foster the attainment of government's goals of providing universal access to broadband services."

Currently, the d6 Communicator averages approximately 330 000 daily desktop users and 340 000 app users.