Movirtu, provider of Mobile Identity Management (MIM) solutions to wireless telecommunication service providers, recently announced a contract with Airtel Madagascar to implement the Movirtu Cloud Phone services nationwide in Madagascar. The main channel for purchase will be the Village Phone Operators (VPOs) with whom the service has been piloted.
Airtel has a stated goal to attract new subscribers from rural areas in Madagascar. 70 per cent of rural consumers do not have access to mobile. Cloud Phone and its associated mobile payment and information services will target those on between $1 and $2/day and in rural areas at a highly competitive price.
Movirtu Cloud Phone provides a user with a unique and permanent mobile number for sending and receiving calls and SMS. The number is accessed through any mobile phone and is used for payment and information services as well as making or receiving voice calls. The Cloud Phone customer uses the same top-up vouchers, applications and operator care system as any prepaid user.
“The Cloud Phone supports Airtel Madagascar’s aim to increase penetration of mobile services to rural users,” said Nigel Waller, Founder and CEO of Movirtu. “Both Movirtu and Airtel recognise the needs of those earning less than $2 a day, who have previously been left out of mobile phone or SIM ownership for reasons of affordability”.
