Uganda, like many African countries, has experienced a significant growth in mobile phone adoption and usage in recent years. Although mobile phones have become quite popular in the country, there is a gap that can only be filled by public payphones. A case in point is schools as most Ugandan primary and secondary schools have restrictions around pupils and students owning phones.
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Invented in the late 19th century, payphones also known as pay telephones are used to be coin-operated public telephones, often located in a telephone booth or in high-traffic public areas. Prepayment is required by inserting money (usually coins), swiping a credit or debit card, or using a telephone card. MTN’s implementation will use virtual cards as an alternative.
In a bid to provide the benefits of a modern connected life to all its customers, MTN Uganda has rethought and is rolling out modern and conveniently placed payphones that work using digital vouchers, in communities with low mobile phone penetration to foster connection and communication.
Unlike the old phones that required physical cards and cash, these new payphones work with digital vouchers referred to as virtual cards.
The payphones will be rolled out starting with schools. Plans are underway to have these pay phones installed in other public places such as factories, hospitals, and along the highways as well as far-flung areas to help people stay in touch with their loved ones as well as seeking emergency services.
