The cutthroat competition that has characterised the local telecoms sector is forcing firms to devise innovative ways to attract and retain customers.

This has meant that the three firms in the sector MTN, Tigo and Airtel have had to come up with new products and services that appeal to a cross-section of subscribers.  From the MTN stable, a new prepaid service that will enable subscribers get airtime advances in case of emergencies has been unveiled as one of the strategies to entrench its market position. 

The service, dubbed Ihereze will enable the firm’s subscribers to get airtime advances, which they can repay later. Robert Rwakabogo, the senior manager in charge of marketing operations, noted that the varied amounts would cater for all MTN subscribers in different emergency situations.