Interview with MTN's, Yvonne Makolo the Senior Manager Sales and Marketing

MTN Rwanda has introduced a new product called ‘Family and Friends’. Yvonne Makolo the Senior Manager Sales and Marketing talks to Business reporter, GERTRUDE MAJYAMBERE, about the product and how customers are to benefit from it. Can you briefly shed light on the recently launched product? This is part of the MTN Group package of products where MTN customers will receive preferential tariffs on all calls to 3 special local numbers and one international number. The launch was done after thorough testing of the application on local market over a month ago and the feedback we received was an approval. Who are the targeted customers on this product? It’s a product that cuts across, but I think the most targeted group is the youth segment because they normally have friends they call more often and our most valued clients those who are on post paid. We believe this product will help our customers reach out to their family and friends at a reach price. This product is an added advantage as they will reach out to their loved ones. What is the core objective of this product? The objective of the product is to keep our clients on our network and even attract more from other networks. The package is also expected to strengthen the company’s market share. Here I will be clear that we want to make affordable services but also strike a balance between customers and profit because we are business operators. Is this part of the innovative products to compete on the telecommunication market? We have always brought new products on the market, unfortunately can not tell how many but I do remember we launched Internet mobile in 2006 and also Internet Service Provider. For us in Rwanda we think competition is healthy and this product is one of the more products which are yet to be unleashed. Only that we are in a competitive market I will not be able to mention some but we have a very good line of quality products in the near future. How do people register for Family and Friends? To register for Family & Friends, you dial *778*1* then the number you want to register then press #. To check the special numbers registered, customers can dial 778#. When you make calls to these numbers, you get a 20 per cent discount on the total cost of the call. This is restricted to MTN Rwanda only as FaF numbers. How do you reach out to the rural community? We have a radio talk on various local radios, breakfast show on Contact Fm and our promotional team in upcountry to create awareness on that particular product. Because most of our promotional materials are not in Kinyarwanda we make sure they are translated. Which other MTN operation among the MTN Group has launched this product? I am not quite sure about many countries but I know about Uganda and Nigeria. We launched the same product but different in how we customise it. Some have two numbers on FaF list and others three and only for local calls. In Rwanda we decided to include one international number because most of our customers have family and friends out side the country who they call more often. As more telecom operators join the market how do you retain your position and customers on your network? As always we will continue provide excellent customer service improve our product unleash more new packages. Retain our customers by knowing what we can offer and what the market need since is always changing. But we like competition, it’s healthy. Ends

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Interview with MTN's, Yvonne Makolo the Senior Manager Sales and Marketing