MTN iFest, Apps Challenge Opens To Public

MTN subscribers now have the opportunity not only to enjoy the innovations that comes along with the MTN Internet Festival [iFest] in this month but will have the chances of contesting in the MTN Apps challenge roadshow to win lots of benefits and rewards.

The launch of Apps Challenge version 3.0 includes activities like the regional data clinics and activations for Trade Unions and Students, regional mobile device fairs and several contests.

The Chief Executive officer of MTN Ghana, Mr. Ebenezer Asante indicated that five years ago MTN Ghana launched iFest as a month-long internet festival to create the awareness about the internet and the enormous benefits it offers to customers and businesses.

He noted in today’s connected society that we have adopted the use of the internet for communication, work and entertainment.

Mr. Asante added that the internet is now central to our very livelihoods, and if used properly, enhances our relationships and improves our efficiency and productivity.

According to him, statistically Ghana has seen a tremendous growth in internet data penetration from 7.8million subscribers in 2010 to 19.80million as at 2015 representing a 153percent increase.

He added that MTN has seen a even greater increase in internet penetration of 2.3million subscribers in 2010 to 8.1million as at 2015 which spur MTN to do a lot more in leading the delivery of a bold new digital world.

Mr. Asante indicated that this year alone over 103million dollars is being invested into network and infrastructure development by MTN to ensure a solid backbone for their reliable, fast service delivery.

He stated that initiatives such as iFest and Apps challenge go a long way to harness the true benefits of ICT to promote socio-economic development while delivering the bold new digital experience to Ghanaians.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN announced that efforts are being added to reward MTN customers, selected bundles purchased during the period of the celebration will attract a 100percent bonus including lots of give-aways in the various Ifest competitions.

Abdul-Latif Issahaku, Data and Devices Manager, MTN Ghana explained that MTN subscribers can now visit the Apps challenge portal for registration and submit their App for the contest.

Issahaku said the essence of the App challenge is to reward the most innovative and locally relevant mobile Apps in the market.

“So the idea is that developers develop Apps and they need a market for it. So we are giving them the platform first of all to reward them for the work that they do to determine which Apps actually stands out in this market then beyond that we take those Apps and make them available to our customers. We are the biggest network with over 14million customers so its means a lot making available your Apps,” he stated.

Abdul-Latif Issahaku indicated that a total amount of GHc250,000 in prizes for winners whiles the overall winner for the Apps challenges gets an all-paid-expensive-trip to an international conference outside the country.

He added that the iFest is organized through the data clinics to enhance the education of the relevance of the internet to the Ghanaian society.

“We carry out market storms where we engage customers in an open space and try to educate people about the internet and what it can do in their lives whether you are farmer or hairdresser, and move into the education institutions to educate students about the relevance of the internet,” he posited.