MTN opens up network to indigenous applications developers

Ben Uzor Jr

Indigenous developers of applications that run on smart phones will before long have an opportunity to tap into the multi-billion dollar applications development market. Mobile network operator, MTN has opened up its network platform to support locally developed applications. Bola Akingbade, chief marketing officer, MTN Nigeria, told Business Day at a forum on mobile application development that MTN was keen on becoming a frontline player in the application development space, adding that fast-growing portfolios of mobile apps would be fuelled essentially by an efficient developer ecosystem.

Also called mobile apps, it is a term used to describe Internet applications that run on smartphones and other mobile devices. Mobile applications usually help users by connecting them to Internet services more commonly accessed on desktop or notebook computers, or by making it easier to use the Internet on their portable devices. A mobile app may be a mobile web site book-marking utility, a mobile-based instant messaging client, G mail for mobile and many other applications. According to Akingbade, MTN would facilitate access to over 50 million mobile phone users in the country.

This, according to him would enable developers monetize their ideas. The telecoms company assured that with only 10 million subscribers spending incremental N50 per month on a developer’s app, every mobile application developer can become a billionaire in one year. The CMO further explained MTN’s focus would be to build a committed and vibrant community of local developers by providing a platform for ideas generation and more importantly assisting local developers monetize their skills. “Applications have emerged as a fundamental driver of enabling lifestyle and productivity as consumers want to access relevant content from PCs, laptops, mobile phones and even in-car systems.

“The increasing popularity of mobile applications (mobile apps) has driven a need for telecoms operators to start focusing on reducing the barriers to adoption.” Also, the firm has introduced ‘The MTN Ideas Forum’, a Networking and idea generation forum that enables MTN connect with the local applications developers community as well as other stakeholders in the value chain (Google, Nokia, Samsung, e.tc). Akingbade stressed that partnership was critical in the emerging ecosystem. This, he further added was because within the Telemedia value chain, no single entity can run alone.

Giving vivid insight into the some of the value proposition developer should expect from MTN, “We would give handsome monetary and non monetary reward to winners of the MTN Apps competition. We would certify qualified developers as MTN App developers and provide developers toolkits”, he further added. MTN disclosed that it is currently setting up an App store, and will provide visibility for local developers within the online distribution platform with access to 21 MTN markets. Research has indicated that there is a yearning for relevant local and international mobile applications.

According to industry watchers, apps create an exciting and elevating feeling of unconstrained sense of belongingness and being in touch with the world. Mobile handsets, according to them are getting smarter and more accessible because of increasing availability of ultra low cost smartphones with improved user interface. They also argue that data usage is growing tremendously thus bringing more Nigerians online via the mobile screen. However, there is very limited local mobile content in the country which according to industry analysts presents a massive opportunity.

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