In February, Nova Lumos announced it would partner with MTN Nigeria and Cellcom Guinee to launch a new pay-as-you-go solar home system via mobile operator’s airtime after winning a seed grant from Mobile Enabled Community Services (MECS) Innovation Grant Fund.According to the firm, it will deploy a solar panel and an indoor unit that allows MTN customers to subscribe to alternative electricity on demand using their mobile phone. Nova-Lumos aims to help MTN customers ditch kerosene, candles and flashlights with its alternative that can power house lights, cellphones, fans, PCs or laptops, radios, TVs and other small electronic devices at home daily.
“By paying for usage only in small payments, the same way our customers purchase airtime and other mobile services, MTN and Nova-Lumos will offer an innovative and widely-accessible service for all MTN customers”, said Michael Ikpoki, MTN Nigeria CEO. “MTN is committed to investing in the future of mobile electricity to our customers across Nigeria”, he added.
The availability of the devices will be announced soon.