Airtel Kenya has received global recognition a year after the operator announced its strategic decision to move into MVNO business and host Mobile Virtual Network Operators, (MVNOs).
The announcement was made at the 3rd Annual International MVNO Industry Awards Ceremony on 22nd April 2015, Nice, France. The Awards are designed to champion success and celebrate excellence in the MVNO industry.
In September 2014, Airtel’s first ever MVNO in partnership with Equity Bank to allow its customers to access all their banking products and services – credit, savings, insurance, payments, transaction processing, brokerage, custodial and investment services.
In a statement, Airtel Africa CEO Mr. Christian De Faria said, “This recognition is a pleasant surprise. The launch of MVNOs is in line with Airtel’s innovation and differentiation agenda. We strongly believe that the entry of the MVNO into the Kenyan market will stimulate and sustain overall market growth through a new range of innovative products and service propositions that will give more choice and value to consumers.”
Airtel Kenya’s deal with Equity Bank offers an ideal model of collaboration between banks and telecoms, allowing convergence of mobile and banking, with the customer in mind.