Business
MTN Offers Free Int’l Calls, SMS To War Affected Subscribers
Following the Ukraine/Russia crisis, telecommunications gaint, MTN, has announced that it will be offering free international calls and SMS to all existing prepaid and postpaid customers war-torn Ukraine.
The offer is aimed at supporting customers to stay in touch with their loved ones while eliminating associated International Direct Dialing (IDD) costs due to high International Telecommunication Regulations (ITR) to Ukraine.
In a statement in Lagos rencently, MTN Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, said the gesture is to enable customers get in touch with families and friends in Ukraine.
“We understand that some of our customers in Ukraine have experienced challenges in contacting their loved ones. As a result, we have stepped in with support to ensure that our customers, both at home and in Ukraine, are still able to connect with family and friends.
“All our customers will benefit from the waived SMS and voice call fees to and from Ukraine. This blanket waiver has been put in place as an immediate response to the need”, he said.
The Tide’s source gathered that each existing active subscriber on the network will receive 30 minutes of free voice calls and 50 free SMS.
It was futher gathered that the offer will be valid through March, and customers will be able to check minutes/SMS allocated, volume used, balance and expiry date.
“Unused complimentary minutes will expire on March 31 or on any earlier date as advised across all phone numbers and will not rollover”, he explained.
The company also anticipated concerns with regards to connection issues and has implemented measures to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
“We have worked closely with our industry body, GSMA, to make the connection easier. While MTN does not have operations in Ukraine, we have heeded the call to remain responsive to our customers in their time of need,”the statement said.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
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