The information includes SMS notifications, officially sanctioned video and pictures of all the action. This service has been developed exclusively for the tournament.
With Internet penetration across Africa at only 2%, and mobile penetration in excess of 30%, this is undoubtedly the most logical way of providing access to information to soccer fans across the continent. Head of strategy and innovation for MTN SA, Ashraff Paruk, says, “The incredible uptake in the first few days alone has been testament to the fact that subscribers are keen to explore new methods of accessing information and rewarding for all involved in this massive project.”
To meet the demands of different fans, and in addition to the video and MMS services, MTN has made available SMS services to subscribers, with regular updates for the duration of the tournament. The packages cater for everyone, from the most ardent supporter to the casual observer who merely wants to be kept up to date.
Depending on how much information a fan wants, the content of the packages ranges from highlights of the games to a full range of stats and scores for all the matches of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2008 tournament. In addition, downloads of country flags of the participating teams, team jerseys, national anthems and soccer ring tones will also be available.
Subscribers are, however, winners in more ways than one – they stand the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Ghana to see one of the Africa Cup of Nations matches.
