MTN Nigeria Launches RCS Business Messaging with Google and Dotgo

 

 

MTN, Nigeria’s largest mobile network operator (MNO), has launched RCS Business Messaging (RBM) Services in partnership with Google and Dotgo®, a Gupshup company and a leading cloud communications provider of RBM Solutions.

RBM uses the rich and interactive features of Rich Communication Services (RCS)—the next generation SMS that allows sharing of audio, video, images, location, and a lot more—to enable branded business messaging.

 

RCS messages are securely delivered to native messaging apps such as Google Messages and Samsung Messages on Android phones.

 

Available on 3G and 4G networks, RCS is the default messaging standard for 5G networks. As of today, RCS is available globally with over 700M monthly active users.

 

Dotgo’s MaaP (Messaging-as-a-Platform) is integrated with the Google Jibe RCS platform for business messaging, the world’s most advanced RCS platform that provides a high degree of scalability.

 

As a partner, MTN would leverage the services provided by Dotgo such as the RCS APIs, chatbot directory, billing, payments, reconciliation, and more, to drive monetization from RCS.

 

“As Nigeria’s largest carrier, MTN is all set to onboard brands that can reach out to a vast majority of Nigerian customers and delight them with a user experience like never before, to boost lead generation and conversion rates.

 

“This is a great opportunity for brands to connect with the end consumers of Nigeria for sales and support,” says Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria.

 

Srinivas Rao, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Nigeria, added, “We are proud of our technical collaboration with Google and Dotgo.

 

“The superior technology design, robust service operations, optimum business processes, and 24×7 support are key to delivering the

 

“Next Generation Business Messaging experiences to our Brands & Business Partners at the most affordable rates. With this generational shift we aim to further aid & accelerate Digital Transformation amongst the institutions, commerce & industry in Nigeria”.

 

Juliet Ehimuan, Country Director, Google Nigeria, said, “We are delighted to work with MTN to help bring RBM to their customers. With the highest number of subscribers in the region, RBM services on MTN will be a game changer.

 

Dotgo has excelled once again as one of our top partners for monetising RBM with mobile operators.

 

Dr. Inderpal Singh Mumick, CEO, Dotgo, said, “The launch of RBM by MTN, the largest operator in Nigeria, will accelerate adoption of RBM by brands in Nigeria.

 

With the launch done, we will be working with MTN and Google to help CPaaS providers and brands in Nigeria to upgrade and incorporate RBM into their business applications.”

Meanwhile, In recognition of its exceptional community relations activities, MTN Nigeria was presented with the Excellence in Community Relations award at the Lagos State PR Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA) on December 18, 2021.

Funso Aina, senior manager, External Relations, MTN Nigeria, was also recognised and awarded the Best in Crisis Management at the just concluded awards ceremony.

 

MTN was recognised for its efforts in touching lives with impactful community programmes across the country while Aina, the senior manager in charge of MTN’s external relations, was recognised for effective crisis communication and issue management.

 

Through its social investment vehicle established in 2005, MTN Nigeria has invested over 20 billion Naira in empowering more than 19 million Nigerians in 2,476 communities across 36 states and FCT in Nigeria.

 

Over the past 15 years, MTN Foundation (MTNF) has implemented over 850 active project sites across 47 project categories in the health, education and economic empowerment sectors.

 

Odunayo Sanya, executive secretary, MTN Foundation, says the LAPRIGA honours are a ‘call to do more’, ‘‘to ensure Nigeria attains the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Good Health and Well-being.”

 

Aina who is a member of the NIPR, says he considers the award from an industry regulator, a testament to MTN’s commitment to ethical stakeholder management, proactive management of issues, and a strong belief in working with critical stakeholders for progress. “I am grateful for the recognition and extend my appreciation to the Lagos Chapter of the NIPR for promoting best practice in the industry,” he said.

At the ceremony, which held last Saturday at D’Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, NIPR Lagos chairperson, Comfort Nwankwo, appreciated industry stakeholders for their contribution to the practice of public relations.

“The LaPRIGA Awards has evolved, adding colours, dimension, values and the recognition of best accomplishments in reputation management, relationship management, and support for marketing functions,” she said.

 

The sixth edition of LaPRIGA was organised by the Lagos state chapter of the NIPR. The LaPRIGA Awards is a prestigious high-profile event showcasing and recognising excellence in public relations practice in the public and private sector.