Ooredoo tops one million mobile money subscribers

Qatari operator group Ooredoo now has one million mobile money customers across its global footprint. The group, which has a presence in Qatar, Indonesia and Tunisia added that mobile money services have contributed to economic and social development in the markets it operates in.

Ooredoo’s mobile money service allows customers to transfer money domestically and internationally, top-up their prepaid accounts, pay bills and in some markets receive salary payments using their mobile phones.

“The strong take-up by our customers demonstrates the demand for easy-to-use, safe, and affordable alternatives to traditional banks across our key markets, and underlines the new and positive role that communication companies can play in empowering individuals.” said Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo.

The firm has partnered with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and MoneyGram on Ooredoo Mobile Money in Qatar, which has seen strong take-up by international workers who need to send money home to their friends and family, the operator said. In Indonesia, Indosat, which Ooredoo has a five per cent stake in, has partnered with QNB Kesawan an in Tunisia, Tunisiana Ooredoo and Tunisian Mail (La Poste Tunisienne) have partnered on mobiflouss, which enables customers to top-up their airtime account, transfer money and pay bills via their mobile.

In October this year, Juniper Research reported that the value of international money transfers made via mobile phones will exceed $10bn for the first time this year. However, the cost and complexity of regulating cash transfer has led many service providers to focus exclusively on airtime top ups, the research firm reported.