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Aside the mobile phone influx, the Internet has become a ‘second home’ – and livelihood for some organisations and individuals. These are people who are always on the move, transacting one business or the other, and as such need uninterrupted – but quality – connection to the Internet, via their mobile phones and devices. This is where the telcos come in (with emphasis on Tigo).
Tigo as a telco can do more than it already is doing to get Ghanaians get more value from the Internet, than they already are. To a customer, value has to do with the benefits s/he is receives for what s/he gives up (which is generally money).
Tigo can revise their data plans in a way that allows a user’s bundle to roll over into the next bundle, once the subscription date for the previous bundle expires. Tigo also needs to educate the public more on their Internet Portal by intensifying their advertisements. The Gift Package that is featured on this portal allows subscribers to buy data packages for friends and loved ones.
Ghanaians can derive more value from the Internet if Tigo could have an online discussion forum to augment their call center. This could also be in the form of web-based direct call back services that could catalogue subscribers’ complaints.
Tigo can also embrace crowdsourcing to generate information and opinions, just as they do with their user focus sessions, which sometimes are limited because of the number of participants. Crowdsourcing would allow a lot more folks to brainstorm on-line, using social media.
Tigo also needs to upgrade their network infrastructure to increase connectivity and accessibility. Their 3.5G modem
Inasmuch as it is difficult for telcos to beat down their Internet cost, it would be great if Tigo did something about their Internet costs (while upholding quality).
As a number of people are embracing mobile marketing, Tigo can also help mobile advertisers understand and target customers more effectively. Tigo can help such people by offering ‘location-based’ promotions via instant messaging. Subscribers in a particular locality could get a message inviting them to partake in a promo being run by such advertisers, and win prizes.
Even though it seems a number of the older generation do not know how to use the Internet, or appreciate it, they can be taught to accept and use it. Tigo can partner with the government to design special mobile phones and websites for pensioners. This would greatly reduce the stress pensioners go through to access their money.
Tigo can also partner with the Ministry of Education and sponsor the teaching of ICT in basic schools and adult education classes.
References:
Nice piece of work Qaphui and I strongly agree with you on Tigo and Ministry of Education working together to better the ICT standards of our adults.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karfabrk. Collaboration is a key feature to development. Computer literacy will make us appreciate the benefits of the Internet and thus derive more value from it.
Deletenice thoughts written here. this will go a long way to help with our country. thanks Tigo computer illiteracy would be a thing of the past.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ophelia. The part of the post that talks about Tigo's partnership with the government to help solve the computer illiteracy problem is a suggestion. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope they implement it.
Deletei agree with your blog. We the customers want value for our money and also when it comes to internet usage i love the speed to be uninterrupted and bundle should be just unlimited. Tigo this is a challenge to you and other telecom industry.
ReplyDeleteJustice, I'm sure Tigo would work around the clock to improve on their current services. All telcos actually can take a cue from this. The customer is ALWAYS king! Hehe
DeleteA reliable speed ie. 4G and data bundles that are void of the usual "advertizing gimmicks" by most Telecos will be enough to get people like me on to their network or to patronize their internet services.
ReplyDelete...Blaq why dont you patronize Tigo stuff?
DeleteSetting up of "Tigo Cafes" on the various campuses not only to provide internet service to students and patrons but also to educate the students and patrons on internet use and how to get the best out of it
ReplyDeleteTIGO could partner with the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) where by they will train a selected number of the youth and they will in turn go round and train selected "identifiable groups" on the proper use of the internet and how to derive more form it.
ReplyDeleteThe computer is the face of IT just as books are the face of the library. TIGO should brand itself as the face of mobile internet.tIGO can come out with a brand "tigo net" with a module for schools. This brand will incorporate the setting up of Computer labs and support the download of free e-books for libraries in institutions.
ReplyDeleteIt can also come out with a mobile application that enables people to alert the Police on robberies and other crimes in their neighbourhoods.
Good article, kudos
ReplyDeleteI doubt the assertion that almost everyone has a mobile phone in Ghana. Most people have two or more phones, and so we may have been double-counting the numbers. Nice suggestions though.
ReplyDeleteKwame...almost is not all. At least my "Kayaye" brothers and sisters can afford to use phones to enable them communicate with their families in northern Ghana.Hence, i dont think Quaphui's assertion is far fetched.
DeleteWell said Kafui, the idea of a revise data plan in a way that would allow users’ bundle to roll over into the next bundle, once the subscription date for the previous bundle expires is highly appreciable. In doing so, not only would this policy propagate the message of fairness (receiving the true value for what one had paid) but it could be a strong advertising message as well. Beside, Tigo could look into the possibility of embarking on mobile learning programs in our tertiary institutions. A very good starting point would preferably be the private universities.
ReplyDeleteMy OSofo daddy has spoken. Tigo should be fair.
DeleteFelicitas mi amigo! On a besoin du portable. Dit aux gars de le relache vite. Drole!
ReplyDeleteInternet packages should be made affordable.Once internet is cheap, accessible and fast then Tigo would be invariably helping our pockets and businesses grow.
ReplyDeleteI pray Tigo reads this! It would put them way above Vodafone.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Sir. Your points are straight forward. I wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteTigo, please listen to my Sir o. I love this article
ReplyDeleteNice blog, i hope they are reading. To be the best and provide the best for Ghanaians Tigo must revise and ensure the best is delivered.
ReplyDeleteRight to the point Kafui. The consumer has evolved to become a social consumer. The social consumer now is in charge of the ecosystem. However, the value gained from these telcos is still not satisfactory. And this is where Tigo can make a difference and provide a more customized experience for the consumer (Ghanaians). Social media is to be embraced and strategies put in place to "listen" and engage the consumer. This will be a win-win for both Tigo and Ghanaians. Collaboration is key for innovation to thrive in all sectors for a better Ghana.
ReplyDeleteWith reference to embracing social media to 'listen' to, and engage consumers, Crowdsourcing is a great way, yes?
DeleteYou nailed it Kafui. This will be real profitable if implemented. Kudos.
ReplyDeletewow!!! i like your work. well done sir.
ReplyDeleteI agree here,just that with the 4G aspect it is not likely to happen any time soon as most telecomm companies still do not have a complete 3G network in the whole nation yet. Good post nonetheless.
ReplyDeletehere we go again, Kafui at his best...nice thought put together, good job...
ReplyDeleteI was once a subscriber to Tigo, but their poor services made me to move to another communications company. This article has just given me a lot to think about in relation to tigo. Congratulations for the good work done.
ReplyDeleteIts hard time TIGO invests more into infrastructure so they don't have to depend on third-party companies for their internet service. I think by doing so they can then control the pricing and where there's a room for subsidy, we the subscribers can benefit.
ReplyDeleteSo i read this write-up yesterday kind courtesy of my good friend yawblaq and decided to get a Tigo sim just to try out how fast tigo's 3.5G network really is...and i must say i was impressed! i think a lil more investment in infrastructure will just do the trick. Keep up the good work tigo!
ReplyDeleteI love tigo. I will love them more if they improve the mobile internet bundle issue. Credits should be rolled over and not expire. Nice thoughts
ReplyDeletesome people prefer prestigious network, yes tigo might try all it can but they ought to remember no one has it all. the network stuff is a business on it own.
ReplyDeletePrestigious network? I'm sure what all telcos want is to be ahead of the competition. Tigo needs to improve upon their 12% of the market share.
DeleteGood piece Kafui. But we have to consider some things before the whole thing can work: cost, usage. Additional masts need to be erected.Good infrastructure before 4G can work
ReplyDeleteCurrent 3G has a lot of problems.
Kudos Sir...great job done
ReplyDeleteBasically, infrastructure can be improved upon and implemented when a thorough cost benefit analysis is done. Government might need to play a role in bringing cost down.
ReplyDeletewow we need this... is Tigo reading this.. i love tigo and we hope to see new upgrade this time around
ReplyDeleteCool!
ReplyDeleteI believe the Oga at the top in Tigo has heard your clearly outlined views.. :) Congrats.
Hehe, ee pray so too o. Thanks. #OgaAtTheTop
DeleteLove the Crowd-sourcing approach! Great advice.
ReplyDeleteThe telecommunication industry has revenue in the billions off Ghanaians and what better way can they give back to the good people of Ghana than to contribute through education and easy access to pensioneers. Interesting thoughts, I hope their PRO is reading this. Good job boss.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me Kafui, but expresso already has the roll over thingy working on their modem o. No hard feelings though.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think the writer of the post is talking about how Tigo can also get more customers by doing the same thing. It's competition o. What if the connectivity too is bad? I like his sufggestions.
DeleteSuperb and precise !!! affordability, accessibility and availability of I.C.T yields productivity and that is the power of the internet- to share best practices and innovations.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletetigo can improve on their internet package and provide special offer or bonuses for tigo users on regular basis. this will enable tigo to gain competitive advantage over other networks in the country
ReplyDeleteyes tigo is a good net but still like all other networks they need to improve their services in all of it i like your work
ReplyDeleteTHIS IS VERY IMPRESSIVE, 3K. I AM PROUD OF WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN. i HOPE TIGO MAKES YOU ONE OF THEIR TOP MARKETING AGENTS. GREAT WORK.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vince. Hehe, maube I should help them with the crowdsourcing drive.
DeleteGiant countries like USA, UK, China and the likes developed by making the internet; a workable tool for their citizenry. Tigo can build a positive image from this system experience.
ReplyDeleteTigo needs to implement e-learning platforms by partnering with educational institutions. Stuff like CBT Nuggets and the like.
ReplyDeleteif customers trust Tigo, Tigo should also trust customers by implementing systems that allow them to continue getting internet access when they are out of credit. A reliable customer will not abandon his modem device just because he/she owes a few ghana cedis.
ReplyDeleteTigo should reduce their network tariffs, while enhancing their connectivity. Good read, Dominic.
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I stronbly side with you on tigo partnership with the govt to design special mobile phones and website for pensioners. This will be great news and ease the stress they go through to access their money.
ReplyDeleteLove this piece. Tigo should step up. Thanks Kafui.
ReplyDeleteRollover bundle will help people continue their important works in times of eurgency
ReplyDeleteTigo should reduce network tariffs for customers who participate in citizen science projects.
ReplyDeleteTigo should allow customers to share data on their bundles. I agree with the rollover suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI like the crowd sourcing idea. Which looks like an 'Internet suggestion box'. I think the mobile marketing move would also increase their customer base.Moving to 4G would also give customers value for their money.
ReplyDeleteI also like the crowdsoucing idea. Expanded user focus approach.moresiggestionsfeom a wide range of customers
DeleteThis article must be seriously considered by tigo. Tigo it's for your own good so dont let this slip away.
ReplyDeleteWith the recommendation to upgrade to a 4G network, Tigo could launch health promotion and education activities by supporting the social media. This exploration will put Tigo ahead in terms of social responsibility which also comes also with minimal cost and huge benefits to the consumer.
ReplyDeleteI think an extension will be the support of the open data initiative in Ghana. Tigo can partner with developers, researchers who 'data mine' the data sets to come out with mobile applications that enhances the livelihood of Ghanaians and makes information available to folks. A good initiative would be to create a tech hub of sorts -- or support an existing tech hub with uninterrupted Internet access.
DeleteThe Value for money is very important. Tigo like the other telco's offer less than what customers expect. Providing better services at competitive prices is key. Most important is for them to upgrade their systems
ReplyDeletei am writing with great pleasure to recommend Kafui, Tigo should consider this seriously.
ReplyDeleteTigo Data sim cards can be free. This will entice patrons first to get access to medium to internet and also have a sense of "free" access to internet.
ReplyDeleteI think that tigo should have a promotion that would allow award customers with browsing data alongside the free credits. More bandwidth to stream videos is paramount. Once that is available, students can enjoy video lectures online.
ReplyDeleteWould there be a service that boost signal in areas where there is low reception, Tigo could look at that. Its not about erecting new transmitters but programming the the chips to detect low signals and self boost the signals for proper reception
ReplyDeleteQaphui, I believe it is a good initiative. Tigo as a telecommunication company i know has the lowest internet charge rate. They partnering with Ministry of Education will help institutions and students to have access to internet at the lowest cost. Internet is the root of development in this era.
ReplyDeleteTigo has the lowest internet rate? I had no idea. I'm going to try them out. Thanks
DeletePersonally, a fast, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity is what I'm looking forward to. It enhances my research and publications. I agree that prices for connectivity should be reduced to make it affordable to a larger reach of customers. Great article...lol..
ReplyDeleteMasa, tigo shd look sharp for the hope city thing o.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece. I pray tigo takes ue advice
ReplyDeleteMore bandwidth for downloads and video streaming. I love tigo freeeeee bonto
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading this Sir. Your mention of 3G and 4G networks brings back memoriea from ur class on computer networks. The infrastructure shd be improved upon
ReplyDeleteI just want to play the devil's advocate here. Is Vodafone goi to allow tigo get tonthe top? They r the regulators o.
ReplyDeleteAs a student, I enjoy streamimg videos feom MOOCs like coursera and udacity. Tigo enhancing their bandwidth and reducing the cost of their broadband would be greatly welcome by myfriends and I.
ReplyDeleteTigo should support mobile learning in our institutions. This would afford students and teachers alike to the opportunity to appreciate the imoact mobilelearning can make in education.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy using tigo but I think if they implement most of the advice here.a lot more people would subscribe to their network.
ReplyDeleteTigo should offer wireless internet access to communities. They can start by moving to the real estate developers and striking a deal with themto supply internet access to the communities they build.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting piece of article I agree with you and really appreciate u bringing this up. Telecommunication in GH period is making huge profit and make me wonder why the community or the government is idle about their policies. They should update their plans give options to unlimited monthly subscription or say various options for an individual to choose from for the month. Instead, all they have is top ups and refills card and that is making the cost of having a cellphone very expensive. With this modern communication technology being cheap everywhere, I don't see why they can't make it affordable in Africa. Could you believe I only pay $30 a month for my unlimited data,talk and txt. What does the average Ghanaian pay for a month for all these services? The worse is the internet again just like the cellphone the plan sucks again where is the unlimited!
ReplyDelete$30 per month? Which network carrier? Well tigo has ¢40 per month broadbamd service. Thanks for ur comment.
DeleteThat is a good technical information. Tigo should reduce their internet cost and also increase their internet bandwidth, due to IM's, most people has reduced their voice calls
ReplyDeleteI just love ur recommendations. All mobile network carriers need to read this.
ReplyDeleteI admire u. Tigo pls listen and reduce ur prices for internet access. Such thoughts make me happy to be Ghanaian.
ReplyDeleteI just visited their internet portal. Didn't know I could buy data bundle for my friends and family. Thanks for sharing. Tigo needs to intensify their adverts
ReplyDeleteSir Mary, I like this article. I think both Google and Tigo should hire you because of how pasionately you write abiut them. I use tigo though. Great network
ReplyDeleteIf tigo should implement these, I will leave my current network without looking back. Think of students' ease of researc for assignments while om the move. Our old folks will also embrace a service to help them get their pensions. Nicely thought out. All the best
ReplyDeleteE-learning. Mobile learning. These would be enhanced with uninterrupted internet connectivity
ReplyDeleteI agree with you but do you think these ppl will listen to u? Thay are jist making money and not thinking of us
ReplyDeleteIf tigo is able to get these ICT labs implemented, it will encourage the likes of Ashesi nd KNUST get their lecture notes on line via youtube
ReplyDeleteSometimes it gets crazy how these networks take us for granted. We need value for our money. They better listen to your advice on the online focus group thing. Thanks Kafui
ReplyDeleteWow. Great read Sir.
ReplyDeleteRight on point! Great write up. Unlimited data bundle plans will be reallly cool
ReplyDeleteWhat more can I say? You've said all there is to say. Tigo better have a good read at this article. Pragmatic approaches outlined in here.
ReplyDeleteCollaboration is key for innovation and development. Just as you wrote, "Tigo can also partner with the Ministry of Education and sponsor the teaching of ICT in basic schools and adult education classes."
ReplyDeleteAs a foreign student in Ghana, I own 2 SIM cards from diff networks, and a modem from a third one. If tigo should be able to improve upon their internet connectivity, access and speed, I will stick with them for the remainder of my studies here.
ReplyDeleteA lot of research needs to be done by Tigo. This article should be their guide.
ReplyDeletelooking at the way internet is now important in our life's as students, tigo with their services can help us by improving on their internet speed and reduced price in terms of the internet bundle and even sales of modem
ReplyDeleteI just read on crowdsourcing on Wikipedia and find it to be a great idea as you have shared in your blog. I also saw an extension of it known as crowdvoting. I think your article is simply wonderful Sir.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of information on the Internet makes it a very important part of our lives. If it is made affordable and still it's reliable, a lot of people will embrace tigo. Students mostly. Education is the key, and the internet helps in that direction.
ReplyDeleteI just want to thank you for this article. I am no longer mad at my friend who just made me read it instead of streaming a youtube video. Thanks
ReplyDeleteAs soon as tigo is able to improve on their infrastructure and move on to 4G, a lot of Ghanaians would move to them. They should invest the money they got from us
ReplyDeleteAwesome piece. Hope our telecommunication providers start competing on who provides the best internet service rather than who has the highest number of subscribers.
ReplyDeleteneat..value for our money...perfect!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood points raised, Kafui.
ReplyDeleteTigo Ghana has internet packages that have
become market leaders-- examples are the 2
Cedis one day packages and a 7GB monthly
package. However, I side with you on on
issues concerning roll-over of internet bundle
for another first in the industry but also
appreciate the understanding behind the
current situation to derive some profits.
As with the company sponsoring ICT training
for basic schools, it is a wonderful idea-- rump
up the ICT education rate and benefit in the
end through use of internet and other tools
perhaps through the companies various
platforms. However, I will also advise that
such a plan be put together by your very self
and group of people who share in the idea--
this can be submitted to Tigo for funding
stating the obvious benefits.
will there be Actions to the points identified?
ReplyDeleteKafui, I think Tigo should have wireless hotspots in key areas in town: The Malls, business districts in Kumasi, Accra, Cape Coast, Tamale, etc. Also at our Airports. Ro me it's even cheaper than going for the 4G.
ReplyDeletethat is the whole truth bro, i just pray they take a seriuos cue out of this and see where it takes them and us. tigo can build on this as the first network provider with the best, fast, affordable and uninterupted service "espercially" the internet for all the great countries trive in their businesses b'cus superb network.
ReplyDeleteGood piece my brother. I hope Tigo will base on the crucial points addressed in this article to conduct a good market analysis/research. To get to know the needs of their consumers and that of their competitors, and lay out strategies and appropriate tactics to gain a fair share of the market. Why can't two Tigo Sim cards share data via a common platform or app for a fee all categories of consumers wouldn't have a problem paying for? That platform/app can be useful in research--collecting the views or user experience of the consumer at no/minimal cost to the company. Telcos should strengthen their R&D, that is the only way to appeal to consumers and experience organic growth.
ReplyDeletenice piece of work.big ups and kudos.hoping you become one of tigo's best men...
ReplyDeletetigo claims to be providing unlimited internet services where actually it's internet bundles are limited. This is a major problem for internet users like me who download huge amounts of data. if tigo provides data plans which are affordable reliable and truly unlimited, it will be helpful for us.
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