Carbon formerly Paylater, has launched a USSD service to make it easier for Nigerians with limited access to smartphones or the internet, to access financial services.
This new service will allow existing Carbon customers to access instant loans and other payment solutions via USSD without requiring internet data. Prior to the launch of the USSD channel, Carbon’s financial services were only available to smartphone users via its Android and iOS apps.
To use the new Carbon USSD service, customers (on MTN and 9Mobile) should simply *1303# to quickly enjoy the services of the digital finance company.
This service is only available via MTN & 9mobile networks – for now.
We’re working to add other networks soon. 💜
— Carbon (@get_carbon) February 24, 2020
USSD continues to provide an effective and efficient channel for delivering much-needed financial services across Africa. Mobile phone penetration continues to rise on the continent, providing a platform for much-needed fintech innovation, but the high cost of internet data and the prevalence of feature phones means many are still excluded from the benefits of mainstream financial services.
Commenting, Carbon CEO, Chijioke Dozie, said, “One of the biggest selling points of USSD is that it works with or without the internet, which is reassuring in the African context where internet data is expensive and inconsistent.
“As fintech continues to develop across Africa and ingrains itself into people’s everyday lives, it is important to invest and innovate across the ecosystem, ensuring that individuals are not excluded from the benefits of financial inclusion.”
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