Africa-focussed MVNO launches in the UK

A new MVNO has launched in the UK, targeted exclusively at the African migrant community, claiming to be the first player to launch prepaid mobile credit transfer over SMS between the UK and Africa. The service effectively allows African callers to reverse charge calls to the UK.

Vizz Africa will provide a dedicated mobile SIM card to allow the African community living, working and travelling to the UK, to communicate with their friends and relatives in Africa at discounted rates.

The company claims to have agreements with all of the African operators, and the service allows users to transfer prepaid mobile credits to individuals back in Africa safely.

Pat Nabhan, CEO of parent company QiComm said the firm has plans to launch international mobile money transfer services in addition to airtime credit transfer, but that a number of banking regulatory hurdles remain to be negotiated.