MTC has announced that it will stop giving free SMSs to customers when they recharge airtime from 10 September 2026.
The mobile operator says the change is being made because most customers now use internet-based messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage and email instead of traditional SMSs.
MTC Chief Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, said the company is shifting its focus towards data services and products that better match how customers communicate today.
“Our customers’ communication needs are evolving rapidly. As part of our commitment to delivering improved services and innovative products, we are realigning our offerings to focus more on affordable data solutions,” he said.
The free SMS reward was introduced more than 20 years ago and was automatically given to customers each time they bought airtime. At the time, SMS was one of the most popular ways for people to communicate using mobile phones.
However, the growth of smartphones and internet messaging apps has reduced the use of SMSs over the years.
MTC said SMS services are not being discontinued completely.
Customers who subscribe to Aweh bundles and the T49 prepaid package will continue to receive SMS allocations as part of those bundles. Postpaid customers will also continue receiving SMSs through their monthly free units and Boost Bundles.
What will change is that customers will no longer receive free SMSs simply for recharging airtime.
Standard SMS services will still be available according to existing tariff plans, while customers can also access SMSs through bundled products that include voice, data and messaging benefits.
MTC said the change reflects the growing demand for data services and the declining use of traditional text messages.
“We remain committed to providing our customers with cost-effective and high-quality communication services that meet their modern lifestyles,” Ekandjo said
