VAS solution provider Comviva has signed a new deal with MTN Ghana for virtual SIM solution. MTN Ghana is a telecom operator, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

According to the company, Comviva’s Virtual SIM solution will enable MTN Ghana will be able to extend its services to people who cannot afford to own a handset.

The solution allows users to make and receive calls, send and receive SMSs and make payments, virtually, using other people’s phones. They also gain a unique mobile identity, with their own phone number and virtual phone account.

According to Eben Albertyn, chief technical officer, MTN Ghana, With Comviva’s Virtual SIM solution, the company will be extending access to mobile communications and providing underserved segments with an affordable route to gaining the unique mobile identity.

According to Manoranjan Mohapatra, chief executive officer, Comviva, whilst mobile penetration in many developed markets has exceeded 100%, there remains significant scope for growth in the world’s emerging markets, where just one third of the population uses mobile communication services. Extending mobile communications to under-served segments requires a cost effective solution that overcomes barriers to service uptake, such as affordability of a handset and simplicity of use.