Mobile phone service providers have launched specialised offers for Muslim faithful in the holy month of Ramadhan.
Zain Kenya has announced it will be launching a special service which will allow faithful to receive inspirational quotes from the Koran throughout September, while mobile phone manufacturer Nokia will extend its line of models that come pre-loaded with Ramadhan features.
Zain customers will be required to send an SMS with the word “Ramadhan” to 786 for a one-off fee of Sh100 to receive religious quotes and duas (well wishes) from the Holy Koran.
“In the spirit of supporting and showing solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, we will offer this special service throughout the fasting period ,” said Zain Kenya Managing Director Rene Meza.
In addition to the special service, Zain will also be contributing part of the proceeds to mosques countrywide to assist poor Muslims during the evening breaking of fast or iftar.
“We will share with the Muslims on specific days during the breaking of the fast by donating food through some of the mosques in the country,” said Mr Meza. Nokia will be launching specialised mobile applications and content designed specifically for Ramadan for customers in the Middle East and Africa regions.
According to Chris Braam, vice president of sales, Nokia Middle East and North Africa, the service has been expanded in response to the positive feedback it received last year.
“In 2007, 14 per cent of Nokia’s global net sales came from the Middle East and Africa (MEA), so this is a region that is greatly important to us and we have committed to ensuring that we are tailoring solutions that meet the local needs,” he said.
While some Nokia phones in the region come pre-loaded with Ramadan applications owners of the Nokia N73, N95, N95 8GB, N82, E90, E71, Nokia 6210 Navigator and Nokia 6220 Classic can download the applications online.
