Global mobile communications firm Clickatell, the international mobile communication company, has entered into a partnership with Nigerian technology firm, VTNetwork, to offer local subscribers a system to recharge on-the-go.

The service has been described as the first of its kind in the country.

“This state-of-the-art service provides instantaneous capability to automatically load value onto phones in real time when their balances approach zero and it works on the MTN, Airtel, Etisalat and Glo networks,” Clickatell said in a statement.

Samson Isa, Clickatell director for West Africa said his company is excited to be part of the innovation.

“Clickatell is pleased to launch this auto-recharge service in collaboration with VCASH in Nigeria.

"Being able to top up one’s phone automatically, on presets determined by each user, is groundbreaking work by VCASH for Nigeria and we are pleased with this association,” he said.

Commenting on the innovation, Peter Ojo, chief executive officer of VTNetwork, said the service could be used on all types of mobile phones.

“VCASH subscribers can use auto-recharge 24/7 to replenish set amounts of value according to their wishes.

"The power is in the system’s ability to detect in real time that a phone‘s airtime is nearly used up based on a subscriber’s set usage pattern, and to then invoke airtime and apply the minutes to the phone,” he said.

Ojo added, “The process is invisible but the control is in each VCASH user’s hands, with settings selections made via a mobile phone or online. Monies in e-wallet attract reward points which extend the buying power of subscribers.”