MyMTN App now has more than 30,000 downloads

• App also voted Best Mobile App at this year's Social Media Awards

• Update adds extra layer of security with a One Time Password (MyMTN Code) for each session.

MTN's award-winning smartphone app, MyMTN this month hit yet another milestone, crossing the 30,000 unique installations on mobile devices, according to information collected from the various app stores.

MyMTN app was launched by MTN Uganda in September 2015 and gives users a richer and more seamless experience while using MTN Mobile Money or accessing any Self-care services from MTN. It runs on all major smartphones, including Android, Blackberry, iPhone and Windows phone.

Since its launch, the app has received very positive reviews with most users hailing it as the most innovative app over the last year. This view was further consolidated after the app won the Most Innovative and Best Mobile App at this year's Social Media Awards, announced earlier this month.

The Social Media Awards is a platform that recognizes organizations in Uganda leading the way in the utilization of social media for entertainment, innovation, inspiring change, sharing of ideas, creating communities and talking to customers online.

Smartphone users can download MyMTN App free of charge from all major stores - Google Play, Blackberry, Windows Phone Store and iOS App Store.

One does not need to have an active bundle to use the app.

"We are excited about the user feedback we have received since we launched the app; and even more pleased to have a product that's the embodiment of our vision - to lead the delivery of a bold, new new digital world," said MTN Uganda's Chief Marketing Officer, Mapula Bodibe said when the app was declared the Most Innovative app of the year.

With the app, MTN has utilized digital innovation to offer excellent customer experience.

Currently, the app supports two major service categories; MTN Mobile Money and MySelfService which gives users absolute control over all MTN services.

The app is a one-stop destination for MTN services; such as airtime and data bundle purchases, balances and access to various promotional offers, that would otherwise require the customer to memorize a wide range of USSD codes.

The Mobile Money function gives the user access to all mobile money functions but additionally, offers the option to schedule recurring payments - a handy tool that eases payment of utilities like water and electricity bills.

Access to either Mobile Money or MySelfService requires the user to input a password, guaranteeing security for both service subscriptions, airtime purchases and mobile money transactions.

Extra Security

In a bid to further increase its security, MTN Uganda this month introduced an update that requires users to enter a four-digit code (session password) each time they try to use MyMTN for Mobile Money services.

The MyMTN code (formerly One Time Password) is sent as a text message (SMS) to the number whose session is about to be activated on the app.

"The One Time Password was introduced to prevent instances where a user could initiate a session on another customer's account without the customer's phone or consent," noted Onyait Odeke, Editor in Chief at Dignited.com, a leading consumer technology blog.

"The requirement of a second password further tightens the security of customers' mobile money accounts. It's a good development," he added.