In mid-September, users of Malawi's Telecom Networks (TNM) received a text message saying "With TNM you can now recharge your friends mobile using TNM direct top up service. Just use the following command: *112*phone number*recharge pin*. Its that easy"

What does this mean? Well, TNM users, for the most part, are on a pay-as-you-go system--when you need more minutes, you buy scratch-off cards with a code to punch in for additional credit. TNM has also long-offered a service that allows cell phone owners to refill their calling card credits by sending a simple text message. But now, following in the path of Smart Communications and WIZZIT e-currency paths--(You can check out the Digital Dividends case study from last summer on Smart Communications)-- TNM also allows people to use text messages to send credits to other users.  Emeka Okafor blogs that the next step should be the abillity to send unlimited credits.