Latest news with #BayanKhaled
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SMS use surges in Jordan as business demand grows, over 1.4bln in 2024
AMMAN — Despite the widespread use of social media platforms and messaging apps, SMS (short message service) technology continues to play a vital role in Jordan's digital communication landscape, offering tangible economic value to businesses across various sectors. Industry experts told The Jordan Times that SMS has evolved into a trusted and efficient channel for businesses to reach consumers directly, especially in sectors such as banking, delivery services, e-commerce and healthcare. 'While people might ignore app notifications, SMS is almost always read. It is direct, fast, and trusted,' said Bayan Khaled, a tech expert and manager at a leading local SMS gateway provider. According to official data from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), 1.434 billion text messages were exchanged via mobile networks in 2024, an increase of 334 million compared with 2023, representing 27 per cent year-on-year growth. The surge reflects not only changing individual communication habits but also growing reliance by businesses and public institutions on SMS for sending one-time passwords (OTPs), delivery confirmations, payment reminders, appointment alerts, and marketing campaigns, experts said. Lina Tahseen, an employee at a local marketing agency, said that the most notable rise in SMS traffic occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024, likely driven by holiday promotions and seasonal marketing, adding that 'End-of-year promotions and customer re-engagement messages flood our customers' platforms.' On average, Jordanians sent around 119.5 million text messages per month, around 4 million messages per day, across the country's three main mobile operators. While messaging apps dominate personal communication, stakeholders say SMS has maintained its competitive edge in business communication due to its high delivery and open rates across all types of mobile devices. Most SMS traffic was domestic, although international messaging still maintained a small yet active share, according to the TRC. Experts attribute the growth in SMS usage in part to the steady rise in mobile subscriptions in Jordan, which reached 8 million by the end of 2024, with the majority being prepaid lines. 'SMS may be old tech, but in business, it remains highly effective,' said Serin Ahmad, an employee at a retail shop. As Jordan continues to advance its digital transformation agenda, SMS is proving not to be a relic of the past, but rather a resilient tool adapting to the evolving needs of communication and commerce. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
15-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
CliQ system sees 92% growth in e-payments in January — JoPACC
JoPACC says that the total value of transactions processed via CliQ reaches JD1.33 billion in January (File photo) AMMAN — Electronic payments in Jordan through the instant payment system CliQ recorded a significant increase of 92 per cent in January compared to the same period last year, according to the latest monthly report on digital instant payment systems issued by the Jordan Payment and Clearing Company (JoPACC). The report revealed that 'the total value of transactions processed via CliQ reached JD1.33 billion last month, marking a "substantial" rise from JD694 million recorded in January of the previous year". Also, the report highlighted that money transfers accounted for 80.6 per cent of the total value of transactions through CliQ, reaching some JD1.08 billion. Meanwhile, payments for purchases represented 19.4 per cent, totalling JD259 million. The report further indicated that money transfers constituted more than 88 per cent of the total number of transactions, while payments for purchases accounted for the remaining percentage. Industry experts stressed the importance of real-time payment systems like CliQ in enhancing economic activity and improving financial efficiency. 'By facilitating instant, seamless, and cost-free transactions, such systems contribute to streamlining both personal and business financial operations,' Bayan Khaled, a Jordanian computer engineer and artificial intelligence developer told The Jordan Times. Many users have also expressed positive feedback on CliQ's impact. Lina Hani, a small business owner in Amman, said: 'CliQ has made it easy for me to receive payments instantly from my customers. I no longer have to worry about delays." Similarly, Emad Bakir, a frequent user, told The Jordan Times: 'Sending money to my family takes seconds, and there are no extra fees. It is a real game changer when compared to traditional bank transfers."
