Safaricom Set To Launch Kshs 3,499 bob Set Top Box
Mobile service provider Safaricom is set to venture into
the Pay TV space after applying for a digital
broadcasting licence. Safaricom is said to have sought
approval for set top boxes from the Communication
Authority of Kenya. The companies entry into the space
is in line with its diversification plan to reduce its
reliance on the Voice Market.
Safaricom CEO told Bloomberg News in an interview last
year that the TV product will allow consumers to buy a
preferred program such as a documentary or a movie and
watch it through devices like tablets, smartphones or
televisions. People want to decide when they want to
consume; they dont want you to tell them. That
immediacy is, I think, how the future will be defined. he
said.
Safaricom is likely to offer the service in a Triple play
model as one used by Wananchi Groups Zuku. Under
the triple play model, Telephony, Cable television and
high-speed Internet service are offered under a single
bundle/ subscription. The TV portion of the service
includes a wide choice of cable channels and music
channels and may include other TV-related services
such as messaging, interactive viewing and gaming.
The key consideration in the Internet connection is
adequate bandwidth and Safaricom has recently invested
heavily in a 4G internet network which will be
instrumental in the delivery of the service.
Safaricom is not the first major Telco to venture into this
space with Rogers Wireless and Bell of Canada having
heavily invested into the provision of triple and
quadruple play modeled bundles. Speculation is rife that
the service could either cost KES. 499 a month for the
entire bundle consisting of 35 TV channels and the Free
to air channels, or that it could be fully free to air with
an option for internet content via SIM card slot. The
decoders are set to cost KES. 3,499.