G-Telecoms (GTel), a Zimbabwean mobile handset manufacturer, has inked an agreement with Kenyan operator Safaricom to offer devices on contract. The agreement is expected to give Safaricom customers flexible repayment plans.
According to a report by Business Daily, GTel stated it would enter the Kenyan market in June 2015 by introducing eight smartphones.
GTel Group CEO Chamunorwa Shumba stated that: “The business model is similar to what is done in the US and Europe where one does not need to pay full price at once, but rather, one gets a flexible monthly plan that includes: a device, voice minutes, data and more.”
According to the report, the company already has a presence in South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique. Some of the models it plans to roll out locally include the A703 Vivo, SL 5.1, SL 5.5 and the Explorer 718. Safaricom is expected to sell GTel products in the local market initially as the company plans to establish independent outlets.
Darryl Linington