Safaricom, Nokia & DMTV launch TV service

SAFARICOM, Nokia and DMTV have signed a partnership that will allow Safaricom subscribers watch DStv’s menu of TV programs on Nokia mobile phones.

As part of an introductory offer, subscribers and phone holders do not have to pay any extra cost for the service until April, 2010, as long as they have the right devices.

This agreement will enable the subscribers to access the service, dubbed DStv Mobile, through Digital Video Broadcast Handheld (DVB-H)-enabled Nokia
phones.

The service is currently available on Nokia N96 and N77, which both have an integrated DVB-H receiver. In addition, users can access DStv Mobile on Nokia N79, N85, N86, N97, E75 and Nokia 5800 Xpress Music devices by purchasing a Nokia Mobile TV Receiver.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Safaricom Chief Commercial Officer Peter Arina said activating the handsets would be easy because unlike in the past when subscribers had to get a special SIM card, now they only need a DVB-H capable handset and insert their usual SIM card to activate the service.

“We are confident the service will gain wide acceptance because of Nokia’s dominance in the Kenyan market,” said Mr. Arina. “These handsets will be available at any of our Safaricom Retail Centers in Nairobi and from DStv and Nokia dealers,” he added.

Upon purchase of an enabled handset, one will enjoy the services without paying a fee until the end of April next year. Coverage is currently available in Nairobi and Mombasa and plans are already underway to extend this to other parts of Kenya.

Said Gerard Brandjes, General Manager for Nokia, East and Southern Africa:
“This is an exciting time for mobile convergence in Africa.

We are especially pleased that Nokia, working together with DMTV and Safaricom, are able to offer consumers 12 months free access to DStv Mobile when they purchase a compatible DVB-H handset. This showcases the enormous advancements in handset technology, now enabling TV on-the-go-for consumers.”