Kenyan telecom company Safaricom announced that it is prepared to release its triple-play set-top box by the end of the week. The move has already sparked interest from mobile analysts who believe that the additional options will give Safaricom an upper-hand in the market. The company was reported as saying the device, which they are dubbing “The Box,” will retail for KES 3,499.
“It runs on Android software and will be equipped for high-speed Internet, HD TV, Video on Demand and gaming,” the company said in making the announcement.
Communications Authority (CA) Director General Francis Wangusi said the watchdog “had approved Safaricom’s set-top box,” which many analysts say will give Safaricom an advantage “in capturing the emerging home Internet market.”
Box customers will also have access to all free-to-air TV channels, which should allow for a larger segment of the population wanting to get in on the latest product on offer.
The company, which is among the largest in Africa, believes that in East Africa, the growth of the mobile sector and the decline of standard television needs has enabled the addition of the Box into the market for those seeking to watch their favorite shows, participate in gaming with friends and increase the overall market share of Safaricom in previously small sectors.
Joseph Mayton
