Safaricom is empowering its customers currently on 2G devices to upgrade and enjoy high-speed internet connectivity on its 4G network through a flexible smartphone purchase scheme in partnership with the tech giant, Google.
Dubbed Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, the telco’s customers will own 4G enabled smartphone by paying as low as KSh20 daily for almost a year.
“Together with our key partner Google, and specifically Android, we are aiming for an additional one million customers who will be able to access and leverage the power of the internet,” Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said.
Currently, 4G smartphone penetration on Safaricom’s customer base stands at 17 percent way lower than its general smartphone penetration in Kenya which stands at 42 percent. According to Peter Ndegwa, the 4G network covers over 77 percent of the population and 2G and 3G covers 95 percent.
“Our plan is to make to available to every Kenyan by ensuring that as many Kenyans as possible can use a 4G device for the first time without a significant dent on their wallet,” said Ndegwa.
“Smartphones in the hands of our customers possess life-transforming possibilities. They open a new world. We aim to take that world into the hands of every consumer through affordable means.”
To participate, customers need to dial *544# and accept the terms and conditions to opt into the service, after which they will receive an SMS approval of their eligibility and the value of the device they can purchase under the service.
Eligibility
- A subscriber must be 18 years or older
- Must have been a Safaricom customer for over a year
- You should be regularly using Safaricom’s products, including M-PESA, SMS, and calling
- Must be using a 2G Feature Phone.
“Android’s goal has always been to bring the power of computing to everyone. Access to the opportunities the internet offers is critical for any nations’ economic growth & social inclusion,’’ Android and Platforms Partnerships for Africa director Mariam Abdullahi said.
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