Safaricom enters broadcast market with 'The BigBox' decoder

 @danmuhuni

Telecommunication solutions provider Safaricom has launched a decoder that will enable access to TV content and the internet.
 Christened 'The BigBox' the DVB-2 device will enable subscribers leverage Safaricom's extensive 3G and 4G data network to access content.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Friday, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said 'The BigBox' will serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot connecting up to 10 users and support data-heavy applications.  "It will give you access to HD TV Channels and allow you to watch content through online video services like YouTube,".
The decoder's first payment option will see subscribers pay an initial cost of Sh4,999 following by six Sh999 monthly installments.  "This package includes access to free-to-air TV stations and an allocation of up to 6GB a month in data bundles in addition to free YouTube viewing," Collymore said.
The second option of a one-off fee of Sh9,999 allows access to free-to-air channels and up to 6GB in data bundles for a month and free YouTube access. 
Subscribers who choose this option can also buy bundles of up to 50GB for Sh4,000.  Safaricom said customers will be able to top up their balances by buying monthly bundles using airtime or M-Pesa, on predefined USSD and WAP interfaces.
 Safaricom intends to reach the estimated 2.4 million households out of 3.2 million that have access to digital TV but are not using any of the set boxes available on the market.