Azuri Partners with Zuku, Launches Solar Powered PayGo TV and Satellite Service.
Leading UK based provider of PayGo Solar Home Systems, Azuri Technologies and home entertainment satellite provider, Zuku have today launched the first integrated pay-as-you-go satellite TV package for rural off-grid consumers in sub Saharan Africa. Combining solar home power, TV, satellite dish and Zuku Smart+ entertainment with 48 TV and 21 radio channels, the AzuriTV system targets households outside the power grid offering affordable TV, anytime, anywhere, in one complete PayGo package. Priced at Kshs 149 ($1.50) per day, customers obtain a complete home power package including a 24-inch television with built in Satellite TV service providing up to 5 hours of normal viewing per day, four room lights, mobile phone charging and a rechargeable portable radio.
Kenya has over 12 million households and a TV household penetration rate of only 38.2% as of 2015, according to a Research and Markets, Kenya Digital TV Forecasts report, with free-to-air broadcasting near major cities still the primary access method. Azuri Technologies CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth said: “Solar power has made huge strides. Just a few years ago, a small solar light was new technology. Today we are able to provide a TV and viewing choices that would not look out of place in any major city in the world in a simple, affordable PayGo package.” Zuku Satellite TV CEO Jay Chudasama said: “This is a very exciting opportunity we are giving our customers and viewers to have more choices and enjoy the experience to watch over 40 Zuku TV channels that offers high-quality and affordable family entertainment with emphasis on the local content”.
Customers can enjoy local free-to-air channels, international channels and Zuku branded channels including Zuku Sports, Zuku Swahili, Zuku Kids, Zuku Life Glam and Zuku Nolly. Customers pay the top-up rate via mobile money, allowing customers to use the system as much as they want for the credit period. After as little as 2 years of payments, customers will own the equipment and continue to pay only for the satellite service. The service is initially available in selected regions of Central Kenya and will be rolled out progressively nationwide in 2017.
