Safaricom’s decoder ‘The Box’ to be launched this week

Safaricom is in three days set to release its triple play set top box, dubbed ‘The Box’ in the Kenyan market.

This information has come to light through a countdown on Safaricom’s official website; the countdown is accompanied by a statement that lets customers know a few details about the box.

“This box is alive, powerful and its secrets will change your life!” the statement reads.

The countdown come’s a couple of months after reports of the telecoms operator’s application for a digital broadcasting licence.

According to a news article by business daily, the main use of the set top boxes would be to improve internet.

“Bob Collymore, the Safaricom chief executive said they are mainly interested in using the set-top boxes to deliver Internet to households that own a TV set. He has in the past spoken of selling Internet and TV as a package.” The article read.

“If awarded a licence, he said, Safaricom would deepen its plan to establish a presence in the emerging broadcasting sector by taking competition to the doorsteps of the mainstream media.” It continued.

“Mr Wangusi said the CA had approved Safaricom’s set-top box, giving it an advantage in capturing the emerging home Internet market.” It added.

Safaricom plans to sell the universal set-top box in the local market, meaning buyers will also have access to all free-to-air TV channels.

The boxes which will retail for Kshs 3,499 run on Android software will be equipped for high-speed internet, high-definition TV, Video on Demand and Gaming.