Safaricom is preparing to launch a new tokenised Wi-Fi service that will allow customers to buy internet access in hourly, daily, and weekly packages. This will be a major shift in how fixed broadband is sold in Kenya and Ethiopia according to the Business Daily. The Telco has recently appointed Sylvia Anampiu as the new Director of Fixed Business, and she will help lead this initiative.
The move brings the familiar pay-as-you-go model that has long been used in mobile data into the fixed internet space. Users will be able to pay only for the time they need instead of committing to monthly fibre plans.
According to Safaricom, the service is designed for customers who Need heavy internet access for short periods, don’t want to be locked into monthly contracts, have irregular income patterns or those who live in areas not traditionally targeted by fibre providers.
Safaricom is aiming to make broadband more flexible, affordable and accessible to millions of users who are currently priced out of traditional fixed internet plans.
The company believes that tiered pricing and location-based deployment can dramatically expand broadband participation by reducing the cost of serving low-income segments, allowing people to buy connectivity only when they need it and unlocking new demand in high-traffic and underserved areas.
Safaricom currently has just over 400,000 fixed broadband customers, while the estimated market potential is about four million connections. That leaves room for roughly three million new users.
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Also Read: How Safaricom’s Digital Infrastructure is Helping Kenyan Businesses Build Resilience