CC image courtesy of Mr F.M, on Flickr.
Equity Bank and DStv pay-television parent firm MultiChoice have announced a partnership to boost set-top box uptake in Kenya ahead of the anticipated migration to digital broadcasting.
The partnership is expected to facilitate customers banking with Equity to get financing for the purchases of the set-top boxes.
Danny Mucira, MultiChoice Kenya general manager, said MultiChoice has ensured over time cutting edge of technology, content and service, which has resulted in consistent improvements in their subscribers viewing and enjoyment.
“This timely financing partnership will ensure that Kenyans are able to immediately enjoy the benefits of digital entertainment from our superior brands (GOtv & DStv) with financial ease,” said Mucira.
Equity Bank chief operating officer (COO) Julius Kipng’etich said: “Interested customers will go through normal credit vetting where we anticipate taking a short time before they acquire the device of choice.”
Currently the two institutions already have a partnership that enables DStv subscribers to pay for their subscriptions at Equity Bank retail outlets and through EAZZY 247 mobile banking.
Among MultiChoice products under the partnership include GOtv, currently retailing at KSh3,399 (US$39), inclusive of two months free GOtv Plus subscription. An antennae is sold separately at KSh1,000 and DStv, currently running an offer for KSh8,000 (US$93) (decoder, dish kit and installation).
This comes after HumanIPO reported a similar partnership between Equity and StarTimes, to enable customers to access loans to buy set-top boxes.
Kenya’s digital migration awaits a ruling from the Court of Appeal on February 6 after three media houses filed a petition challenging the migration, which the High Court had authorised for December 23, 2013.
