NEWS
Orange and Google improve access to mobile Internet in Africa
Affordability of devices remains one of the most significant barriers to smartphone adoption in Africa . The average cost of an entry level smartphone in Africa still exceeds 60 % of average monthly income , making smartphones largely inaccessible for the majority of the population .
Azam TV completes migration of its video platform from the EUTELSAT 7B to EUTELSAT 7C satellite
As part of the line-up of activities for the GSMA Thrive Africa 2020 , Orange recently announced the Sanza touch – an exclusive Orange smartphone and the most affordable 4G Android ( Go edition ) device globally .
The new launch is supported by Google and builds upon efforts since the launch of Android ( Go edition ) in 2018 to accelerate the pace of digital adoption across the continent . The device will retail around US $ 30 and the ultra-affordable price point is intended to make it the most accessible on the market with the goal of driving digital inclusion and providing more people access to mobile Internet .
The Sanza touch is an accessible alternative for everyone due to its price point and features including the Payjoy application , which allows customers to overcome budget issues by paying for their smartphone over several instalments ( depending on availability in their country .
This 4G Android ( Go edition ) smartphone has a 4-inch screen , 8GB memory and a 1750mAh battery , offering over 4 hours battery life while streaming videos .
Azam TV has completed the migration of its video platform from the EUTELSAT 7B to EUTELSAT 7C satellite , with a multi-year extension of the existing contract and an incremental capacity commitment .
One of Africa ’ s leading pay-TV operators , Azam will leverage the enhanced performance of Eutelsat 7 C to distribute some 120 channels in a mix of standard and high definition across its footprint covering Tanzania , Uganda , Malawi , Kenya and Rwanda . Patrice Paquot , Deputy Regional Vice President , Sub- Saharan Africa , Eutelsat . said : “ We are honoured to continue to partner with Azam , one of our anchor customers at the 7 ° East position as it successfully expands it broadcast offer . 7 ° East has become a new DTH hotspot for Sub-Saharan Africa and a key pay-TV neighbourhood for Eastern Africa with some of the fastest growth rates in the region .”
Jacob Joseph , Deputy CEO , Azam added that : “ Every Azam TV household will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of local and international programmes with excellent signal quality . We are delighted to rely on Eutelsat to leverage the unparalleled reach of its 7 ° East position .”
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