Newly launched pay tv operator Kwese TV has announced a partnership with GSM operator MTN. Under the partnership, prospective subscriners can buy a Kwese TV decoder from an MTN office for N10,960. The offer also includes free installation and two months complimentary subscription for N1590.
How Kwese benefits
For Kwese, the move is a sorely needed one as it battles to create its own niche in a market denominated by DSTV. MTN’s wide network of stores, means the company does not have to devote resources to running its own stores. This frees up capital, for other pressing aspects of its expansion.
While the terms of the partnership have not been disclosed, MTN seems to be diversifying its revenue base, as it recently partnered with renewable energy provider Lumos Global. Under the deal, customers can pay for the devices using MTN airtime.
Has the rumoured MTN-DSTV tie up being suspended ?
The partnership between both companies calls into question if a likely tie up between MTN and Multichoice has been suspended since Kwese is a competitior in the Pay TV market.
While both parties never issued a formal statement, sources close to South Africa based MTN communications had confirmed that discussions between itself and Multichoice Africa are still on-going. MTN intends to acquire Multichoice Africa.
MTN group was founded in South Africa in 1994 and currently operates in 22 countries. MTN Nigeria was founded in 2001 and currently has over 60 million subscribers making it the largest telecoms operator in the country.
Kwese TV is a Zimbabwean satellite and broadcasting network owned by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, under Econet Media. , offering over 50 channels of world-class entertainment.
Kwesé TV is present in Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Nigeria with more African countries to follow soon.
