Safaricom DStv Mobile went live in Kenya on Tuesday 29 May. Kenya is among the first African countries to launch mobile television which will allow subscribers to watch television anywhere, at anytime using their own mobile handset.

The launch of Safaricom DStv Mobile took place at the Hotel Intercontinental, Nairobi yesterday and demonstrated and highlighted the key benefits of the service, namely that subscribers will never again need to miss their favourite sport, soap, news or other premium DStv content. The launch of Safaricom DStv Mobile places Kenya at the forefront of the digital technology race in Africa.

This unique service will be free until the end of June to anyone buying a Safaricom DStv Mobile handset.

MultiChoice Kenya General Manager Stephen Isaboke said: “The rich range of programming to be provided on Safaricom DStv Mobile once again enforces MultiChoice Africa’s commitment to delivering a diversity of customer focused content.”

DStv Mobile will be provided though Digital Mobile Television Kenya, a company set up between MultiChoice Kenya, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and leading mobile operator Safaricom.

MultiChoice Kenya Chairman David Waweru said “As the world moves further towards the digital revolution, DStv Mobile allows us to leapfrog into the digital age, ensuring Kenya continues to be provided with the best viewing quality we can provide.”

Michael Joseph, CEO of Safaricom said the launch represented a significant day for Safaricom..

Safaricom DStv Mobile’s channels include: KBC – Kenya’s national broadcaster; SuperSport Update, which provides 24-hour full spectrum sports highlights and news; BBC World providing the story behind the headlines 24 hours a day; SuperSport 3 Africa’s premier soccer channel; 24 hour news channel CNN International; Magic World featuring groundbreaking African reality shows, local soapies and series; Africa Magic - a 24 hour general entertainment channel showcasing content by African filmmakers; 24-hour music lifestyle Channel O; Cartoon Network, the 24 hour home of the top Toon stars; and Trinity Broadcasting Network, a Christian-based 24 hour channel. The diversity of content to be provided on Safaricom DStv Mobile once again enforces MultiChoice Africa’s commitment to delivering diverse content.

A limited number of Safaricom DStv Mobile handsets are available at Safaricom outlets at Ks25 000 (roughly R2500) – the cheapest DVB-H handsets produced to date. The service will be available in Nairobi first, and will be available in Mombasa later this year.