Startimes media brings Digital Pay TV solutions to the Kenyan Market

From left StarTimes Chairman- Mr. Pang Xin Xing, Chinese Ambassador- Mr. Liu Guang Yuan, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Prime Minister and Hon. Samuel Poghisio, Minister Information for Information and communication during the launch.

By Eric Akasa

StarTimes Media, a digital Pay TV company has officially launched its services in Kenya, following successful signal testing for the last one month. StarTiMes Media, has a global subscription base of over 7 million viewers in china and Africa, the media will broadcast on digital platform, with the signal being provided by Pan African Networks.

The luncheon ceremony was graced by The Right Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga who congratulated StarTimes Media for investing in the country saying that its entry will help grow the broadcasting industry.

“The entry of StarTimes into this market will serve as a boost to the broadcasting industry, which the government recently reorganized to separate signal distributors from content providers This measure will significantly revolutionize the industry in our country and certainly expand employment opportunities for all creative and versatile content developers. I am happy to note that StarTimes is broadcasting on digital platform, which the government advocates and is currently educating the public on.” says Hon Raila Odinga.

The Prime Minister also said that the country’s dedicated efforts to meet the global 2015 Digital switchover deadline is real, and it is with the efforts of corporate like StarTimes that will help the country realize this goal. “Indeed thereby is no doubt that with digital media, the industry has at once been exploded. The entry of Startimes will itself boost the potential to fully exploit and benefit from this market.” Adds Hon. Odinga

StarTimes Media launched its operation globally in 1988, and expanded to Africa in 2008, Rwanda being its first project. Today, StarTimes is in over seven countries across Africa including Guinea, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Central Africa and now Kenya. Other projects have been completed and put into trial operation.

The prime minister said that Kenya currently experiences relatively low Television penetration “Indeed it is telling that 70 per cent of all television homes in Europe receive digital television while less than 10 of cent of television homes in Africa have access to digital television.” Notes Odinga.

“Our entry into this market is informed by research done over a period of two years, which showed the existence of gap in the broadcasting industry, where the penetration of Pay TV is very low and what is currently available is out of reach for majority of the Kenyans. The research also showed that there is opportunity for the development of Digital broadcasting which is barely available in this market,” observes StarTimes Chairman Mr. Pang.

The company will offer home entertainment and portable TV solutions including car TV and mobile TV guaranteeing uninterrupted, crystal clear audio and visual reception thereby guaranteeing content at the comfort of consumers home as well as on the move.

Banking on a strong signal and continued network expansion in the country, StarTimes will provide a competitive edge in the pay TV market as the company targets the mass market with the most affordable decoder and subscription service in the country today.

For just Ksh.2,999, customers will acquire Communication Commission of Kenya approved DVB-T2 technology decoders that are user friendly given that they are plug and play thereby eliminating the hustle of having to install a satellite dish.

In addition, StarTimes has initiated an exercise to replace any StarTimes DVB-T1 decoder bought before May 2012 with the new approved StarTimes DVB – T2 decoder at no extra cost. The customer will only be required to pay subscription thereby ensuring uninterrupted television service.

StarTimes currently boasts of the most affordable subscription service in the market. From as low as Ksh.499 for the basic package, Kenyans will be in a position to enjoy different genres of programming ranging from sports, documentaries, music, movies, kids shows and religious channels not to mention the most comprehensive inclusion of the free to air channels currently available on analogue in Kenya which will now be available on digital in all the StarTimes packages.

“More investor s in the broadcasting sector present a positive outlook for the broadcasting industry in the near future, with more players; there will be increased demand for content which will in turn present opportunities to exploit talents and earn a living thorough production and related engagements”. Observes Hon.  Samuel Pogisio minister information and communication.

StarTimes will be borrowing from its rich history and success in other African markets to further present value for money for its customers by enabling them to watch what they want.

According to Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, the Chinese government has been a friend of Africa for a long time, “The president of China last week announced renewed commitment to help African countries including Kenya where countries will access loans for infrastructure development. This announcement is an indication that China and Africa relationship is bound to grow.” He says.