Airtel Nigeria has significantly enhanced home entertainment for Nigerians by partnering with Google to bring YouTube to every television set in the country. This groundbreaking announcement was made on Monday during a signing ceremony at Airtel’s headquarters in Lagos.
The collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide and provide affordable access to quality entertainment for all Nigerians, regardless of whether they own smart TVs or older analogue models.
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Transforming home entertainment
The partnership centres around the Airtel Smart Router, a dual-purpose device that combines internet connectivity with the capability to transform traditional TVs into smart ones.
This integration allows users to access YouTube directly from their TVs, providing a seamless streaming experience. This means families can enjoy a wide range of content, including movies, sports, music, and educational videos, all from the comfort of their living rooms.
Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “At Airtel, our goal to bridge the digital gap includes the provision of affordable entertainment content.
Through this partnership with Google, we continue revolutionising the entertainment space. The Airtel Smart Router offers a complete experience, delivering Internet services and easy access to world-class entertainment through YouTube.
Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel, echoed this sentiment, noting that this integration simplifies how customers consume digital content at home.
The Airtel Smart Router retails for N25,000 and has a 30-day unlimited data plan. This pricing strategy aims to make it accessible for families across Nigeria.
The device features an optimised YouTube app and a dedicated button on its remote control for easy navigation. This innovation is not just about technology; it’s about making quality entertainment available to everyone.
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A step towards digital inclusion
Google’s involvement in this partnership highlights its commitment to making digital content accessible across Africa.
Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, stated: “YouTube has always been about connecting people with the content they love… With this partnership, we’re making it easier for more Nigerians to access their favourite videos right from their TVs”.
This initiative enhances entertainment options and aims to empower Nigerian audiences by providing them with diverse content that can inform and inspire.
Mahesh Bhalerao, Director of EMEA Product Partnerships at YouTube, added, “YouTube is the stage where culture comes to life… This collaboration with Airtel underscores our commitment to bringing high-quality, on-demand content to more homes while empowering Nigerian audiences.”
This partnership is seen as a vital step towards creating a digitally inclusive Africa where everyone can benefit from the wealth of online knowledge and entertainment.