Wednesday, September 16, 2015

LG’s innovative products improving consumers’ lives

 By Correspondent
As the world continues to experience rapid technological development, the need for electronics manufacturers to continue pushing their boundaries and produce cutting-edge technology is becoming more apparent with each passing day.
New technologies are great, but once something becomes popular there is an almost instant desire to improve on it, and this continues until that technology is rendered obsolete by something new that replaces its relevant functions.
This demand has created an enormous need for companies operating in the consumer technology space to continuously innovate in order to keep up with the growing demand.LG is one such company that is always striving to innovate and this is apparent in each business unit. From OLED TV, to gesture controlled selfies, or from the Door-in-Door refrigerators to commercial air conditioners designed for use in coastal areas, the company is always looking for ways to develop new technologies and to improve existing ones.
LG Electronics Chief Finance Officer Mr. Jinho Seok, General Manager Marketing Mr. Moses Marji and Opalnet Managing Director Mr. Rakesh Singh during the official opening of LG Electronics’ new outlet at the Nairobi’s Garden City Mall. LG is investing ksh100million in regional expansion.
“Our drive for innovation is never-ending, we continue to seek new ways to solve the problems around us,” said Maureen Kemunto LG Electronics Assistant Communications and Brand Manager.As consumers become increasingly interested in establishing appliance’s ability to minimize on effort and save time before purchase, competition by manufacturers to increase their range of ‘intelligent’ product portfolio in the home appliances category to fulfill this growing need has been on the rise.To improve customer’s lives, LG Electronics’ products are now being designed to minimize the effort that goes into daily chores, thereby giving users more free time to spend as they see fit.For example, its appliances are progressively becoming smartened up thanks to sensors and other technologies embedded in them.
They are becoming intelligent by integration with mobile devices and the internet. This ‘intelligent’ quality ultimately enhances human capabilities.Guided by this philosophy, LG engineers and designers have developed their own distinctive take on what it means to create products with an intuitive responsiveness to the demands of users.
It recently rolled out refrigerators that let users know when certain foods are running low. The company’s groundbreaking new Internet of Things (IoT) technology has made this and so much more possible.
It also recently introduced ‘LG Smart Home’, which is built around the idea of unifying multiple smart appliances into a single, cohesive system in order to increase convenience and simplicity.Coupled with its interactive new feature HomeChat, which employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) and LINE, the popular mobile messenger app with over 300 million users, homeowners can communicate, control, monitor and share content with LG’s latest smart appliances.
To illustrate this, the company’s smart refrigerator has several innovative, convenience-enhancing features such as Smart View, Smart Power Saving and Smart Manager.
Smart View employs the industry’s first built-internal refrigerator camera to allow users to see the content of the refrigerator using a smartphone or tablet. Every time the fridge door is opened, the camera captures images of the interior shelves.
Users can check these images through HomeChat™ to quickly assess what they need to buy while they’re at the supermarket, helping to save time and preventing unnecessary purchases.Moreover, LG Smart Manager also transforms the refrigerator into a complete food management system with a handy recipe search function which presents the user with a variety of tasty meal options based on the items stored in the refrigerator.
Additionally, the company’s advanced Dual Door-in-Door refrigerators double the benefit of traditional Door-In-Door refrigerators.
They are fitted with extra compartments that act as perfect storage space for drinks and other frequently accessed itemsWhen it comes to washing machines, LG’s smart washing machine is equipped with several smart technologies that simplify the task of doing laundry.
 Guided Laundry can recommend and automatically apply the optimal settings for any type of laundering scenario. For example, for orange juice spills, simply texting “remove juice stains” on HomeChat will initiate One Touch Washing to prescribe the appropriate course of action.
LG clearly appears to be leading the pack in making people’s lives easier and more comfortable with its recent launch of HOM-BOT SQUARE a cordless robot vacuum cleaner seems to have set it apart from competition.
The cleaner has a feature that enables it to monitor the home while the owner is away. If the unit senses any movement, its integrated cameras automatically take photos of the room and send them to the homeowner’s smartphone.
LG’s innovations actually do improve the lives of consumers, with its products, house work is becoming easier and consumer’s lives are becoming more comfortable.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Safaricom enters broadcast market with 'The BigBox' decoder

 @danmuhuni
Telecommunication solutions provider Safaricom has launched a decoder that will enable access to TV content and the internet.
 Christened 'The BigBox' the DVB-2 device will enable subscribers leverage Safaricom's extensive 3G and 4G data network to access content.
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi on Friday, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said 'The BigBox' will serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot connecting up to 10 users and support data-heavy applications.  "It will give you access to HD TV Channels and allow you to watch content through online video services like YouTube,".
The decoder's first payment option will see subscribers pay an initial cost of Sh4,999 following by six Sh999 monthly installments.  "This package includes access to free-to-air TV stations and an allocation of up to 6GB a month in data bundles in addition to free YouTube viewing," Collymore said.
The second option of a one-off fee of Sh9,999 allows access to free-to-air channels and up to 6GB in data bundles for a month and free YouTube access. 
Subscribers who choose this option can also buy bundles of up to 50GB for Sh4,000.  Safaricom said customers will be able to top up their balances by buying monthly bundles using airtime or M-Pesa, on predefined USSD and WAP interfaces.
 Safaricom intends to reach the estimated 2.4 million households out of 3.2 million that have access to digital TV but are not using any of the set boxes available on the market.

Nation Media Group inks Sh100M ‘Dunga Milli Mtaani’ campaign with GOtv

 @danmuhuni
Mutunga Mbuvi, 38, a winner in the 'Dunga Milli' promotion receives Sh1 million cheque from GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo and Nation Media Group CEO Linus Gitahi at the announcement of a Sh100 million deal and the launch of 'Dunga Milli Mtaani campaign at the Nation Centre on May 7, 2015.
GOtv, Kenya’s most affordable digital entertainment option, on Thursday inked a Sh100 million campaign with leading East and Central Africa media hub, Nation Media Group.    
The campaign dubbed ‘Dunga Milli Mtaani’ – an extention of the initial Dunga Milli Campaign -will see more Kenyans turned into instant millionaires with every purchase and activation of a GOtv decoder, subscribers will automatically be entered into the draw to win Sh1 million among other daily prizes.    
The initial campaign, unveiled 8 weeks ago has witnessed winners from all corners of the country turned into millionaires for simply subscribing to GOtv.
 Speaking during the event GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo exuded confidence in the partnership given NMG’s leadership in the media industry.   
 “As a leading digital operator, GOtv Kenya is confident that Kenyans will be informed of the numerous digital migration benefits by the leading, most credible regional media house in Kenya.”     Kyengo concluded by saying that he was “confident that more Kenyans will migrate with GOtv ahead of the global June 2015 deadline,” said Mr Kyengo.   
 On his part, Nation Media Group CEO, Linus Gitahi commended GOtv for its insight in partnering with the market leader and promised to push its digital migration agenda.    
“As the leading multi-media house in the East African region, our print electronic media and internet platforms attract a regular readership quite unparalleled in the region. We are sure that GOtv will reap immense benefits from this win-win solution,”  said Mr Gitahi.    
At the same time, GOtv announced the eighth ‘Dunga Milli’ winner, a businessman based in Nairobi.  Mutunga Mbuvi, 38, runs an audio-visual solutions’ business in Westlands area, says he had to buy a set-top box to do away with the boredom in his house.   
 “I kept seeing people in long queues at the GOtv section in the supermarket; I enquired from an agent about it and I was pleased to learn of its affordability and range of channels,” said Mr. Mbuvi.     
Being in the audio-visual business, the experience of a blank TV has not been the best for Mr. Mbuvi.  It was a troubling period for him after his TV was switched off three months ago following the country wide analogue TV switch off.    
Being the first time Pay TV subscriber, Mr. Mbuvi boasts of GOtv’s variety of choices and flexibility in that he can convert it to a free to air when he wants.   
 “There is indeed a difference in my home as my wife and I have a source of entertainment and are now getting informed of not only what is happening in Kenya but also internationally,” said Mr. Mbuvi.    
Mr. Mbuvi and the wife are already fond of their GOtv programming. “My wife loves watching ENews while I enjoy watching Discovery World and National Geographic. We occasionally fight over the remote control,” he said, smiling.   
 The elated father says the win came at an opportune time as his wife is expectant and will go a long way in financing the hospital bills and giving his wife and the baby a comfortable life. He also plans to expand his business..   
 “My wife and unborn child will have the best medical care thanks to GOtv,” said Mr. Mbuvi     GOtv Kenya General Manager, Mr. Felix Kyengo, said, “After the overwhelming success of the Dunga Milli competition and witnessing how it has changed the lives of ordinary Kenyans there was no way we could end the competition after the initial 8 weeks.”   
 “The extended Dunga Milli Reloaded Campaign will allows us to further changes the live of Kenyansfor an additional 5 weeks and reward them on a daily and weekly basis for going digital with GOtv, while enjoying the instant benefits of increased choice in local and international content,” said Mr.Kyengo.   
 In addition to the one million prize money, there are also daily draws where every GOtv buyer stands a chance to win prizes of Sh15, 000, airtime plus annual GOtv subscriptions.   
 “GOtv is helping Kenya to go digital and enabling them to access the best quality local and international programming.
 As a true migration partner and a leader in the digital arena it is important that we play a pivotal role towards accelerating Kenya’s digital migration process.
For a special price offer of only Sh1, 399, including 2 months GOtv Plus subscription, Kenyan’s can enjoy the best international and local programming,” concluded Mr Kyengo.  
  GOtv subscribers are spoiled for choice with a selection of channels including news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies. GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs.   
 Channels include; Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, SuperSport Select 1 and 2, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, eTV Africa, ZEE World, Disney Junior in addition to local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.    
 GOtv now covers over 30 cities in its pursuit to enable the government to achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

BAMBA runs into high voltage headwinds

 @danmuhuni

Digital TV platform Bamba TV is scrambling to save its business amid widespread protest from agents and customers over malfunctioning of its decoders.

Some of their top agents, on Wednesday confirmed having returned 1000 and 400 decoders respectively.

The problem would seem to be the decoders voltage specification which is set at 5V rather than 12V.

This means that whenever an agent/trader tests using a 12-vold adaptor, the decoder blows.
Currently, Bamba TV is taking back decoders for software upgrades and promising consumers and agents that the process will take ‘2 weeks’.

The problem first became apparent a few weeks ago when Nakumatt’s management ordered its branch managers to withdraw the decoders from its shelves after receiving numerous complaints from dissatisfied customers.

"There has been several and numerous customer complaints on Bamba...because their decoder has a voltage of 5 instead of 12," Operations Coordinator Wilfred Kimani said in a letter to managers.

"Am therefore urging all to withdraw these decoders from the Shelves with immediate effect. Radio Africa will pick them up and replace with those that [sic] has Voltage of 12."

Daniel Gachanga, 32, of Kikuyu said he took his decoder back to the supermarket he bought it from when it experienced problems.

“At first I thought it was because of the power outages happening due to the rains,” Gachanga said.

“But the guys at the supermarket told me there were many complaints about Bamba. They are telling us to wait but I want my money back.”

Bamba TV is ran by Lancia Digital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Radio Africa Group.
It runs on a tier-2 broadcast signal distribution license issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

CA when queried said it was not aware of the problem with the Bamba TV decoders raising questions as to the thoroughness of its Type-approval process.

Loaned decoder wins a million shillings for mother of five

After staring on a dark screen in her living room for more than a month, Nancy Mudecha, 35, a green grocer from Musasa village in Chavakali, decided to borrow five hundred shillings to top-up and buy a set top box.

“I had only five hundred shillings and so I borrowed another five hundred from a friend as it was getting boring in the house without a television. I was only listening to radio but missed TV news and programmes,” said Mrs. Mudecha.

On 24th March 2015, the mother of five went into a friend’s shop and asked for the decoder on credit as she didn’t have the total amount of Sh1, 399.

“I talked to the shopkeeper and he allowed me to take the decoder and pay the balance later,” Mrs. Mudecha explained. “I had overheard on radio a discussion that was promoting GOtv saying it was the best for local and international channels,” she said.

The shopkeeper allowed her to take the decoder home after she paid Sh1, 000 and allowed her to pay promised to pay the balance of Sh400 in two weeks’ time.

“He helped me register the decoder using my mobile phone and also connected it,” she said.

 However, it was an unexpected call from GOtv that surprised Mrs. Mudecha who explains that her husband could not help her pay up the debt due to other family commitment.

“I was called on Tuesday by GOtv staff and informed I was the lucky winner of Sh1million. I was shocked and couldn’t believe it,” she said excitedly. “They explained to me that it was true and helped me book a bus to Nairobi to receive the cheque,” she added.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Samsung launches Digital Variable Multi System (DVMS) in the Kenyan market

 @DanMuhuni


The insatiable appetite for high-end office and residential blocks in Nairobi has seen Kenya’s construction industry enjoy a sustained boom, with both the commercial and residential real estate markets growing steadily to keep up with the country’s push to attain higher economic growth.  
To meet industry demand for smarter, faster, higher capacity air conditioning systems, global electronics company Samsung Electronics on Wednesday launched the 3rd generation Digital Variable Multi System (DVMS).
 Speaking during the product launch Robert Ngeru, Vice President & COO of Samsung East and Central Africa, said the new DVMS air conditioner was especially suited for the price sensitive East African market due to its energy and space efficiency capabilities.
 “According to a recent report, Nairobi has been named as one of Africa’s best cities to invest in, which we are currently seeing judging by the number of multinationals and local companies setting up and expanding in and around the Central Business District and areas such as Upper Hill and Westlands,” said Mr. Ngeru.
“With the boom in both residential and commercial real estate we see an opportunity to provide powerful yet energy efficient air cooling systems, designed with the local high costs of energy and efficient space usage in mind, both of which this DVMS considers.” he added.
The dual smart inverter has two compressors that operate simultaneously, providing balanced oil distribution and therefore quick cooling and heating, which in turn results in better energy efficiency and hence lower energy spends.
“The upgraded vapour injection system within the compressor increases the refrigerant flow rate by 20% compared to the conventional products, while innovative, clean design not only decreases the space occupied by the unit, but allows for the customisation often required by contractors developing high rise buildings in limited spaces.” added Mr. Ngeru.
The reduction in footprint gives the property developer more space to put up other facilities such as solar panels, as per a 2014 directive by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) requiring homes and commercial buildings that consume more than 100 litres of water daily to fit solar panels.
 In addition to weighing 25% less than conventional air conditioning system units and therefore costing less to install, the smart system air conditioner also has a multi-step diagnose function that enables the end user to easily detect any malfunction in the system and recover the last 30 minutes of operation data.   

Monday, March 30, 2015

Daughter’s surprise to mum bags yet another surprise win


GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo presents Sh 1 Million to Mrs. Mealii Ali Vyakweli
@danmuhuni
Last week, Fatuma Madi, 25, thought of surprising her mum with a gift. And with her mother’s TV set being off for a while, she figured out that the best surprise was a set top box. 
“I personally use GOtv and so I decided to buy another for my mum. I went into an electronic shop in Likoni, paid and registered with my mum’s name and mobile phone number.
I sent someone to deliver and activate it,” explains Madi.  On Monday evening her mum called to relay her gratitude terming it the year’s gift. 
No sooner had Madi’s mother, Mrs. Mealii Ali Vyakweli, 60, finished getting into terms with her daughter’s surprise than she received a call from GOtv officials announcing her as the third national winner of one million shillings in the ongoing GOtv’s ‘Dunga Milli’ competition.
“I was ecstatic. I have never won something else before. Thank God. I thank my daughter and GOtv,” said Mrs. Vyakweli observably overwhelmed by emotions.  When asked what the money will be used for, Mrs. Vyakweli narrated “this is a blessing.
I will then expand my grocery store and build a house for myself”. Mrs. Vyakweli, who’s already fond of her GOtv programming, likes it all but identifies Nat Geo and Telemundo as her favourite.  
She becomes the third Kenyan to win a million shillings in the 8 weeks competition of GOtv’s ‘Dunga Milli’ competition which launched three weeks ago. The competition will see Kenyans rewarded for going digital with GOtv, while enjoying the instant benefits of increased choice in local and international content.  
In addition to the one million prize money, there are also daily draws where every GOtv buyer stands a chance to win prizes of Sh15, 000, airtime plus a chance to win annual GOtv subscriptions. 
We are helping Kenya to GO digital with GOtv to enjoy the best quality programming, comments GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo.  “As a true migration partner and a leader in the digital arena it is important that we play a pivotal role towards accelerating Kenya’s digital migration process.
For a special price offer of only Sh1, 399, including 2 months GOtv Plus subscription, Kenyan’s can enjoy the best international and local programming”, added Mr Kyengo. 
GOtv subscribers are spoiled for choice with a selection of channels including, news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies.
GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs.
Channels include; Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, SuperSport Select 1 and 2, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, eTV Africa, ZEE World, Disney Junior in addition to local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.   
GOtv now covers over 30 cities in its pursuit to enable the government to achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Dad’s gift wins a million shillings for daughter

GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo presents Catherine Wambui with Sh 1 million prize
 @danmuhuni

Catherine Wambui Ndegwa, 36, is today a million shillings richer; thanks to the GOtv ‘Dunga Milli’ campaign.
 Less than a week ago, Catherine sent a friend to buy her a GOtv decoder, which was a gift for her father, who lives in Karatina.
Her name was entered into the Dunga Milli lucky draw. Little did she know that her name would be drawn, making her a Kenya Dunga Millionaire.   
“I have no words to express my excitement. Thank you to GOtv, my father can now enjoy quality programmes”.
She continued to commend GOtv for delivering affordable family entertainment option as Kenyans migrate from analogue to digital TV broadcasting.
When asked what the money will be used for, Catherine chuckled “it will come in handy for college fees, paying off a loan and doing renovations on my house”.
 Catherine, whose favourite show on GOtv is National Geographic (NatGeo), is the second winner of the ‘Dunga Milli’ campaign which launched last week.
The 8-week long campaign will see Kenyans rewarded for going digital with GOtv, while enjoying the instant benefits of increased choice in local and international content. 
 “Congratulations to Catherine Wambu for going digital. As we near the worldwide June digital migration deadline, GOtv has been consistently making set top boxes affordable in order to give more Kenyans access to experience the digital revolution.
 We are helping Kenya to GO digital with GOtv to enjoy the best quality programming, comments GOtv Kenya General Manager, Felix Kyengo.
“As a true migration partner and a leader in the digital arena it is important that we play a pivotal role towards accelerating Kenya’s digital migration process.
For a special price offer of only Sh1, 399, including 2 months GOtv Plus subscription, Kenyan’s can enjoy the best international and local programming”, added Mr Kyengo.
GOtv subscribers are spoiled for choice with a selection of channels including, news, children’s programming, documentaries, series and movies.
GOtv channels are carefully selected to cater for a variety of different tastes and family viewing needs.
Channels include; Africa Magic World, Africa Magic Swahili, SuperSport Select 1 and 2, One Gospel, E! Entertainment, Telemundo, eTV Africa, ZEE World, Disney Junior in addition to local channels such as KBC, NTV, KTN, Citizen TV to mention but a few.  
GOtv now covers over 30 cities in its pursuit to enable the government to achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Government withdraws digital licence for Citizen TV, NTV & KTN

Here is the full statement from communications Authority;

PRESS STATEMENT BY MR. FRANCIS WANGUSI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF KENYA (CA), ON THE ADVERTISEMENT BY NATION MEDIA GROUP, STANDARD GROUP AND ROYAL MEDIA SERVICES, RELATING TO MEDIA TRANSMISSION SERVICES
21ST JANUARY 2015
CA DG Francis Wangusi addressing the media 
It has come to the attention of the Authority that three media houses, namely Nation Media Group Limited, Standard Group Limited and Royal Media Group Limited have jointly been running a misleading advertisement on Television and Radio since Friday 16th January 2015. The said advertisement purports that Startimes and GOtv are illegally carrying their content thereby infringing on copyright and neighbouring rights. The advertisement goes farther to instruct consumers not to purchase Startimes and GOtv pay-tv set-top boxes to watch CITIZEN Television, NTV, KTN and QTV. In addition, the advertisement allege that the three media houses are the exclusive vendors of Free-To-Air set-top-boxes that can enable the public to view their channels
The Authority is gravely concerned by the misleading content in the advertisement and wishes to advise the industry and the general public as follows:
1. The advertisement by the three media houses is misleading to the public, is offensive to the market. It is equally in gross violation of the legal and regulatory framework governing the sector;
2. The tone of the advertisement, its content and timing is intended to cause confusion and disrupt the digital migration programme;
3. The digital migration framework allows for the distribution of the ‘Free-to-Air’ signals on the digital platform under the “must-carry principle” . This was supported by the ruling of the Supreme Court of Kenya in September 2014 . It allowed for the availability of Free-to-Air channels to the public through all set-top-boxes (FTA and Pay TV). The advertisement dissuading consumers from purchasing set-top-boxes from other suppliers approved by the Authority is therefore misleading to the public and portrays anti-competitive conduct by the three media houses. Consumers need not be constrained to purchase a specific set top box to view the content of the three broadcasters whose content is Free-to Air;
4. The Authority has type-approved more than 65 set top boxes which are available in the market today. GOTV and Startimes set top boxes are duly type-approved by the Authority and are therefore authentic decoders in the local market authorized to carry the Free-to-Air Channels of the three media houses under the auspices of the “Must Carry Principle;
5. The sale of set top boxes in Kenya is a free market. Consumers can purchase type approved set top boxes from any vendor registered by the Authority. The full list of approved set top boxes and registered vendors can be freely accessed on the Authority’s website;
6. The Authority has neither received any application nor granted any type-approval of any set top box model from the three broadcasters, individually or collectively, for sale in Kenya. It is therefore illegal to purport to advertise set-top-boxes that have not been type-approved by the Authority;
7. The Authority has also received a formal complaint from Gotv and Startimes that the three media houses have refused to Air their digital-migration related advertisements which is potentially an anti-competitive conduct prohibited by law. While this complaint has not been investigated, the Authority notes with concern that it has itself been a victim of such refusal to carry advertisements both in the electronic and print media owned by the three media houses, yet the advertisements are aimed at educating the public on digital migration.
In view of these gross violations by the three media houses as enumerated above, the Authority has decided to take the following administrative actions:
1. Withdraw the temporary authorization granted to the consortium by the three media houses (under the consortium identified as Africa Digital Network). Subsequently the Authority shall reposes the frequency spectrum resources allocated with immediate effect;
2. Decline to continue with the process of issuance of a Network Facilities Provider Tier 2 License for self-provisioning to the three media houses, pursuant to Gazette Notice Number 9088 dated 19th December 2014. This is on account of the above violations of the legal and regulatory framework. The process shall therefore await the ruling and determination of the Competition Authority of Kenya and the Board of the Communications Authority of Kenya on the violations by the three media houses.
3. Liaise with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) to bar the importation of set top boxes by the three media houses considering the purported set top boxes are not type-approved by the Authority; and
4. Invite the Competition Authority of Kenya to investigate the cartel-like behavior and anti-competitive conduct and take appropriate regulatory remedies.
We further wish to inform the public that registered vendors have in stock different models of approved Free-to-air and Pay-TV set top boxes that are readily available locally for purchase. More than 1.2 million set top boxes have been purchased since migration in Kenya began. At the moment, the market has more than 1.5 million set top boxes in stock. As we progress into the second phase of the analogue switch-off in the country, consumers are encouraged to purchase set top boxes of their choice ahead of switch-off in order to enjoy digital television.
The withdrawal of the temporary self-provisioning authorization granted to the consortium and the repossession of the the allocated resources does not in any way prejudice the availability of the services of the three broadcasters. The broadcasters are at liberty to avail their content on the digital platform through the existing licensed Broadcast Signal Distributors.
Let me reiterate that the Authority does not condone contraventions of the Act by any of its licencees. The Authority will continue to execute its regulatory mandate with a view to ensure successful migration of Kenyans from the analogue to the digital platforms and ultimately for the growth of the ICT sector in Kenya.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

GOtv scores big with a special Afcon channel

GOtv Plus subscribers will be thrilled to learn about a special AFCON-dedicated channel that will bring Africa’s biggest sporting spectacle, the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.
The channel, which will stay open for the duration of the tournament, will be available to subscribers on the GOtv Plus bouquet (where available). 
The AFCON channel from SuperSport is guaranteed to become Kenya’s number one destination for all the soccer action taking place on the pitch in Equatorial Guinea where the 16 qualifying nations will engage in a battle to be crowned the ‘Kings of African Football’.
All subscribers who have digitally migrated to GOtv will have access to a select number of AFCON games on the Select 1 channel however, introduction of the special AFCON channel on the GOtv Plus bouquet means that subscribers will have access to ALL 32 AFCON live matches.
Not only will GOtv Plus subscribers get to enjoy the upcoming AFCON tournament on channel 35, but in between the match breaks, they’ll also have access to live and delayed local football matches from the Kenya Premier League, Uganda Super League and the Cecafa tournaments along with magazine programmes and football highlights.
Remember, all this exciting football action and local sports is available at only KSH 1 700 which includes a decoder and 2 months GOtv Plus subscription. 
This amazing offer will not only gives new subscribers access to the AFCON matches but also all the East Africa premier league matches and other sports (mainly cricket, athletics, rugby and boxing) and 32 other channels. Now that’s a hat-trick!
Get ready to catch Africa’s biggest soccer stars as they dribble their ways into your home with GOtv.
The AFCON channel will be available on the GOtv Plus Bouquet, channel 35 from 09:00 CAT on Saturday 17 January 2015 until 23:59 CAT on 8 February 2015.