Azuri Unveils Custom 32-inch Pay-as-you-go Solar Satellite TV system for Off-grid Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Azuri Technologies, a leader in affordable pay-as-you-go solar technology, today unveiled its new 32-inch solar satellite TV system specially designed and customised for off-grid customers in Africa.
The 32-inch Azuri TV is the latest product release from the company which already has in its product portfolio a 24-inch solar satellite TV. Azuri was the first pay-as-you-go company back in 2016 to integrate solar TV with satellite entertainment in one affordable package for households without access to mains electricity.
Azuri’s 32-inch TV Solar Home System comes with 4 high brightness LED lights, mobile phone charging and a rechargeable torch and radio. More than 60 satellite TV channels and 20 plus radio channels complete the package.
To ensure durability and to meet the conditions of rural environments, the TV features Azuri ToughScreen™ technology, designed to resist accidental damage during normal use in the home.
The 32-inch AzuriTV will initially be launched in Kenya at only KSh129 per day. The company plans to launch the new TV in other markets across Sub-Saharan Africa later in the year.
Kenya has around 10 million households, yet only around 3.9 million households have TV.
Azuri CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth said there are three obstacles preventing rural off-grid consumers from watching TV – access to power, service coverage and the high up-front cost of the installation. AzuriTV addresses all three by providing affordable TV, anytime, anywhere.
“Azuri’s vision is one that sees a level playing field where all consumers have the ability to benefit from modern products and services, regardless of where they live,” said Simon Bransfield-Garth.
“Solar TV provides a range of important social benefits including access to news and information and unprecedented connectivity for people without access to power,” he added.
According to the Efficiency for Access Coalition, a coalition to accelerate global energy access through energy-efficient appliances, televisions are the second most desired off-grid appliance, with only solar lighting ranking more highly. (See Global LEAP video highlighting impact of solar television: https://youtu.be/iVm3A9IDfXc
In a survey of Azuri customers, 98% customers said they felt more aware of local and international news while 92% of customers said watching television programs in their preferred language had improved their communications skills. 60% of customers reported seeing their children improve reading, writing and speaking skills since installing an Azuri solar TV.
Educational entertainment, such as the popular farming programme Shamba Shape-up in Kenya and Tanzania can also help rural customers learn and adapt new practices on their farms to improve production and income. (AzuriTV was featured recently on Shamba Shape-Up: https://youtu.be/a-SvjXWXDnw)
Azuri’s pay-as-you-go solar lighting and TV products require customers to make small weekly payments via mobile money to unlock the system’s power. Using this easy payment service, customers are able to access a wide range of modern digital capabilities and services including micro-insurance and media content.
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://www.azuri-technologies.com/azuri-unveils-custom-32-inch-pay-as-you-go-solar-satellite-tv-system-for-off-grid-africa/
NOTE TO EDITORS: More images of the Azuri 32-inch solar smart TV and official launch are available on request.
About Azuri Technologies Ltd.
Azuri Technologies is a leading provider of affordable pay-as-you-go solar home systems to off-grid consumers. Combining the latest solar innovation and mobile payment technology, Azuri delivers reliable, renewable and distributed power to the millions who have no access to modern powered services. Azuri operates in five key territories; Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda with East Africa Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and West Africa Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
For more information, please visit: www.azuri-technologies.com
