FEATURED: Ten years of contribution to Africa’s development from StarTimes

Rwanda is a special country for StarTimes. It is here that in 2008 StarTimes started to operate digital TV services in Africa. Today, with nearly 20 million users across the continent through terrestrial and satellite television as well as its new video streaming platform, StarTimes is the leading digital TV operator in Africa. StarTimes did not forget the first people who believe in its services. That is why it is rewarding its first subscriber to thank him for ten years of trust and loyalty. In addition to allowing people to continue enjoying the celebrations, this anniversary will give customers the opportunity to win various gifts when they buy their monthly subscription. StarTimes entered Africa with one vision, “To ensure that every African family can access, afford, watch and share the beauty of digital TV. Before 2008, for over 20 years, digital television in Africa was out of reach for the majority of households. However, the entry of StarTimes changed this situation by introducing subscription fees of as low as $2. This has facilitated more and more households to access not only information but also entertainment, key in bridging the digital divide that has hampered Africa’s development. The introduction of digital television sets, StarTimes light set top boxes and Combo set top boxes are some of the efforts geared towards ensuring households have access to the latest technology in their access of digital broadcast services. StarTimes’ content is comprehensive in an effort to meet the diverse television viewing preferences. With over 480 channels in 10 different local and international languages and in various genres including not only news and entertainment but also educational or farming content. After ten years in Africa, armed with an ambitious vision, leading technologies and a rich content, StarTimes grew to operate terrestrial and satellite television services in 19 countries of the continent. But with the popularisation of smartphones and mobile internet access, more and more people, especially the young are streaming videos on phones. To fulfill the demand, StarTimes has pioneered a video streaming service with over 60 premium channels in the African market. “At StarTimes, we want to progressively grow avenues where users can access our content anywhere at any time. The introduction of the StarTimes APP is therefore strategic in that we will be in a position to reach our subscribers at their convenience ensuring they do not miss their favorite content when away from the screen,” William Masy, StarTimes Overseas Public Relations Director noted StarTimes continues to enhance digitization and development of the digital TV industry in Africa. With a majority of African countries having already transitioned from analogue to digital broadcasting, StarTimes is now the key partner in Africa in her effort to progressively migrate from analogue to digital. Consistent with its vision, StarTimes is implementing the “Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages” under the guidance of Chinese and African governments. This project announced by Chinese president Xi Jinping aims to give access to digital television to nearly 10,000 villages from 25 African countries and bring villagers knowledge and information that will promote the development of African rural areas. And aware of challenges Africa faces on its path towards development, StarTimes is shouldering its responsibilities towards the people who entrusted it. In 2017, StarTimes and UNAIDS partnered to increase awareness of HIV/Aids which has plagued Africa for years. And recently, StarTimes and NGO SOS Children’s Villages started to cooperate towards supporting vulnerable families and children, with an emphasis on empowering Africa greatest asset, its youth, in light of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (‘SDGs’).

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FEATURED: Ten years of contribution to Africa’s development from StarTimes