Bboxx Solar, StarTimes partner to grow TV access to off-grid customers

Bboxx solar, a next generation utility company that seeks to solve energy poverty through clean, affordable and reliable solar solutions has today entered into a partnership with Pay Television Company StarTimes media that will see its off-grid customers across the country access digital television services.

Bboxx Solar which provides pay-as-you-go solar home system services to over 500,000 Kenyans through affordable payment plans, will now offer its customers the option to bundle the brand’s Mdosi TV package that comes with an option for a 24 or 32 inch TV with StarTimes hardware including cam cards, antennas and satellite dish thereby providing Bboxx customers with access to StarTimes local and international television channels.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Bboxx solar Managing Director Mr. Jeff Vanden Berghe noted that the two brands will work closely together to offer unparalleled support towards ensuring a smooth customer experience as the energy and media company partner towards transforming and unlocking the potential of Kenyans through access to clean energy, information and entertainment.

StarTimes CEO Mr. Hanson Wang (left) and Bboxx Solar Managing Director Mr. Jeff Vanden Berghe (Right) shortly after signing a partnership agreementthat will see Bboxx off-grid customers across the country through the company’s Mdosi TV access StarTimes digital television services.

“We will leverage on our individual strengths towards our goal of improving the quality of life for rural and urban dwellers. We are currently present in 34 counties and growing, we see lots of potential in working with off-grid households where through this new partnership, we will not only provide clean energy solutions, but also access to infotainment,” noted Mr. Jeff Vanden Berghe

Bboxx customers will place a deposit of KSH 5,499 for the 50 Watts Mdosi 24 inch TV option or KSH 7,999 for the 80 Watts Mdosi 32 inch TV option inclusive solar appliance, four bulb lighting, rechargeable torch, USB charger and StarTimes bouquet of choice with the option to subscribe daily, weekly or monthly to the pay television service.

On his part, StarTimes Chief Executive Office Mr. Hanson Wang said, “This is a strategic partnership that will enable off-grid customers access our rich content genre, we are confident that moving forward we will not only grow our subscriber base but also play a significant role towards driving access to powerful social benefits that is achieved through access to information and entertainment by the households.”

Bboxx Kenya, recently secured a KES 1.6 billion facility towards providing access to clean, reliable and affordable energy through off-grid solar home systems in Kenya. The brand plans to acquire a new inventory over the next two years.

This will include 89,600 solar home systems and essential appliances such as fridges and phones which are expected to serve 470,000 people, 80% of whom are based in rural areas and majority of whom currently use torches and non-traditional fuel, such as wood and kerosene, as their main source of lighting.

According to research done by Bboxx solar, the current reach of over 500,000 households has led to significant social, environmental and economic impact including over 175,523 Metric tons of CO2 emission avoided, replacement of 105,419 Kerosene lamps and over 36,279 People undertaking more economic activities using Bboxx products.