Safaricom launches new communication platform for the youth
Mobile service provider Safaricom have launched a communication and empowerment platform dubbed Blaze that target the youth.
The new product will enable the users to plan and control how much they spend on voice, data, and SMS each time they purchase airtime.
In addition, subscribers will have access to branded 3G and 4G enabled devices which will retail for Sh10, 000 that comes with a free selfie stick and phone covers from Safaricom shops.
Blaze, which cost Sh700 million to conceptualize, develop and launch, will act as a sub-brand of Safaricom and was co-created with the target audience over the course of a year.
“We realize that our youth segment has unique needs that called for specialized product offering. Blaze will introduce a number of innovative concepts into the mobile sector including the opportunity to choose your own bundle,” Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said during the product’s launch on Thursday.
Create Your Plan is one of a number of unique services offered under the Blaze portfolio that allows users to control how much they spend on voice, data and SMS each time they purchase airtime.
UNIQUE INNOVATION
For instance, if a subscriber buys Sh100 worth of credit, they have the freedom to choose how much of their money should be allocated towards data, voice or SMS, depending on their preferences.
“This is a unique innovation that we are proud to be introducing to the market. It allows our customers to always be in control and to manage their spend according to their needs,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Director Consumer Business, Safaricom.
Blaze will also include access to a suite of products and initiatives that will be exclusive to the youth segment such as branded 3G and 4G devices, youth empowerment summits and apps that aim to enhance their experience on the network.
Blaze subscribers will have access to innovative Mpesa based services that is aimed to encourage the youth to take charge of their finances as well as Blaze Bonga – a loyalty programme that will enable the subscribers to redeem their Bonga points for food or movie tickets from selected outlets.
The product can be accessed by either going into the Safaricom website or by dialing *544# and following the prompts.
