VODACOM Tanzania
has introduced to the market the first smart feature phone, Smart
Kitochi the initiative that will enhance internet penetration in the
country.
The Tanzania
Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) quarterly statistics for June
shows that internet users increased to 23.14 million representing about
...
49 per cent of the mobile phone subscribers.
The new launch
serves as a milestone, according to Vodacom's Executive Head of Sales
George Lugata not only for both companies, but the country as it is the
first smart feature phone available in the Tanzanian market.
"We're excited to
introduce the first smart feature phone in the market alongside our
partner KaiOS Technologies," he said adding, "Despite wide coverage of
network in the country, we still face a challenge of digital divide
caused by low smartphone penetration so by introducing the Smart
Kitochi, we'll bring valuable digital services and information to this
market at a price that people can afford."
He said the Smart
Kitochi comes with access to popular apps like WhatsApp, The Google
Assistant, Facebook, YouTube, and many more giving more Tanzanians
access to the internet society.
KaiOS is a light
operating system which enables a new category of affordable smart
feature phones that require limited memory, while still offering a rich
user experience.
Apart from
supporting 3G and 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC, the KaiOSenabled phones
come with popular apps and services like WhatsApp, Google Assistant,
Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps, as well as a store for apps called
the KaiStore with over two hundred essential apps and counting, from
global and local content providers.
"The digital divide across Africa as a whole remains very large," adds Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies.
"We're incredibly
focused on establishing partnerships and delivering mobile technology
that addresses this issue, which is why we're so thrilled to be working
with Vodacom.
The Smart Kitochi
is a key step in connecting those who remain disconnected from mobile
internet and all of the valuable resources in Tanzania and beyond."
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