Airtel Nigeria has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google to make YouTube accessible on all television sets across Nigeria, including both smart and older, analogue models.
In a statement issued on Monday, Airtel Nigeria revealed that the deal, signed at the company’s Lagos headquarters, involves the integration of YouTube into its Smart Router.
This device combines internet connectivity with the ability to convert traditional TVs into smart TVs, enabling users to stream YouTube directly on their televisions.
The Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, emphasized the transformative impact this partnership will have on digital entertainment in Nigerian households.
He explained that the goal is to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable and easy access to high-quality entertainment content.
“Our aim is to make entertainment more accessible for Nigerians, and with this partnership, we are providing an all-in-one solution that delivers internet services and seamless access to world-class content through YouTube,” Oshinlaja said.
Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Airtel, elaborated further on how this integration enhances the customer experience.
He noted that the Airtel Smart Router simplifies digital content consumption, bringing entertainment and education to the entire family.
The Smart Router is priced at N25,000 and includes 30 days of unlimited data, offering easy access to a wide range of content such as movies, music, sports, and educational videos.
Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, expressed excitement over the partnership, highlighting that YouTube’s mission is to connect people with content they love.
This collaboration, he said, would make it easier for Nigerians to access YouTube from their TVs, bringing entertainment and knowledge to more homes across the country.
Mahesh Bhalerao, Director of EMEA Product Partnerships at YouTube, reinforced this sentiment, stating that YouTube serves as a platform for cultural expression and connection.
He added that this partnership with Airtel aligns with YouTube’s goal of making high-quality content accessible to more people, empowering Nigerian audiences to explore and enjoy diverse content.
