- Airtel Nigeria has partnered with Google to integrate YouTube into its Smart Router
- The integration will allow YouTube to work on all television sets in Nigeria, whether smart or older analogue models
- Google said the partnership is part of its overall goal of ensuring a digitally inclusive Africa
Airtel Nigeria has partnered with Google to integrate YouTube into Airtel Smart Router, allowing YouTube to work on all television sets across the country, whether they are smart or older analogue models.
The partnership, signed at Airtel’s Lagos headquarters, was disclosed by the telco in a statement on Monday, December 9.
Integrating YouTube into Airtel Nigeria’s Smart Router, a device that combines internet connectivity with the ability to transform regular TVs into smart TVs, will allow users access to YouTube directly on their TVs.
The integration on Airtel’s SMrt Router, which currently retails for N25,000 and arrives with unlimited data for 30 days, will offer a seamless internet connection and streaming experience for movies, sports, music, and educational content.
Airtel Nigeria's Chief Commercial Officer, Femi Oshinlaja, said the partnership will revolutionise Nigeria’s entertainment space and transform users’ experiences.
Oshinlaja said, “At Airtel, our goal to bridge the digital gap includes the provision of affordable entertainment content.
“Through this partnership with Google, we continue to revolutionise the entertainment space as the Airtel Smart Router offers a complete experience, delivering internet services and easy access to world-class entertainment through YouTube.”
Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, noted that the Google partnership reflects the telco’s commitment to innovative solutions to satisfy its customers.
Adeniran said, “The integration of YouTube on the Airtel Smart Router offers an unmatched simplification of the customer experience, transforming how our customers consume digital content at home.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to creating affordable and innovative solutions that enhance the digital lifestyle of our customers.”
‘Partnership aims to create a digitally inclusive Africa’
In his comments on the partnership, Google’s West Africa Director, Olumide Balogun, said the partnership is part of the company’s broader aim of ensuring a digitally inclusive Africa.
Balogun said, “YouTube has always been about connecting people with the content they love, whether it’s exploring new hobbies, staying informed, or discovering creative inspiration.
“With this partnership, we’re making it easier for more Nigerians to access their favourite videos right from their TVs, enabling even more homes to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and entertainment that YouTube offers. It’s an exciting step toward our mission of creating a digitally inclusive Africa.”
YouTube’s Director, EMEA Product Partnerships, Mahesh Bhalerao, said the partnership is underscored by the platform’s desire to see viewers find their voice and connect with what matters to them.
Bhalerao said, “YouTube is the stage where culture comes to life and where everyone, from creators to viewers, can find their voice and connect with what matters most to them.
“This collaboration with Airtel underscores our commitment to bringing high-quality, on-demand content to more homes while empowering Nigerian audiences to explore, learn, and enjoy the diversity of experiences YouTube offers.”
Airtel Africa loses 9.7% of half-year revenue to currency devaluation in Nigeria, 3 other countries
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Airtel Africa’s currency revenue declined by 9.7 per cent to $2.37 billion in the half-year (H1) that ended September 30, 2024, due to currency devaluation in Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania.
According to the telecommunications company’s half-year financial statement published on Friday, October 25, its revenue in constant currency increased by 19.9 per cent in the period, while operating profit fell by 20.3 per cent to $706 million within the period.
