Airtel Nigeria, a telecommunications company, has introduced the Airtel Smart Router, a 4G router that connects up to 10 devices. This device also provides a smart TV experience on a standard television.
Airtel announced the new device will enable customers to gain access to affordable and superior entertainment from multiple streaming services on Non-Smart TVs.
Also, its advanced connectivity and user-friendly interface will allow a mixture of entertainment, security, work, or leisure devices all on the same internet subscription for Smart TV users, said the telecommunications giant.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that the number of active internet subscriptions by technology has increased by over 6.8 million in the last year.
The number steadily increased from 158 million in March 2023 to 164 million in March 2024. This is an increase of 4.3% in the last one year.
The majority of active internet subscriptions in Nigeria utilize Mobile (GSM) technology, with Airtel being a key stakeholder in this sector.
Among the four major GSM providers, Airtel has the second-largest market share in the telecommunication sector in Nigeria with over 63 million subscribers and a market share of 28.93%, the 2024 NCC Report indicates.
The launch of this innovation by Airtel has the potential to increase its market share in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria.
The Airtel Smart Router is designed to utilize both wireless and Ethernet connections to deliver a smart TV experience directly to users’ television screens, especially for Non-Smart TV users.
It has integrated applications where users can easily access popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Showmax, significantly enhancing their viewing experience with personalized, immersive, and up-to-date content.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, during the launch, stated, “With the Airtel smart routers, we can now deliver affordable and superior entertainment content from multiple streaming services to many Nigerian homes without a Smart TV set. By integrating advanced connectivity and a user-friendly interface, we are offering our customers the ability to unlock a world of digital content directly on their TVs.”
Also, for those with smart TV advantage, the SIM-based, 4G-capable Smart Router can concurrently connect entertainment, security, work, and leisure devices under a single internet subscription.