Telco Safaricom has unveiled a new product to complement the offerings of Blaze and Flex. Dubbed Platinum, the solution aims to augment the carrier’s services by focusing on people on the go, as well as professionals who need peace of mind as they perform various functions on their devices.
Notably, this is not a post-pay solution. Rather, any subscriber will have a chance to purchase a plan of his/her liking via airtime or M-PESA (no need to walk into a Safaricom shop as it was was the case a few years ago with products like posttpay).
“In line with our brand spirit of Twaweza, we are proactively working towards transforming Safaricom into more than a telco: we’re gradually evolving into a lifestyle brand as we seek to develop more intimate relationships with our customers and deliver more personalized products and services,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Director, Consumer Business, Safaricom.
“Platinum is targeted at the discerning professionals, who form 17% of the total Safaricom customer base and are known to spend a lot of time online. That’s why data is a big focus with this new offering, because these subscribers are looking for plans that accommodate their usage and fit into their lifestyles,” added Mulinge
For Platinum (basic), subscribers can buy a plan on a monthly basis via M-PESA or airtime. Platinum Plus is renewable on a monthly basis as well, but is bundled with more items in terms of data and voice minutes.
Bundled within the packages is data, voice and SMS. Those who will pay more will be rewarded with key additions such as discounts for lubricant in partnership with Shell. Further discounts will be offered at restaurants via EatOut, not to mention travel and events offers with Ticketsasa. The high-end plan gives subscribers access to business class lounges in major airports across the world.
Platinum 1K (same items for basic and Plus)
Data – 2 GB
Voice – 100 minutes
SMS – 100
The rest of the plans are as follows:
| Platinum 2K | Platinum 2K Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Data | 5 GB | 6 GB |
| Voice Minutes | 200 | 300 |
| SMS | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 0 | 0 |
| Discounts with EatOut, Shell and Ticketsasa | YES | YES |
| Access to business class lounges at major airports | NO | NO |
| Platinum 3K | Platinum 3K Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Data | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Voice Minutes | 400 | 500 |
| SMS | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 0 | 0 |
| Discounts with EatOut, Shell and Ticketsasa | YES | YES |
| Access to business class lounges at major airports | NO | NO |
| Platinum 5K | Platinum 5K Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Data | 15 GB | 25 GB |
| Voice Minutes | 1000 | 1500 |
| SMS | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 40 | 40 |
| Discounts with EatOut, Shell and Ticketsasa | YES | YES |
| Access to business class lounges at major airports | NO | NO |
| Platinum 10K | Platinum 10K Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Data | 30 GB | 40 GB |
| Voice Minutes | 3000 | 4000 |
| SMS | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| International Minutes | 100 | 100 |
| Discounts with EatOut, Shell and Ticketsasa | YES | YES |
| Access to business class lounges at major airports | YES | YES |
Just to be clear, the K denotes the amount of money in thousands you’ll need to part with to activate enjoy the services of Platinum.
Save for Platinum 1K whose basic and Plus offerings are the same, the rest of the plans include unlimited SMS.
Since Safaricom targets the youth (below 18 years of age) with Blaze, only people above 26 years are eligible for the new product.
The mobile operator sent a timely update for its utility tool, mySafaricom app to reflect this development. However, iOS users will receive the update on February 26.
