Airtel Nigeria has announced a new partnership with Google to bring YouTube to all television sets across the country, regardless of whether they are smart or older analogue models.
The country’s second-largest telco disclosed in a statement on Monday that the deal was signed at Airtel’s Lagos headquarters.
Under the deal, YouTube will be integrated into Airtel Nigeria’s Smart Router, a device that combines internet connectivity with the ability to transform regular TVs into smart TVs.
With this integration, users can now access YouTube directly on their TVs, offering a seamless streaming experience for everything from movies and sports to music and educational content.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, highlighted its significance towards transforming digital entertainment in Nigerian homes.
“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,” he said.
Also providing more insight about the collaboration, Director, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Femi Adeniran, stated, “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.”
The Airtel Smart Router, which retails for N25,000 and arrives with unlimited data for 30 days, simplifies the streaming of movies, football matches, cartoons, music, and other forms of audio-visual entertainment for the entire family.
The West Africa Director, Google, Olumide Balogun, stated, “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.”
Reiterating Balogun’s assertion, Director, EMEA Product Partnerships, YouTube, Mahesh 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.”