Openview's set-top box brings wi-fi connectivity home

Johannesburg - , 16 March 2021 – Openview, the free satellite television service and part of the eMedia Investments Group, is pleased to announce the launch of its very own wi-fi enabler (dongle) Openview Connect, in partnership with Vodacom as the prepaid mobile data provider.

Openview Connect will enable, through the Openview set-top box, wi-fi connectivity in homes that remain unserved by fibre networks.  It is poised to provide first access with a simple, practical solution that brings immediate benefits to any Openview household that is not yet connected through fibre or other means.  Target homes can also benefit from wi-fi connectivity on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The Openview Connect data dongle will drive increased connectivity for families across South Africa and subsequently act as a plug-and-play hotspot for Openview-enabled homes that wish to Get Connected and Stay Connected. For a once-off fee of R599, Openview customers can enjoy up to 10 devices simultaneously connected with operating data rates of up to 150 Mbps speed on 4G LTE – lightning-fast compared to most home fibre connectivity options.

The tangible benefits this connectivity can bring to communities across South Africa are multifold and life-changing. On a social level, Openview Connect can help households stay in touch with friends and family. Besides providing instant access to news and information, eLearning platforms like Vodacom e-school, free-to-browse career websites for job seekers, and even parenting advice are all available free of data charges.

Mmatshipi Matebane, Openview Executive, explains further, "Introducing the product into the market bears testament to how we always strive to provide our customers with the best TV and information solutions. With our business projections channeling us towards three million home activations in the near future, we believe that Openview Connect will upscale our product offering to both new and existing customers. We welcome Vodacom on board and look forward to a fruitful partnership of two healthy properties," adds Matebane.

Rashid Tar-Mahomed, Managing Executive for Unbranded Channels at Vodacom, says, "Vodacom has connected millions of South Africans for over two decades and we are fully committed in forging ahead with our mission to democratise access to technology. Our vision is to be a leading techno business that connects everyone to critical information and resources for a better future.”

“With our core pillar of 'Inclusion For All', we always ensure we partner with like-minded brands who share our values about technology's opportunity to enable innovation and inclusivity. We are excited to partner with Openview to help bridge the digital divide in this country and transform the lives of all South Africans," added Rashid Tar-Mahomed.

Openview customers can RICA their Vodacom prepaid SIMs by downloading the My Vodacom App and clicking on the 'Rica a Friend' tab. They also have the option to RICA in person at any Vodacom participating outlet.

The partnership with Vodacom will also allow Openview customers to benefit from Vodacom's ConnectU platform, which gives all customers on SA's leading network access to specific zero-rated sites, such as jobs, education, health, and social portals, at no cost. This is in line with Vodacom's purpose to connect people to participate equally in a digital society.

Currently enjoyed by over two million households nationwide, Openview has been a go-to family brand that ticks the boxes for obligation-free world-class entertainment and continues to deliver on the promise with Openview Connect.

The brand extension wi-fi connector will be available at leading retailers in South Africa.

To access Vodacom's zero-rated ConnectuU service, visit https://connectu.vodacom.co.za/

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