In a move to simplify the streaming of movies, Airtel Nigeria has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google to make YouTube accessible on all television sets across the country, including older analogue models.
This collaboration aims to simplify streaming for Nigerian families, giving them access to movies, football matches, cartoons, music, and other entertainment content.
The integration is made possible through Airtel Nigeria’s Smart Router, a device that combines internet connectivity with the capability to transform regular TVs into smart TVs. With this innovation, users can access YouTube directly on their TVs, enabling a seamless streaming experience for everything from entertainment to educational content.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at Airtel’s Lagos headquarters, Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the significance of the partnership for Nigerian homes.
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“At Airtel, our goal to bridge the digital gap includes the provision of affordable entertainment content,” Oshinlaja said. “Through this partnership with Google, we continue to revolutionize the entertainment space as the Airtel Smart Router offers a complete experience, delivering internet services and easy access to world-class entertainment through YouTube.”
Gemi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Airtel Nigeria, also highlighted the impact of the collaboration.
“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,” Adeniran stated. “This partnership reflects our commitment to creating affordable and innovative solutions that enhance the digital lifestyle of our customers.”
Priced at N25,000, the Airtel Smart Router comes with 30 days of unlimited data, providing families with access to movies, sports, cartoons, music, and other forms of audiovisual entertainment.
Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, described the partnership as a step toward making digital content more accessible to Nigerian audiences.
“YouTube has always been about connecting people with the content they love, whether it’s exploring new hobbies, staying informed, or discovering creative inspiration,” Balogun said. “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.”
Mahesh Bhalerao, Director of EMEA Product Partnerships at YouTube, underscored the platform’s role in connecting people with experiences that matter to them.
“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,” Bhalerao stated. “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.”
With this partnership, Airtel Nigeria and Google have set a new benchmark for digital entertainment in the country. The Smart Router is expected to drive greater digital inclusion, enabling even homes with older television models to access modern streaming services and world-class entertainment. This move is seen as a major step toward transforming digital content consumption in Nigeria, providing a more inclusive and accessible digital experience for all.
