Faster, Cheaper, & Better: Safaricom Massively Enhances Its Business Internet Plans for Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) In?Kenya.

If you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Kenya, you’ve likely been grappling with some of the most critical aspects of business in today’s digitally transformed market environment: affordable, reliable, and fast internet. This is no small matter as many of us live, work and play on the Internet which has become a basic human and business right so to speak.

Over the past 6 months or so there has been a lot of social media chat and debates around the state of Internet access in Kenya due to significant changes happening in the market. I, for one, have been following and contributing to these conversations as it seemed that Kenya’s Internet services market was undergoing what seemed to be a fundamental shift in terms of customer expectations and what is on offer. Change, at some point, was inevitable and when this sort of thing happens, we can almost always expect the likes of Safaricom PLC to throw their hat into the ring?.

During the last week?, it came to my attention that Safaricom Business was planning to launch significantly enhanced business internet offerings for their small and medium sized (SME) market segments. It was a pleasant surprise, to be honest, to get early access to these new offerings. In particular, I got my business signed up for the 100Mbps business internet plan. The onboarding process was quick and painless. But, before I dive into my personal experience, here’s what’s new with Safaricom’s business internet offerings.

Safaricom Business Internet Plans for SMEs.

Safaricom’s Business Fibre plans are squarely targeted at addressing the evolving needs of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, also broadly known as SMEs, the backbone of Kenya’s economy. The updated plans include faster speeds at highly competitive price points. Here are the key new offerings:

Safaricom’s Enhanced Business Fibre Plans.

These plans, from what I can tell and the way that they are packaged or ‘bundled’ are best suited for businesses at different stages of their growth?—?from what could be essentially the ‘solopreneur’ to the fast-growing start-up or established business and what could be a medium sized enterprise in the context of Kenya.

Safaricom’s Business Internet offerings for SMEs start at the 15Mbps option for micro-businesses to the 100Mbps option for businesses with multiple outlets. To put it simply, Safaricom is offering solutions that align to your business needs, as below:

The following are the key benefits across all of these packages:

1. Competitive Pricing: The pricing is highly competitive, especially given the benefits included with each plan. For small businesses looking for reliable internet, the 15Mbps plan is priced at KES 2,999, while larger businesses can opt for the 50Mbps or 100Mbps plans at KES 5,000 and KES 6,299 respectively. These prices make the packages accessible for SMEs that are cost-sensitive but need reliable connectivity.
2. Connected Devices (Concurrent Users): This defines how many users or devices can be connected to the network at the same time without compromising performance. For example, the 15Mbps plan supports up to 5 users, which is ideal for micro-businesses, while the 50Mbps plan can handle up to 15 users. The 100Mbps plan, supporting up to 50 users, is perfect for growing businesses with more extensive needs, such as multiple workstations or remote operations.
3. Web Browsing, Email, & Social Media: All three plans guarantee uninterrupted access to basic internet services like web browsing, emails, and social media. This makes the packages ideal for businesses with a steady need for communication, research, and managing social media platforms, which are critical for marketing and customer engagement.
4. Video Streaming: Video streaming is essential for businesses that rely on digital content for communication, marketing, or training. The 15Mbps plan supports HD streaming, while the 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans offer 4K and UHD streaming, respectively. This should ensure great video-based meetings, online training, and content creation, especially important for modern businesses.
5. E-Commerce Capabilities: The exponential rise of e-commerce uptake in Kenya since the COVID-19 pandemic means that the ability for SMEs to efficiently and effectively operate e-commerce platforms has never been more important. All three plans come with e-commerce capabilities, which should ensure that SMEs can manage their e-commerce platforms, process digital payments, and handle customer support queries without interruptions.
6. SaaS?—?Basic and Advanced Apps: SMEs can benefit from Software as a Service (SaaS)or cloud-based applications, especially for managing their business operations. Therefore, the 15Mbps plan supports basic apps like Inventory Management, while the higher-speed plans (50Mbps and 100Mbps) also include more advanced tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. These tools are crucial for scaling businesses looking to streamline operations and improve customer interactions.
7. Guest Wi-Fi Access: Providing Wi-Fi access to customers is a critical service for many SMEs, especially in customer-facing industries such as retail, hospitality, or co-working spaces. The 15Mbps plan offers limited guest Wi-Fi, but the 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans provide more robust guest access, ensuring that clients or visitors stay connected.
8. CCTV Capabilities: Security is an important aspect of any business, especially in this digital-first era?. The Standard CCTV capability allows for the connection of 2+ cameras for the 15Mbps plan, 8+ cameras for the 50Mbps plan, and 16+ cameras for the 100Mbps plan. The Hi-Definition CCTV capability ensures high-quality video feeds for monitoring premises effectively. These features are crucial for businesses that prioritize security and surveillance.
9. Basic Security (Content Filtering): All the plans include Basic Security with content filtering, ensuring that SMEs are protected from inappropriate or harmful content. This is a valuable feature for businesses that want to manage their team’s internet usage, reducing the risk of malware and other online threats at a time when cyberthreats continue to escalate locally and globally for all stakeholders.
10. Backup Data Availability: One of the most appealing features of Safaricom’s business internet plans is the inclusion of backup data. The 15Mbps plan includes 5GB of mobile backup data, while the 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans provide 15GB (for up to 3 mobile lines). This ensures that your business stays connected even during fibre outages, which is crucial for business continuity.
11. Closed User Group (Free Minutes): For businesses that still rely heavily on phone communication, the Closed User Group (CUG) feature is invaluable. The 15Mbps plan offers 400 free minutes for up to 3 users, while the 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans include free communication for 3 users. This feature can help businesses save on communication costs.
12. Free CO.KE Domain Name: All plans come with a free CO.KE domain, which is a great benefit for SMEs looking to establish a professional digital presence for their websites and email addresses. Having a suitable and localized domain name helps SMEs create a local and transparent brand identity, build trust with Kenyan customers, and also increase visibility in search engines like Google.
13. Mobile Bundle (Welcome Offer): To sweeten the deal, even further, Safaricom includes a 30GB mobile data bundle as a welcome offer with all plans. This additional data is perfect for businesses that need to stay connected on the go, offering flexibility for managers and staff who work remotely or need mobile access to business operations.

My Speed Test Results: Surpassing Expectations!

Now, let’s talk about my personal experience over the weekend with Safaricom’s 100Mbps plan. I conducted a speed test using OOKLA, and the results blew me away:

• Download speed: 267.29Mbps (Yes, you read that right?—?nearly three times faster than the subscribed speed!)
• Upload speed: 68.08Mbps

This performance shows just how capable Safaricom’s infrastructure is in delivering more than expected, especially during off-peak periods. The fact that I’m receiving 267Mbps on a 100Mbps plan, is mind-blowing as far as their business internet plans are concerned. As an SME owner myself, where great value for money for business services is always top of mind, this means getting the most out of your investment, especially if your team operates during quieter hours when the bandwidth is more available.

Shared vs. Dedicated Internet Bandwidth: Why It Matters

So, what’s the difference between shared and dedicated bandwidth, and why does it matter for your business?

Shared Bandwidth: As the name suggests, this type of connection means you’re sharing bandwidth with other users on the same network. This can result in varying speeds depending on how many users are online. However, shared bandwidth tends to be more cost-effective, which is why it’s an excellent option for SMEs looking to manage costs while still accessing high-speed internet.

Dedicated Bandwidth: On the other hand, dedicated bandwidth ensures that your business gets exclusive access to the allocated speed. This is typically used by larger corporations or businesses with heavy data requirements that can’t afford any slowdowns. The downside? It’s significantly more expensive.

For most SMEs, shared bandwidth is more than sufficient, especially when you’re getting speeds like 267Mbps on a 100Mbps plan, as I experienced.

Safaricom’s Enhanced Business Internet Plans For SMEs Are Quite Simply, Exceptional!

Aside from the incredible speeds, there are several reasons why Safaricom’s enhanced business internet plans should be a game-changer for SMEs in Kenya:

1. Free Installations and Relocations: There are no extra costs for installation or moving premises, making it easy for businesses to switch to Safaricom or expand to new locations.
2. 24/7 Support: With a 0.45-second response time on their dedicated support line (2222), businesses can rest assured that help is always available.
3. Mobile Backup: As an added layer of reliability, the plans come with mobile backup options that ensure your business stays connected even during fibre cuts.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: Safaricom has expanded its fibre footprint by over 3,000 kilometers in the past year, now covering more than 17,000 kilometers across Kenya. Over 110,000 new customers joined their network last year alone, with 32,000 businesses now relying on Safaricom for fast and reliable internet.
5. Loyalty Program: Every business customer is automatically enrolled into Safaricom’s loyalty program, offering further value through rewards and benefits.

Conclusion: Business Internet in Kenya Is Upgraded with Safaricom Business.

With these new plans, Safaricom is addressing the pain points that many SMEs have had when it comes to accessing fast, reliable and affordable internet. For SMEs in Kenya, these updated plans are an opportunity to scale operations, boost productivity, and maintain a competitive edge without breaking the bank.

Based on my experience with Safaricom’s business internet, I can personally vouch for its performance. If you’re considering upgrading or switching, there has never been a better time. Faster, cheaper, and better?—?Safaricom, as expected, has once again upped the ante by setting a new standard for business internet in Kenya.

How to Get Your Business Connected to Safaricom Business Fibre.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with fast, reliable, and affordable internet, consider connecting your business to Safaricom’s Business Internet offerings as outlined here. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Dial USSD Code: Simply dial *485# from your Safaricom line and select the option for Business Fibre. Follow the easy-to-navigate menu to select the right plan for your business.
2. Visit a Safaricom Shop: With over 50 Safaricom retail stores across the country, you can visit any location to speak with a business solutions expert. They’ll help you choose the plan that suits your needs and guide you through the installation process.
3. Sign Up Online: You can also visit the Safaricom Business Hub at business.safaricom.co.ke and explore the available packages. With just a few clicks, you can subscribe to the plan that best fits your business requirements.
4. Dealer Outlets: Safaricom has partnered with a vast network of dealer outlets across Kenya to make it even easier to access their services. Visit any authorized dealer near you and get set up with Safaricom Business Fibre.