Safaricom is piloting a new internet product called B-Live, a time-based data bundle that lets customers browse for a fixed period rather than paying per MB or GB.
The telco is offering 1 hour at KES 20, 3 hours at KES 50, and 6 hours at KES 150 during a 50-day trial phase.
Unlike traditional bundles, B-Live is designed for users who want short bursts of internet access like students streaming lectures, creators uploading content, or casual browsers catching up on social media.
However, B-Live comes with a catch: tethering is disabled, meaning customers can’t share their connection via hotspot. This makes it less appealing for households or small businesses that often tether devices.
How B-Live Stacks Up Against Rivals
TechMoran compared B-Live to daily bundles from Airtel and Telkom. Safaricom’s regular 1GB bundle at KES 99 was also included for context.
- Safaricom Advantage: Network quality and reliability still set it apart. B-Live offers flexibility for light users who want predictable short-term browsing.
- Competitor Edge: Airtel and Telkom deliver better value per GB, with tethering allowed, making them better suited for heavy or shared usage.
- Game-Changer or Gimmick? For now, B-Live looks more like a niche experiment targeting casual internet users rather than a direct replacement for traditional bundles.
B-LIVE Data bundle is available via *544# or *555#, offering a range of hourly bundles. Customers can access 1 hour for KES 20, 3 hours for KES 50, and 6 hours for KES 150.safaricom