Safaricom has launched a managed SD-WAN service that helps businesses connect multiple branches through one centrally managed network, with packages starting at KES 9,500 a month per branch.
The service is designed for businesses such as retailers, banks, manufacturers, distributors and healthcare providers that operate across multiple locations and need reliable connectivity between their branches and headquarters.
SD-WAN, or software-defined wide area network, allows businesses to combine different connections, including fibre, 4G, 5G, broadband, dedicated internet and MPLS, into one network.
If one connection fails, the system can automatically switch traffic to another available connection, helping businesses keep critical services such as payment terminals, inventory systems and online ordering running.
The service can also prioritise important applications. For example, customer payments and business communications can receive priority over less critical internet traffic.
Safaricom is offering the service on 12, 24 and 36-month contracts, with the longer contracts carrying lower monthly costs.
The Basic Plus plan costs KES 9,500 a month per branch and KES 29,500 a month for headquarters equipment on a 36-month contract.
The Standard Plus plan costs KES 14,100 a month per branch and KES 30,400 a month for headquarters on a 36-month contract.
The Advanced Plus plan for headquarters starts at KES 67,100 a month on a 36-month contract.
For example, the Basic Plus branch package costs KES 19,800 a month on a 12-month contract, compared with KES 9,500 a month on a 36-month contract.
The monthly charges include equipment, software, maintenance and 24/7 support. Connectivity is charged separately.
“For a business with several branches, a single connection failure can stop sales, leave staff unable to reach the systems they need and keep customers waiting,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC.
“Our SD-WAN service brings those connections under one managed network for a predictable monthly fee, so businesses can expand without a large upfront investment in hardware, with Safaricom providing the support.”
The service also includes security features at each location, helping businesses protect their networks without having to purchase and manage separate firewall equipment for every branch.
Through its Ready Mobility offering, businesses can connect new branches using 4G or 5G where suitable coverage is available, without waiting for fibre installation. Fibre can then be added later as the business grows.
Businesses can also retain existing connections from other providers as part of the network.
A central dashboard allows IT teams to monitor the performance of different sites from one location, while Safaricom engineers provide 24/7 monitoring and support.
For retailers, the service can help keep point-of-sale terminals, inventory systems and online ordering connected across branches.
Banks can use it to connect branches, ATMs and other systems, while manufacturers can link production sites to head-office enterprise resource planning systems.
Healthcare providers can also use the network to connect patient records, prescription systems and laboratory applications across different clinics.
Safaricom said the final network design and package will depend on each customer’s requirements and network assessment.
Safaricom SD-WAN Pricing
| Plan | Equipment | 12 Months | 24 Months | 36 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plus | Headquarters | KES 69,700 | KES 39,500 | KES 29,500 |
| Basic Plus | Branch | KES 19,800 | KES 12,100 | KES 9,500 |
| Standard Plus | Headquarters | KES 72,000 | KES 40,800 | KES 30,400 |
| Standard Plus | Branch | KES 31,100 | KES 18,300 | KES 14,100 |
| Advanced Plus | Headquarters | KES 163,300 | KES 91,000 | KES 67,100 |
Prices include equipment, software, maintenance and 24/7 support. Connectivity is charged separately.
