Safaricom Unveils SD-WAN Service for Multi-Branch Businesses from Sh9,500

Safaricom has introduced a managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) service catering to medium-sized businesses with multiple branches. The innovative service offers network management, equipment, security, maintenance, and 24/7 support at a fixed monthly fee. Starting at Sh9,500 per branch per month on a 36-month contract, the SD-WAN service eliminates the need for upfront hardware expenses.

SD-WAN allows businesses to seamlessly integrate multiple connectivity options, such as fibre, 4G, 5G, broadband, dedicated internet access, and MPLS, into a centrally managed network. This connectivity amalgamation aids businesses in maintaining critical operations like payments, inventory management, and online ordering, even when the primary link encounters issues, thanks to the automatic traffic redirection to a backup connection.

The service comes in three packages – Basic Plus, Standard Plus, and Advanced Plus – each designed to cater to varying business needs. Customers can choose between 12, 24, or 36-month contracts, with the Basic Plus package costing Sh19,800 per branch monthly for a 12-month contract, while the 36-month contract offers SD-WAN services at Sh9,500 per branch monthly.

The Standard Plus package is priced at Sh14,100 per branch per month on a 36-month contract, and the Advanced Plus package for headquarters begins at Sh67,100 per month.

Tailored for industries such as banking, retail, distribution, manufacturing, and healthcare, the solution aims to provide stable connectivity across multiple locations for businesses that rely heavily on uninterrupted Internet access. The Ready Mobility offering permits businesses to deploy new branches using 4G or 5G connectivity when coverage is available, followed by a transition to fibre as needed.

Businesses can continue utilizing connectivity services from other providers while benefiting from Safaricom’s SD-WAN service. A user-friendly central dashboard enables IT teams to monitor network performance across all sites, with Safaricom engineers offering round-the-clock monitoring and support.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized that the SD-WAN service is designed to minimize downtime and facilitate business expansion without the burden of substantial upfront investments in network infrastructure. The service operates independently from connectivity, with the final network design and package being determined based on each customer's specific requirements.

Businesses interested in learning more about the SD-WAN service can request an assessment or demonstration by contacting their Safaricom Business relationship manager via email at business@safaricom.co.ke or exploring more details at https://business.safaricom.co.ke/products/SDWAN.