Time-Based Internet Hits Kenya: How Safaricom B-LIVE Lets You Control Your Online Hours
A new approach to mobile internet lets users pay for hours instead of megabytes, offering flexibility and control for every type of user
Kenya’s mobile internet landscape is evolving with the introduction of the Safaricom B-LIVE service.
Safaricom recently launched B-LIVE, a new service that flips traditional data bundles such that instead of purchasing MBs or GBs of mobile data, you buy time blocks, giving you predictable access for a defined period. Safaricom B-LIVE redefines how users access the internet.
This approach promises simplicity for those who want internet on their own schedule without worrying about data consumption.
“We recognize that our customers are different. Some prefer managing their usage in MBs or GBs, while others simply want to enjoy the internet for a set period of time. By adding this option, we’re putting control back in the hands of our customers and enabling them to focus on what matters most — whether that’s learning, creating, connecting, or hustling,” said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC. This statement highlights the philosophy behind Safaricom B-LIVE: providing flexibility and control to match users’ varied lifestyles.
Time-Based Bundles: How They Work
B-LIVE offers a range of options for different needs:
- 1 hour – KES 20
- 1.5 hours – KES 30
- 2 hours – KES 60
- 3 hours – KES 50
- 4.5 hours – KES 75
- 6 hours – KES 150
Users can purchase bundles via **USSD codes (*544#, *555#, 444#, 200#) or the mySafaricom app. Usage is straightforward, but there are notable restrictions: bundles cannot be shared, used for tethering, rolled over, or gifted. B-LIVE sessions also take priority over standard MB bundles, meaning active time blocks will deduct usage before regular data. The Safaricom B-LIVE option places priority on convenience.
Real-World Considerations
While marketed as “worry-free internet,” B-LIVE may include speed throttling after heavy usage. Early testers report that large downloads or HD streaming can trigger slowdowns or disconnections before the full time expires, suggesting an informal Fair Usage Policy (FUP) that isn’t fully disclosed. Users should see Safaricom B-LIVE as flexible, short-term access rather than a replacement for continuous heavy internet tasks.
Why Users See Different Options
Not every subscriber sees the same bundle lineup. Variations could stem from regional testing, phased rollouts, or internal experiments. This means two users in the same area may see different pricing or time options. It’s a reminder that B-LIVE is still being refined and may evolve over the coming months.
Who Benefits Most
- Students and tutors: Ideal for one-hour lessons, revision, or online classes.
- Small teams and creators: Multi-hour blocks support uploads, live streaming, and software updates.
- Freelancers and travelers: Perfect for navigation, client calls, or file transfers during short bursts of connectivity.
For casual users who only need short internet sessions, B-LIVE can save money and provide convenience. Heavy users aiming to stream or download extensively may encounter early throttling.
B-LIVE in the Context of Kenya’s Data Market
Safaricom has experimented with flexible internet options before—non-expiring bundles, all-in-one plans, and seasonal promotions. Safaricom B-LIVE continues this trend, focusing on user control and cost predictability. It offers an alternative to traditional volume-based bundles for short-term, task-focused internet access.
Looking Ahead
B-LIVE may be the start of a shift in mobile internet consumption. By selling hours instead of megabytes, Safaricom is exploring a model that aligns with modern, on-the-go lifestyles. The service is still evolving, but for those who need internet for specific tasks, Safaricom B-LIVE provides a practical, straightforward option that balances cost, convenience, and control.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent.
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