Canal Box, Vivendi’s internet service, is set to enter Benin, promising competitive internet pricing and speeds. This move could reshape the local market dynamics and create up to 202,000 jobs as outlined in a GSMA report. The impact of Canal Box’s infrastructure decisions will be crucial in assessing its economic influence in the region.
Canal Box, an internet service initiative by Vivendi, is poised to enter the Benin market, heralding a significant shift towards enhanced competition in the region. Although an official announcement has yet to be made, sources close to the sector have indicated that this development is imminent. This launch could lead to a more competitive landscape within Benin’s internet sector.
In the eight African nations where Canal Box is already providing services, Vivendi has captured notable market share through competitive pricing and high-quality offerings. Customers can access download speeds of up to 200 Mbps, with monthly fees ranging from $28 to $89, depending on the location. These rates are in stark contrast to current pricing in Benin, where the Société béninoise d’infrastructures numériques (SBIN) charges $165.27 for a 150 Mbps plan, and Isocel imposes $264.44 for similar services.
The mobile internet landscape, led by major players like MTN and Moov Africa, presents its own challenges, as their unlimited plans reach as high as $206.59 for 30 days. Meanwhile, Starlink poses another option, though the initial equipment costs remain prohibitively expensive and its service reliability is questioned during outages. Canal Box’s entrance is likely to intensify competitive dynamics in the market.
With MTN Benin already experiencing a decline in revenue, which dropped to $98 million in the third quarter of 2024, Canal Box’s affordable offering could indeed buoy the internet sector in Benin. A GSMA report published in January 2025 anticipates that continued internet advancements might generate additional employment, projecting the creation of 202,000 jobs across various sectors.
As Canal Box prepares to launch in Benin, critical considerations include whether Vivendi will leverage SBIN’s existing infrastructure or invest in its own network development. These strategic choices will be essential in evaluating Canal Box’s potential impact on the economy and internet accessibility in Benin.
In summary, Canal Box’s anticipated entry into the Benin internet market represents a significant opportunity for competition and improved service accessibility. With its aggressive pricing and high-quality offerings, it challenges existing ISPs and has the potential to stimulate growth and employment in the sector. Observing how Vivendi structures its operations will be crucial for determining the long-term influence of Canal Box in Benin.
Original Source: broadcastmediaafrica.com
