Safaricom has partnered with Google to launch an interactive mobile application that offers motorists access to accurate and real-time traffic information, based on crowd-sourced data from other road users.
Waze is a free GPS-based mobile application that is already use in other countries as a traffic information tool. It collates information generated by other users on the same route, to gather information on accidents, impassable sections of the road route, traffic jams, which is then used to provide the end user with advice on potential alternative routes.
“Mobile technology has evolved from being just a tool that enables interpersonal communication to being a value-added solution in many sectors. Safaricom is keen to continue to extend the benefits of our more connected world to our subscribers as we work to transform their lives by putting them closer to critical information,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Director, Consumer Business at Safaricom.
Using voluntary feedback from subscribers on the Safaricom network, Waze provides the user with a view of a map that has been layered onto Google Maps. The maps provide real time updates on road conditions, and depending on the situation, the app can suggest alternative routes for users to take in order to get to their destination faster.
The partnership between Safaricom and Google comes on the back of the announcement that Safaricom is planning to extend its 4G network to 15 major towns, and increase its 3G coverage countrywide. The partnership leverages on the fact that there are over 11 million data subscribers on the network who access the internet through their phone.
“Partnering with like-minded organizations adds more value to our ambition to make people’s lives simpler. Traffic information on Waze, which is updated in real time, will save users the hassle of enormous amounts of time spent in traffic by offering alternative routes,” said Charles Murito, Country Manager, Google Kenya.
He said, “Waze will be the ultimate driving companion as it will track your progress in traffic jams. Using a traffic bar, the application will calculate the amount of time spent in the jam and update your progress as you move along. At the same time you will also receive information generated by other motorists.”
Waze is available on the Android or iOS App Stores. Upon downloading and activating the program, customers will only be required to enter details of their destination to access traffic information. If enabled, the devices can passively contribute similar information for other road users by continuing to run as a background application.
Acquired by Google in 2013, Waze is already used by 4.4 million motorists in 200 countries.
About Safaricom
Safaricom transforms lives. We provide voice, data, TV, financial services and enterprise solutions for a range of subscribers, small businesses and government, using a variety of platforms.
As the biggest communication company in East and Central Africa, Safaricom has delights over 23 million subscribers, providing over 300,000 touch points for its customers and offering over 100 different products under its portfolio.
With annual revenues in excess of Kshs. 160 Billion, Safaricom invested Kshs. 33 billion on infrastructure in the 2014/5 financial year, providing over half of Kenya’s population with 3G coverage and providing 2G coverage to 90% of Kenyans. Safaricom owns over 2,000km of proprietary fibre infrastructure and recently launched 4G services in Nairobi and Mombasa. It is in the process of building a dedicated enterprise business to provide managed services to clients in the East African region.
Safaricom pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, M-PESA now has over 19 million customers and over 85,000 Agent outlets countrywide.
About Waze
Waze is the social navigation pioneer, leveraging mobile technology and a passionate global community to redefine expectations of today’s maps. Waze is home to the world’s largest network of drivers who work together daily to outsmart traffic and save time and money. The app consistently recommends the fastest routes based on real-time driving and data from millions of users. From traffic reroutes to low gas price alerts and relevant offers from favorite brands, Waze is one of the most comprehensive driving companions in the marketplace.