Beginning early May, Airtel subscibers across Africa will have the opportunity to buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphones in all the compnay’s over 140 outlets across the African continent.

A statement originating from Bharti Airtel’ regional headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, said this is in keeping with the leading telecommunications service provider’s committment “to providing its customers with cutting edge services.” Bharti Airtel has operations in 20 countries across South Asia and Africa.

“Airtel customers will not only get the chance to get their hands on the most sought-after mobile device of the year, but they will also get three months data to go with it. The offer is available while stocks last,” said the statement from Michael Okwiri, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Airtel Africa.

Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer of Airtel Africa, said: “We have responded to our customers’ demands for the Samsung Galaxy S4 and are very excited to make this ground-breaking phone available in Africa. Thanks to our 3.75G network, Airtel customers will be able to fully take advantage of all the features of this truly innovative mobile device.”

Mr. Beyers added: “From a business perspective, smart phone penetration is linked to strong data growth. This is demonstrated through internal data which shows thatSamsung smartphones generate twenty times more data than feature phones.”

The much anticipated handset reached 10 million pre-orders in the first two weeks after its announcement. George Ferreira, Vice President and COO of Samsung Electronics, Africa said: “We are extremely happy to be partnering with Airtel across Africa, bringing the Samsung Galaxy S4 to their customers. We are confident that Airtel customers will greatly benefit from thedata offering with the S4.”

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is all about ‘togetherness’. It overcomes barriers of distance by enabling friends share screens, as well as explore each other’s favourite music, files and games.

Every picture taken on the Samsung Galaxy S4 can come with sound. The smartphone captures all the action and enables users relive all those exciting memories. As a real life companion, the new Samsung Galaxy S4 cares enough to monitor the health and well-being of its owner. By monitoring fitness levels during workouts and throughout the day, the device can help achievefitness goals.

•Photo: Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer of Airtel Africa.