August 22, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has approved N10 billion to fast-track the process of achieving Digital Switch-Over (DSO), in the country.
The Digital Switch Over is the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting; The Federal Government commenced the implementation of the Whitepaper on the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) in 2022, which will limit Pay-TV operators from self-carriage of their signals.
Speaking on Thursday, during a joint press conference with Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, said the funds will be expended to ensure that each component of the DSO Eco-system contributes significantly to the realisation of impactful digital dividends for the country.
“His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has graciously approved a grant from spectrum sales by the Federal Government to the National Broadcasting Commission. This grant is not just a financial allocation; it is a testament to Mr President’s collective commitment to driving technological advancement, economic growth, and cultural enrichment through the DSO project.
“This intervention is a testament to the visionary leadership of the President. It is a commitment to achieving a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their location, has access to superior broadband services and is included in the digital economy”, he said
Highlighting the key areas where the funds will be utilised, Ebuebu said “developing and managing channels that cater to diverse interests, including educational, children’s programming, comedy, shopping, sports, gaming, betting, and local language channels. This ensures a rich and diverse content ecosystem that resonates with our viewers.
“Leasing transponders and establishing a robust satellite backbone to ensure 100% signal coverage across Nigeria. This will expedite the Analog Switch Off and enhance accessibility to FreeTV services nationwide.
“Implementing advanced audience measurement tools to provide broadcasters and the industry with detailed insights into viewership patterns, preferences, and demographics.
“Creating awareness and ensuring a seamless transition through nationwide campaigns that educate the public about the benefits and implications of the Digital Switch Over.”
He said the funds will also be used to establish world-class studios across geopolitical zones in partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), providing local content producers with an inclusive environment to thrive.
The funds will further be used for the acquisition and distribution of hybrid Android/DTH set-top boxes with data connectivity functionalities, positioning them as gateways to a rich and diverse content ecosystem.
“Developing a user-friendly mobile application that allows viewers to watch FreeTV channels on handheld devices and access video-on-demand services. Upgrading the call centre, equipped with the latest technology to efficiently handle customer queries and ensure the highest standards of service delivery.
“Conducting comprehensive training sessions and workshops for stakeholders, emphasising the benefits of the DSO project and fostering collective progress during the digital transition”, he noted.
