The National Broadcasting Commission has said the renewed Digital Switch Over project is aimed at reaching no fewer than 40 million television households with as many as 100 free-to-air channels across Nigeria.
The Director-General of the NBC, Charles Ebuebu, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, according to media reports.
Ebuebu explained that the revamped DSO strategy had replaced the earlier terrestrial transmission model, which recorded limited coverage across the country.
He stated that the satellite-based platform would deliver broader nationwide coverage and greatly expand access to free television services.
“We are gunning for 40 million TV households. Count 40 million homes at a minimum. That’s what we’re targeting,” he said.
According to him, the satellite platform will provide up to 100 free-to-air television channels across the country.
Ebuebu explained that the previous terrestrial model was introduced in eight states by the last administration, with the platform offering between 24 and 28 channels depending on the area.
“The previous DSO plan combined terrestrial broadcasting for 75 per cent to 80 per cent nationwide coverage with satellite services for areas where terrain, such as mountains, blocked terrestrial signals.
“After launching in eight states, it became clear that terrestrial broadcasting had covered less than a quarter of Nigeria, revealing major infrastructure and coverage limitations.
“Achieving nationwide terrestrial coverage would require about 160 transmission towers, costly imported equipment, and more than three years to complete, prompting a change in the DSO implementation strategy.
“We, therefore, decided to go by satellite, which covers Nigeria completely from day one,” he said.
Ebuebu disclosed that the renewed project currently transmits more than 73 channels nationwide and is targeting 100 channels within the next few months.
He explained that the NBC remains the country’s broadcasting regulator, while Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited provides both satellite and ground services for the Digital Switch Over.
“We are the regulator of broadcast media in Nigeria, whether radio, TV, online and all of that.
“NIGCOMSAT, on the other hand, is providing satellite services and ground services for the DSO.
“They are using their satellite capacity, which covers not just Nigeria but the whole of sub-Saharan Africa, to provide carriage for the DSO,” he said.
Ebuebu noted that viewers can now access television channels from every region of Nigeria irrespective of where they reside.
He added that satellite transmission delivers instant nationwide coverage, unlike terrestrial broadcasting, which relies on transmission towers.
He described the renewed DSO as “a better proposition” because it offers more channels, clearer pictures and wider access to Nigerian content.
The NBC chief added that the initiative would promote national unity by making regional television channels accessible across the country.
