Digital switchover: NBC launches free-to-air TV decoders in Lagos

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has launched free set-top boxes as part of the digital switchover (DSO) in Lagos.

Speaking at the event in Lagos on Thursday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information, said the set-top box does not require monthly subscriptions, except for an annual access fee of N1,500.

He added that the DSO will enable millions of Nigerians who cannot afford the subscriptions of Pay TV platforms to enjoy digital television with good content from 60 channels.

“DSO simply means the switch-on of digital television in Lagos state. Today’s event marks the beginning of the second phase of the DSO rollout. It is coming a day before the fifth anniversary of the launch of the pilot programme of the DSO in Jos, Plateau state, on 30th April 2016,” the minister said.

“This may look like a daunting task. Indeed, it is. But the fact that we are here in Lagos today is a testimony to our resilience and determination to ensure the success of the transition from analogue to digital television across the country.

“We acknowledge the power and the extensive reach of modern broadcasting, which makes it a veritable tool for national development. The democratisation of digital television in Nigeria, which is what DSO is about, fits into the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari for a digital economy in the country.

“The switch-on of Lagos is unique and epochal, because it marks the first time that the DSO project would be beaming 60 choice channels to television households. This is not by accident. Lagos is Nigeria’s creative hub, hence it is important to harness the creative talents that abound in the state through this project.

“Also, the DSO provides us with a great platform to key into the Lagos Smart City Project, which seeks to use technology to enhance service delivery in all spheres of life. The DSO is not just about high fidelity sound and picture, it is about creating jobs, especially for our teeming youth, stimulating local content and empowering channel owners.

“In accordance with our set timeline, we are optimistic that by December 7th, 2022, we will complete the switch-off of analogue broadcasting on the terrestrial television platform in Nigeria. Once a TV household acquires the set-top box and pays the once-a-year access fee, which is a token, it’s free viewing all the way.

“Our FreeTV brand is not a fluke. There is no monthly subscription payment. This enables millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to pay the rising subscription fees being charged by the Pay TV platforms to enjoy the benefit of digital television.”

In his remarks, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said his administration is committed to the full realisation of the DSO project.