FG to make N330 billion from digitisation

folarin okunola

September 26, 2015 1:39 PM

Digital Switchover (DSO) is the term given to the process by which analogue terrestrial television is replaced with digital terrestrial television. It is also sometimes referred to as the “analogue switch off”.

NBC DG, Prince Emeka Mba

The National Broadcasting Commission has said that should Nigeria achieve the new June 20, 2017 deadline for the country to undergo Digital Switchover (DSO), the federal government could generate as much as N330 billion yearly from digital broadcasting.

Emeka Mba, Director General of the NBC, said that even though Nigeria had missed the DSO deadline twice, with the recent date for a new deadline, the country still has a huge opportunity to meet up, if the government considers it as a self-sustaining project that could contribute significantly to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Mba said if properly managed, the government could generate as much as N100 billion from digital spectrum sales alone, N30 billion annually from digital dividends, and another N200 billion from additional advertising, content, and Nollywood income streams.

The DG also said all of these was independent of the estimated 55, 000 jobs that would be created when the country eventually achieves the DSO mandate which would run out by June 20, 2017.

READ: Nigeria can not meet up with June 30 digital crossover deadline

"Offshore mass production and delivery of initial subverted boxes for Jos pilot project is envisaged to be completed by the end of October, while the local manufacture of the set top boxes is expected to begin in April next year," Mba said, adding, "By the end of November 2015, we plan to complete the process of setting up the contact centre, which becomes available for all enquiries from members of the public regarding the implementation of the DSO."

Mba further added that should the DSO deadline be met, Nigerians would receive over 30 free-to-air channels per annum for the price of a N1,500 set-up box.

An Ericsson ConsumerLab TV reports reveals that there has been a 35% increase in the way consumers are embracing video on-demand services.

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