By our Reporter
As part of the move to successfully deliver the dividends of the Digital Switch Over project in Nigeria, the Integrated Television Service (ITS), and the NTA Startimes Ltd, on Monday 15th August, 2022, signed an MOU on Signal Transmission for the DSO.
Speaking at the Signing ceremony, which took place at the National Press Center, Abuja, the DG, NBC, Mall. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah stated “Today is actually historic as we set to lay the foundation of simultaneous delivery of Nigeria to a life changing experience of digital broadcasting with potency of boosting our economy.”
Mall. Ilelah noted that the DSO project holds lots of promises for the broadcasting industry and its key players, particularly creative minds in the area of content production and distribution.
The NBC boss, while highlighting the great opportunities the DSO project will bring to the Nigerian youth, added that with the signing of the MOU, it is the responsibility of the Integrated Television Services (ITS) to carry NTA-Star TV Pay TV content on it’s digital DTT platform.
He stressed that, it is also the responsibility of NTA- Star TV to provide its DTT Transmitters for the carriage of free TV channels for a nationwide coverage.
Mall. Ilelah in conclusion noted that economically, the DSO project will boost Nigeria’s revenue generation from the resale of spectrum and job opportunities from freeTV installation, activation and maintenance.
In his remarks, the Hon. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, commended the effort of the National Broadcasting Commission and other key players in the DSO project, and noted that the signing of the MOU, is a game changer in ensuring the completion of the Digital Switchover Project in Nigeria.
The Minister Reiterated that, the MOU which is in line with the Government white paper on transition from Analogue to Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in Nigeria, lays the foundation for a working relationship between the two entities to drive the rollout of the DSO in the country.
He added that the MOU will fast track the DSO rollout, as well as, take it to a higher pedestal.
Highlighting the value added services the FreeTV will offer, Alhaji Lai Mohammed also stated that he has directed the NBC to embark on a massive nationwide publicity campaign for the DSO project, to ensure that Nigerians can have a better understanding of the project and key into it because without the buy-in of Nigerians, the Digital Switch Over Project (DSO) will be fruitless.
Responding, on behalf of NTA- Startimes Ltd, Mr. Brolaleyn Linying promised that Startimes will ensure that all efforts are in place for a successful delivery of the DSO Project.