Lagos counts down to Digital Switch Over, rollout of FreeTV
By Zion Rufus
The countdown has begun for the rollout of the Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Lagos State, scheduled for April 29, 2021. The major process of transitioning from analogue to digital television broadcasting, DSO was launched with the aim of connecting underserved populations and remote communities by bridging the digital divide.
Branded as FreeTV, the DSO television platform readily offers its viewers about 60 digital channels, including sports, music, movies, and news. In addition to its broadcast services, FreeTV also provides Value Added Services, such as: Enforcement and Collection of TV Licenses, Premium PayTV channels, Push Video on Demand, Information Services Audience Measurement.
Speaking on the transition, Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “The rollout in Lagos reflects our decision to take the DSO to commercial centres across the country. With a population of over 20 million, and projected TV households of over 5 million, the launch of FreeTV in Lagos State will be a critical milestone for the DSO and for Nigeria’s broadcast and creative industry.”
So far the DSO has been rolled out in several states across the nation. These states are Jos, Kwara, Kaduna, Osun, FCT, and Enugu; this year the rollout will kickstart in Lagos state on April 29th 2021. Kano state follows on June 3, 2021, Rivers State on July 8, 2021. Yobe State on July 15, 2021 and Gombe state on August 12, 2021, with more states slated thereafter.
He added: “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. A major advantage of the DSO is that viewers will not pay subscription fees. Once they have acquired the Set Top Box and pay the once-a-year access fee, which is a token, it’s free viewing all the way. Millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to pay the rising subscription fees being charged by the Pay TV platforms can now enjoy the benefit of digital television. This is the meaning of bridging the digital divide.”
According to the Minister, the DSO is capable of creating 1 million jobs, in the manufacturing of set top box or decoder manufacturing; TV Production, film production, distribution (supply of STBs, TVs and dongles for the internet); as well as TV and online advertising.
“Lagos State, which is the hub of the Creative Industry, will take a large share of the 1 million jobs to be created. Since FreeTV helps to provide value Added Services, the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in Lagos State will be supported in the collection of Television and Radio Licenses from residents. With FreeTV’s push system for information services, the FreeTV platform can be used to broadcast information on Lagos State activities to all viewers.”
FreeTV is available nationwide on both Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and Direct To Home (DTH) transmission. Current users of this push system for information services include the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the National Broadcasting Commission, the State House and the Nigerian Police.
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