MultiChoice, StarTimes deepen consumers’ knowledge on digital migration
MultiChoice and StarTimes, which are facing competition from CONSAT, new entrant into pay-TV business in Nigeria, will this week deepen their consumers’ understanding on digital migration as they hold separate forum on the concept.
The migration is expected to redefine the broadcasting industry in all members of International Telecommunication Union (ITU). While MultiChoice, the dominant pay-TV in Nigeria, will assemble international experts on digital migration in Mauritius for discussions on the issue, StarTimes, which is deepening its presence in Nigeria, will host participants in China.
MultiChoice has in the last two years successfully held digital discussions in Nigeria, South Africa and Dubai to draw attention of stakeholders on the significance of meeting the deadline.
Many African countries may miss the 2015 deadline for switching off of analogue to digital broadcasting. Though some countries have started the process to digital broadcasting transition, but international experts are concerned on the frail process by some African countries to meeting the 2006 Geneva agreement, which spelt out switching off of analogue broadcasting system on June 17, 2015, for digital broadcasting.
The seemingly drawback by many African countries, including Nigeria, in meeting the deadline appears to be undertone statement to justify their earlier demand at the ITU meeting in Geneva when the continent representatives demanded for about 15 years period. The way it looks, it appears African countries were forced to agree on the date.
When countries migrate, it will automatically free up spectrums for auction by the government. The new system is also expected to create more frequency spectrums, which mean more TV and radio channels for broadcasting and communication activities. It will also provide sharper pictures and clearer sounds, clarity of television, opportunity to content developers to develop and sell contents and advertising revenue.
Daniel Obi