In line with how the ongoing Digital Switch Over (DSO) scheme is Nigeria is programmed, after June 2019, the Pay DTT operators would no longer be licensed to operate as both content providers and signal distributors.
This provision is clearly contained in the federal government’s White Paper on the transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting.
Before now the industry regulator, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has continuously warned operators like MultiChioce, owners of DStv and GOtv to begin the necceary adjustments to avoid being caught in the web of non-renewal of operating licences come 2019.
The Spokesperson of NBC, Mrs. Maimuna Jimada, has made it clear that “come June 2019, only licensed signal distributors are allowed to operate in Nigeria in line with federal government’s prevailing White Paper on the DSO campaign”.
Currently, Business Hilights gathered that Nigeria has two licenced signal distributors which include Pinnacle Communications and ITS Group.
Accordingly, NBC has issued a warning notifying leading pay television service providers, DStv and GOtv, operating under MultiChoice that their operations in Nigeria may be terminated by next year, 2019.
The current operating licences of the Pay TV giant was last issued in 2014 and is expected to expire in five years.
However, experts say one of the best options of MultiChoice to escape the impending closure of business in Nigeria is to see how they can align with any of the licenced signal distributors to remain afloat after June 2019.
