According to TheCable, the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has launched FreeTV, a new national digital television network intended to give millions of Nigerians free access to more than 100 television stations without ongoing subscription costs.
As part of the nation’s ongoing Digital Switch-Over (DSO) initiative, which aims to increase digital broadcasting and enhance access to information and entertainment across the country, the site is set to start on June 17.
FreeTV will provide a wide range of material, including news, sports, films, music, educational programs, children’s shows and dedicated channels in major Nigerian languages including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, according to government authorities.
Users will be able to watch material on smartphones and other devices using a specialised mobile application, and the service will be accessible via terrestrial and satellite transmission networks.
Both urban and rural areas should have better access to television thanks to the program, according to the authorities.
According to the government, homes that already have appropriate DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders would not need to buy new televisions in order to enjoy the service.
It may also be possible for current free-to-air decoder users to connect to the platform without purchasing any further gear.
According to officials, the project is a part of the administration’s development plan, which aims to provide access to opportunities, create jobs, and advance digital inclusion.
Charles Ebuebu, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stated prior to the launch that the platform would not only provide access to digital material but also generate jobs in the media and creative industries.
“FreeTV speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy,” Ebuebu said.
“With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs.”
The NBC also revealed that regional production studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Benin will help Nigeria’s creative economy.
Opportunities for content producers, editors, camera operators, sound engineers, technicians, and other professions involved in media creation and broadcasting are anticipated to be created by the facilities.
In the meantime, the commission reiterated that December 31, 2028, is still the date for Nigeria’s ultimate switch from analogue broadcasting.
Before the statewide rollout, citizens were urged to download the FreeTV mobile application and confirm that their decoders were compatible.