FG shifts DSO to satellite platform, targets 100 free channels for 40 million homes
The Federal Government's renewed Digital Switch Over, DSO, project will deliver at least 100 free-to-air television channels to 40 million households nationwide, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Charles Ebuebu, announced Wednesday in Abuja. The revamped strategy abandons the previous terrestrial transmission model in favor of a satellite-based platform that achieves complete nationwide coverage from day one.
Ebuebu explained the earlier terrestrial approach, launched in eight states, covered less than a quarter of Nigeria despite substantial investments and could only deliver 24-28 channels per location. Satellite coverage eliminates the need for 160 transmission towers and years of implementation—costs that previously limited the project's reach. The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, now provides satellite and ground services for the renewed initiative.
The platform currently transmits over 73 channels nationwide and targets 100 channels in coming months. Viewers can access television channels from different parts of the country regardless of location, promoting national integration and expanding access to Nigerian content. Benefits include wider reach, clearer picture quality and greater channel capacity compared to the terrestrial model.
This represents a significant upgrade to Nigeria's broadcasting infrastructure, potentially bringing more diverse local content to households previously underserved by limited terrestrial coverage.