The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says the renewed Digital Switch Over (DSO) project is designed to reach at least 40 million television households across Nigeria, offering up to 100 free-to-air television channels.
The Director-General of the NBC, Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this during an interview in Abuja, explaining that the revamped project now relies on satellite technology instead of the previous terrestrial broadcasting model.
According to him, the new approach will provide wider nationwide coverage and improve access to free television services for millions of Nigerians.
Ebuebu said the commission’s target is to connect a minimum of 40 million homes through the satellite-based platform.
He explained that the earlier DSO initiative, introduced under the previous administration, operated through terrestrial transmission in only eight states and provided between 24 and 28 television channels, depending on the location.
The NBC chief noted that the original plan aimed to achieve between 75 and 80 percent coverage using terrestrial broadcasting, with satellite services supporting locations where geographical challenges affected signal reception.
However, after implementation in eight states, it became evident that the terrestrial network covered less than one-quarter of the country, exposing major infrastructure limitations.
He added that expanding terrestrial coverage nationwide would require about 160 transmission towers, expensive imported equipment and several years to complete.
To overcome those challenges, the commission adopted a satellite-based system capable of providing nationwide coverage from the outset.
Ebuebu revealed that the renewed Digital Switch Over platform currently broadcasts more than 73 channels and is expected to increase that number to 100 channels in the coming months.
He explained that while the NBC remains responsible for regulating broadcasting in Nigeria, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) is providing the satellite and ground infrastructure powering the new DSO platform.
According to him, NIGCOMSAT’s satellite network covers not only Nigeria but also the entire sub-Saharan African region, making it suitable for delivering nationwide television services.
The NBC Director-General said the new platform allows viewers to access television stations from different parts of the country regardless of where they live.
He described the satellite-based DSO as a major improvement over the previous model, offering wider coverage, better picture quality and more viewing options.
Ebuebu added that the project will also promote national unity by making regional television stations accessible to audiences across Nigeria.
