Introduction/Digital Switch Over in Nigeria: Summary

            Digital Switch Over (DSO) in Nigeria refers to the process of transitioning from analogue to digital broadcasting. The Nigerian government launched the DSO project in 2008 as part of efforts to improve the quality and quantity of television programming, increase access to television services, and free up spectrum for other uses (Nwaozor, 2021).

            The DSO project involves the installation of digital broadcasting infrastructure such as transmission towers, transmitters, and set-top boxes to enable viewers to receive digital signals on their television sets. It also involves the migration of television stations from analogue to digital broadcasting (Nwaozor, 2021).

            The DSO project is being implemented in phases, with the pilot phase launched in Jos, Plateau State in 2016. The rollout of the DSO project has faced several challenges, including funding, infrastructure and equipment procurement, content production and distribution, and public education and awareness (Nwaozor, 2021).

            As of February 2023, the DSO project has been launched in six states in Nigeria, including Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Enugu, Osun, and Delta. The federal government has set a deadline of June 2022 for the completion of the DSO project nationwide. The successful completion of the DSO project is expected to provide several benefits to the Nigerian broadcasting industry, including improved quality and variety of programming, increased revenue generation, and enhanced viewer experience (Nwaozor, 2021).

References

Nwaozor, F. (2021). On Nigeria’s Journey To Digital Switch-Over. Retrieved from https://www.tekedia.com/on-nigerias-journey-to-digital-switch-over/