DIGITAL SWITCH-OVER; REVIEWING ITS BENEFITS IN NIGERIA.
Godson Ikpontu – NasReports.
The trends of developments in technology and digitalization has hit a remarkable level, especially in the business of information dissemination and broadcasting in Nigeria. However, with the introduction of the new “Digital Switch-Over” Program initiated by the Nigeria broadcasting Corporation, it is eminent that a new dawn has been cited for every one or institution who shares and receives information via broadcast mediums or stations.
This initiative which has been analysed by experts to be a forthcoming intervention to the analogue structure of broadcasting is aimed at engaging a win-win advancement for the industry, thereby attaining a level of international standard and an unchangeable efficiency.
Basically, the vision of DSO is indeed a welcomed development in Nigeria broadcast sector. The program has been launched in several states which include Kaduna State, Kwara State etc, and its impact is undeniably positive. But what several people, institutions and some structures in the government fails to understand is that DSO holds alot of prospects and unequivocal benefits for Nigerians as the case may be.
The “Digital Switch-Over” is a new innovation in Nigeria, but in other advanced countries, it has been operational for more than a decade; so why do we have to snail through the process of ensuring that we introduce this program in all states? Well, i will be highlighting some basic importance and relevance of “Digital Switch-Over”in Nigeria as well as the reasons why the federal government must spearhead the advancement of the programme through feasible legislation and appropriate funding.
However, considering the quality of signals as it may, the introduction of DSO will shutdown every local problem of bad signals, poor picture quality, consolidates the HD services and minimize the energy used in network transmission. Still stressing on the benefits of DSO, the advancement of spectrum efficiency is eminent, thereby increasing the ability of broadcast transmission networks.
Furthermore, on the issues of paid television operators, DSO is providing several privileges for terrestrial broadcasters, so as to enable a conducive and effective share of the entire competitive structure. Moreso, the relevance of this initiative cannot be overemphasised; the program will create diverse opportunities for programmers and other IT experts, thereby leading to more job opportunities and relevance.
Conclusively, the federal government of the federal republic of Nigeria is advised to get involved in this prospective vision of digitalizing the broadcast sector, without the governments’ involvement, the journey to a desired destination may be delayed.
God bless Nigeria.
Godson Ikpontu - NasReports.