WHY DIGITAL PAY TV SERVICES PROVIDERS MUST UP THEIR GAMES.

 

BY POPOOLA KAZEEM

The recent announcement by Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, (NBC), about the acquisition of a N34b license for digital pay TV by telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, is one that stirs a mixture of feelings. MTN Nigeria is the pioneer private mobile telecommunications company in the country and since inception has continued to dominate the market, shrouding off competitions from other services providers. This translates into stability on the part of MTN. 

Digital pay TV services industry in the country, though still evolving, is dominated by Multichoice Nigeria limited and a number of other indigenous service providers that have grossly enriched themselves over the years at the expense of innocent Nigerians who continue to pay through their noses for services below par largely due to the freehand approach of the government-owned National Broadcasting Commission which continuously turns deaf ears to the yearnings and complaints of these Nigerians. 

The stories are now about to change. The entry of MTN Nigeria into the digital pay TV industry will greatly alter the face of the potential-rich market. MTN Nigeria already has an existing consumer base in the telecommunications industry and can conveniently make use of this advantage to garner some shares of the digital pay TV market to itself having already earned the trust and confidence of these consumers. Existing service providers must sit tight and review some of their policies and approaches if they are to remain relevant in the market. 

One thing is certain. Innocent Nigerians that have suffered until now will heave a sigh of relieve through reductions in subscription for costs for bouquets, provision of quality services and overall growth of that sector of the Nigerian economy from the ensuing competitions. 

National Broadcasting Commission must stand up to her responsibilities as the government watchdog and guide against all forms exploitative tendencies of these services providers if they are to reclaim the lost glory and earn the trust of the Nigerian population.