NexTV CEO Africa Digital Magazine 2017

How is the switchover going on in Nigeria and will you be finished in June as announced?

Successful launches of Digital Terrestrial Television have now taken place in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, and in the nation's federal capital, Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory. Planning and preparation is at an advanced stage for the next launch which will take place soon in Kaduna followed swiftly by the next wave of launches across Enugu, Gombe, Osun, Kwara and Delta states. The switchover will be complete once digital television has been rolled out across all 36 states of Nigeria and after the analogue signals have been switched off. Inview Technology are proud to be supporting Nigeria's National Broadcasting Commission and many other stakeholders in planning, preparing and implementing this incredibly important project for the nation. One which will position Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa and yield a digital dividend for the government.

Have you met any major setbacks during your time in Africa? if yes how did you overcome these obstacles

Switching to digital television is a complex process. Every country that has completed the process has learned vital lessons that can be applied elsewhere. But, every country is different and the approach adopted must be appropriate for the local industry, regulatory framework, customs and traditions. Working with local partners is essential to this and we are proud that our involvement in the digital switchover in Nigeria is through a Nigerian company, staffed by Nigerians, and with a Nigerian Chief Executive. Digital switchover yields many benefits. A stronger creative economy powered by digital technology. New jobs. And a digital dividend. It can also be expensive upfront to get things moving. The value of the Naira has fallen dramatically since the project started, this has brought many challenges. We have been working very hard with our Nigerian partners to explore options for funding the process, keeping it on track so that momentum can build which in time which will ease the financial burden. Great credit must be given to the Minister and the National Broadcasting Commission for their steadfast commitment to the process, and their dedication to working with all stakeholders to keep things on track. We look forward to continuing to support them as the switchover goes from strength to strength across the nation.

Until now how many STBs have been seeded in Nigeria?

Over 800,000 STBs have been manufactured for the Nigerian market, of which the majority are now in Nigeria with additional orders being placed as we speak to meet the demand which will created by the next wave of launches across six states. A distinct element in the Nigerian switchover is that the local manufacturing industry are playing an integral part in the process. Assembly lines are being set up across the country. Providing the boxes need to meet consumer demand, and creating much needed sustainable jobs for the Nigerian economy. Almost half a million boxes have now been distributed to viewers, and that total will increase significantly as the roll out progresses in the coming months.

What are the technology used in Nigerian box and what are you planning ahead for the future?

In addition to receiving up to 30 free TV channels with digital quality picture and sound, Inview's software, integrated on all of the set-top boxes for the Nigerian Digital Switchover, offers an EPG and a wide range of interactive services including advertising integrated directly into the user interface through banners and full screen adverts/messages, push video on demand and a range of broadcasting applications such as news, public service information and audience measurement services. With regards to what is planned for the future, customers will be offered the option to pay for additional channels and services and all the of set top boxes will be future proofed and upgradeable in the field to add connected services when the Nigerian infrastructure can support them.

When Nigeria will complete its migration to the digital age, do you plan to work with other African countries?

We are in advanced discussions with a few African countries and work in progress with several others. It would make sense for other countries to replicate similar systems to Nigeria so that they can benefit from our flexible cloud infrastructure, which enables a high level of functionality but keeps set-top box prices down, as well as benefit from our experience of switchover in the 7th largest country in the world.

LINK:	http://www.inview.tv/nextv-ceo-africa-digital-magazine-2017/...
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