What you need to set up Nigeria's new FreeTV platform
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria has launched FreeTV, a platform promising over 100 channels with no monthly fees. The initiative is part of the country's Digital Switchover programme.
The National Broadcasting Commission is driving the project with support from NIGCOMSAT. Officials say the service will offer entertainment, sports, news, education and children's programming.
But the word free comes with a catch. Setting up the service requires upfront costs that may surprise many households.
FreeTV relies on satellite transmission. This means you need a compatible decoder or set-top box, a satellite dish, professional installation and dish mounting equipment.
For many families, these costs could run into tens of thousands of naira before they watch a single channel. Critics say the initial setup expenses could lock out the low-income households the programme is meant to help.
Unlike traditional digital terrestrial television where you connect a decoder to an indoor antenna, FreeTV demands more hardware and professional help. The government has not announced any subsidy or payment plan for these setup costs.