NBC launches FreeTV mobile app: Nigerians can now watch 100+ channels on Android and iPhone
By Aboki Forex —
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expanded access to its FreeTV platform, allowing Nigerians to watch more than 100 television channels directly on Android and iPhone devices through a dedicated mobile application. The move marks a major step in Nigeria's Digital Switch Over (DSO) programme, giving viewers the option of accessing free television either through satellite decoders or on their smartphones without paying subscription fees.
How to access FreeTV on your phone
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu said the FreeTV signal is no longer limited to satellite decoders, as users can now stream channels through the official FreeTV mobile app. According to him, the application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple's iOS platform.
"The FreeTV Digital Switch Over signal is not only available using the decoders. As we speak, you can watch it on your phone," Ebuebu said. He explained that users only need to download the app and complete a simple registration using their WhatsApp, Gmail or another supported account before gaining access to the service, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Why NBC is going mobile
The commission said the expansion reflects changing media consumption habits, particularly among young Nigerians who now spend more time watching videos on smartphones than on traditional television sets. Ebuebu noted that platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp have transformed how young people consume content, making mobile access a necessary addition to the FreeTV service.
According to him, the commission deliberately adopted a dual-platform strategy to ensure it serves both digital-first viewers and households that still rely on satellite television. Despite the mobile rollout, the NBC said satellite broadcasting will continue to play a crucial role, especially in rural communities where internet connectivity may be limited.
Satellite option still available for rural areas
Ebuebu said Nigerians can still purchase a FreeTV decoder for less than N20,000, giving them lifetime access to the available channels without recurring subscription charges. He stressed that the satellite option was designed to make television affordable for the masses, while the mobile application broadens access for younger audiences who prefer streaming on their phones.
Beyond local viewers, the NBC said the FreeTV app is expected to make Nigerian television content more accessible to audiences around the world. Ebuebu revealed that the platform will also introduce dedicated youth-focused channels featuring content tailored to the interests and viewing habits of younger Nigerians.
By combining satellite broadcasting with mobile streaming, the commission believes FreeTV will significantly expand the reach of Nigerian television, allowing viewers both at home and in the diaspora to enjoy over 100 free channels from virtually anywhere.
What this means for Nigerian consumers
For Nigerian consumers facing rising living costs, the FreeTV mobile app offers a zero-subscription alternative to paid services like DStv Stream, which has quietly reduced its free offering from 13 channels to just four as of June 2026. The contrast highlights a growing shift toward affordable, accessible television options in Nigeria's digital landscape.