The Federal Government has announced the launch of FreeTV, a national digital television platform designed to provide Nigerians with free access to digital television services without monthly subscription fees. The platform is scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday as part of efforts to expand access to digital broadcasting nationwide.
According to the government, FreeTV will offer households across the country clearer picture quality, more television channels, and increased access to locally produced content at no extra cost.
Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusion, opportunity, job creation, local enterprise, and the use of technology to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Ebuebu explained that FreeTV forms part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme and is intended to ensure that all citizens benefit from the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. Through the platform, viewers will have access to more than 100 national, regional, and state channels covering news, sports, movies, music, education, children’s programming, and dedicated Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo language content.
The service will be available through satellite, terrestrial transmission, and the FreeTV mobile app, allowing access in major cities, rural communities, and areas previously excluded from DSO pilot phases. Existing televisions can be used with compatible DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders, while many households with free-to-air decoders may not need to purchase new equipment.
The NBC boss added that the platform will boost Nigeria’s creative economy through regional production hubs in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Benin, creating opportunities for content creators and media professionals. He also reminded Nigerians that the final analogue switch-off remains scheduled for December 31, 2028, urging viewers to confirm decoder compatibility and download the FreeTV app in preparation.
Elijah Adeyemi
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