The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has announced the removal of the annual Digital Access Fee for users of the renewed Digital Switch Over, DSO, platform, allowing Nigerians to access FreeTV channels without recurring payments.
The Director-General of the Commission, Charles Ebuebu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Ebuebu said users will only be required to purchase an approved FreeTV decoder and satellite dish, which are expected to cost less than ₦20,000, to enjoy permanent access to free-to-air television channels.
He explained that the previous annual Digital Access Fee of about ₦1,500, introduced as an administrative charge, had been scrapped under the renewed DSO platform.
“Previously, users paid an annual digital access fee of about N1,500, described as an administrative charge.
“The new system removes that annual fee. It provides free access to free-to-air television channels without any payment.
“Premium channels will be introduced later. Viewers who want those additional channels will be able to access them through paid services.
“Nigerian content on free-to-air channels remains free to watch. Unlike Pay TV, this platform does not require monthly subscriptions for its basic service,” he said.
The NBC boss urged Nigerians to purchase decoders only from authorised dealers, warning that the Commission would soon release a list of approved sales outlets, official prices and distribution locations to protect consumers from fraudsters.
He also clarified that users would only need a FreeTV decoder and a satellite dish, noting that the new system replaces the old antenna-based setup.
According to Ebuebu, the renewed DSO project is expected to improve access to digital television across the country, create employment opportunities, attract investment into the broadcasting sector and introduce audience measurement technology to support broadcasters and advertisers.
