Explainer: What to know about Digital Switch Over

After years of missed deadlines and policy uncertainty, the Federal Government has relaunched Nigeria’s long-delayed Digital Switch Over (DSO), a move officials said could transform the country’s broadcasting landscape and unlock new economic opportunities.

The nationwide rollout, officially launched on June 17, 2026, seeks to migrate television broadcasting from analogue transmission to a modern digital ecosystem built around terrestrial television, satellite services and internet-based platforms.

According to the government, the initiative, jointly managed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), will provide Nigerians with access to more than 100 free television channels through a hybrid satellite and mobile platform.

What is Digital Switch Over?

Digital Switch Over (DSO) is the process of moving television broadcasting from analogue technology to digital transmission.

For decades, television stations relied on analogue signals, where a single frequency carries only one channel.

Digital broadcasting converts audio and video into binary code, allowing several channels to be transmitted through the same frequency while providing clearer pictures and better sound quality.

With digital compression, a frequency block that previously carried one analogue channel can accommodate up to 20 or more high-definition channels.

To receive digital signals on older television sets, viewers require a set-top box (STB), which converts digital transmissions into audio and video that conventional television sets can display.

Nigeria’s digital migration journey dates back to 2006 when the country joined other members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in signing the GE06 Agreement, committing to phase out analogue broadcasting by June 17, 2015.

A pilot phase was launched in Jos in 2017 under the “FreeTV” platform, but progress remained slow.

On April 9, 2026, NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu disclosed that about N80 billion had been spent over 17 years, yet digital terrestrial signals had been achieved in only eight cities.

To accelerate nationwide coverage, the government adopted a hybrid model involving Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT); Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite broadcasting through NigComSat and Internet Protocol (IP)-based broadcasting.

According to Charles Ebuebu, the new framework represents the most realistic opportunity to complete the migration process.

Why is govt pushing the DSO?

NBC estimates that digital broadcasting could unlock a N605.2 billion advertising market through integrated audience measurement systems capable of providing reliable data to advertisers and broadcasters.

Accurate audience metrics would enable advertisers to know exactly how many people are watching and where they are located, making television advertising more efficient and more attractive.

Information minister, Mohammed Idris, said the initiative goes beyond technology.

According to him, it is a “transformational initiative capable of expanding jobs, boosting local content production, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.”

Better utilisation of spectrum

One of the major advantages of digital migration is the release of valuable spectrum currently occupied by analogue broadcasting.

Analogue television signals occupy premium frequencies within the 700MHz and 800MHz bands. Once broadcasting becomes fully digital, these frequencies can be freed and auctioned to telecommunications companies for the expansion of 4G and 5G broadband services.

This process, known as the “digital dividend”, could generate trillions of naira in revenue for the government while boosting internet connectivity across the country.

Lower cost of broadcasting

The analogue system requires television stations to build and maintain expensive transmission towers.

Under the DSO framework, stations can focus on content creation while licensed signal distributors handle transmission.

This reduces operational costs, lowers barriers to entry and encourages the emergence of specialised channels, thereby stimulating growth in the creative industry.

Speaking on the hybrid architecture, NBC Director-General Charles Ebuebu said: “We must build a broadcasting system that is inclusive, commercially viable and capable of reaching Nigerians wherever they are.”

By leveraging NigComSat’s satellite infrastructure, the government hopes to extend television services to remote and underserved communities where terrestrial infrastructure is weak.

The government said Nigerians will have access to over 100 free television channels, reducing dependence on expensive pay-TV subscriptions.

Better viewing experience

Digital broadcasting offers High-definition pictures, improved sound quality, more programme choices, electronic programme guides, as well as interactive services.

More free television channels could enhance access to education, news and government information.

Controversy over new model

Although the government proceeded with the June 17 launch, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), representing public and private radio and television stations, challenged the rollout.

In a letter dated May 19, BON argued that the new arrangement is not a digital switchover in the legal sense, but rather a direct-to-home satellite packaging business that departs from the country’s established roadmap.

According to stakeholders, the 2012 White Paper and ITU guidelines define digital migration as the transition from analogue terrestrial broadcasting to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

Critics argue that by relying heavily on satellite transmission through NIGCOMSAT, the government may delay the release of valuable terrestrial frequencies and, consequently, the digital dividend that comes from auctioning those frequencies to telecom operators.

BON has also raised concerns that NBC’s involvement in packaging channels on the FreeTV platform could amount to a conflict of interest, since the commission is expected to function strictly as a regulator.

Similarly, the Association of Licensed Set-Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria and BON have described the satellite approach as a “unilateral migration”, warning that proceeding without an updated legal framework could expose the project to legal challenges.

Charles Ebuebu, Director-General, NBC while defending the new framework, said: “For nearly two decades, Nigeria’s Digital Switch Over has occupied the space between policy ambition and operational reality.”

He also argued that the initiative would unlock a N605.2 billion advertising market and reposition Nigeria’s creative industry for export.

Despite the optimism surrounding the project, several challenges remain, such as the cost and availability of set-top boxes, funding requirements, infrastructure gaps, public awareness, resistance from some stakeholders, as well as previous implementation failures.

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