In line with the target set by
the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), on the shift from analog to digital broadcasting, Cross River State is currently assessing all available options to ensure that the State is not left out on the June 17, NBC deadline on Broadcast Digitalisation.
The move for Broadcast Digitalization was earlier proposed in 2006 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), when it set a target deadline for the world to transform from analog to digital mode of broadcasting. As a result, Nigeria’s deadline for Broadcast Digitalisation was initially fixed for June 17, 2012, but later shifted to June 17, 2015 by NBC, since adequate time was needed to achieve the desired result. Cross River State is now working assiduously towards achieving digital broadcast transition come 2015.
The State’s Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts, hinted that the state has started considering some proposals brought forth by some telecommunication companies like Startimes, Multi-Choice Nigeria Limited, Daar Communications Satellite, amongst others. He said that the State would accept the proposals set before it to properly select the option that is less cost effective and which would also add value to the State’s Broadcasting system.
Chief Ricketts, stated this when he received a team of telecommunication experts from Startimes Ltd, at the Conference hall of the Ministry of Information, Calabar recently, noting that Cross River State was always ready to undertake productive and developmental projects that would improve the state at all levels. He added that those responsible for the dissemination of information should be given all the necessary tools to achieve desired results.
While presenting a proposal for the Digitalisation, upgrade of facilities and the installation of digital broadcast equipment for the State’s television, the Zonal Director, NTA Startimes, South-East, Mr. Dele Ahmed explained that, the digitalisation exercise would help to ensure clearer signals, wider reach and quality content, amongst others. He emphasised on the need for the State Government to partner with Startimes, which already had a track record of helping Tanzania and Rwanda in their transition from analog to digital broadcast.
