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Cautious Optimisms Greet TSTV

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“Too early to celebrate I must tell you! Wait a bit until it starts operations and then judge. Etisalat is a cautionary tale” a reader identified as ‘Ned’ writes while calling for caution among other readers over the proposed TSTV launch.

 

TSTV which stands for Telcom Satellite TV, has since expressed battle ready to wrestle market share from DSTV. It is coming prepared with “Pay-As-You-Consume” plan which every other operator said was not possible in Nigeria before now.

 

“Pay-As-You-Consume” plan already praised for its simplicity will allow subscribers of TSTV pay for only programmes watched.

 

DSTV, no doubt, has served Nigerians for a very long period of time. But, TSTV’s entrance is a test of strength and will prove if DSTV has been receptive to the yearnings of subscribers.

 

DSTV shows live English Premier League matches, which gave it mirage in the market over the years, TSTV has promised to deliver same too. You can also enjoy Live La Liga and Champions League matches on TSTV.

 

TSTV is partnering Europe-based television station, ABS Global, to launch into the Nigerian Broadcasting Service a Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite TV from October 1, 2017, with a message centered on ‘Buy Naija and Grow the Naira’ and pay as you use (PAYU) subscription plan.

 

When fully launched, the pay TV satellite would cover all sub-Saharan African countries and would provide over 200 TV channels to their audience.

 

According to reader- Peter Fisher, TSTV’s challenge is welcome in the market. Here are his reasons: “DSTV suffers from the same problem most South African entities do in Nigeria. They think they had brought Water to a desert and that they would able to determine and control the market.

 

“MTN came in and said per second billing was not possible (they were billing per minute in the early days), until GLO entered the market with per second billing. Nigeria (& Nigerians for that matter) is a different ball game from the rest of Africa. We are amongst the most intelligent and capable people on this planet. DSTV thought that this land would be theirs to plunder for eternity. Nigerians will never allow that…. there have been complaints about DSTV for years. Their response has been to increase prices.

 

“Their refusal to trade-in decoders when upgrading has been a long standing problem. They do not understand that if embrace the needs of the people in Nigeria, no one will bother you, but if you do not, someone will come along who will, and they will be Nigerian!!!

 

But, ‘Mao1’ would blame perceived problems in the market on those in the collider or powers for their failure to protect indigenous players through policy making. “The biggest problem we have in Nigeria is self interest of those in government.

 

“There is a lack of understanding that any foreign entrants into our markets are not doing us any favours. The South African economy was near saturation and had nowhere to grow before entering Nigeria. They need us more than we need them!!! We then let them in, with no holds barred, and let them do what they like without any restriction, not understanding that South Africans are amongst the more corrupt businessmen in Africa.

 

“For example, Shoprite in South Africa only exists in the lower class areas (our equivalent would be in Ajegunle and the like). Shoprite is on the lowest rung of the retail ladder in SA (the top of that ladder includes ‘Game’, Checkers). Shoprite tried to enter Kenya. They were soundly beaten out by a local competitor called ‘Nakumat’, and they had to leave….)

 

“Unfortunately self interest just keeps killing our potential. How much is enough for these people, who seem not to understand, that if they create the right enabling environment in Nigeria, all (including them) will benefit greatly, and Nigeria will rise to significance globally,” Mao1 said.

 

‘Ned’ believes that “while the new TV will give DSTV some competition,” however, “ it will be a far cry from real quality and contractual deals reached over period for DSTV to broadcast certain programmes. I was bullish on HiTV and a number of other channels. I was also bullish on Etislat but a friend who was in Airtel told me to give it time. Glo made MTN up its game but has not dethroned it”.

 

Peter Fisher nods in agreement, adding that “There is one thing that foreign entities in business in Nigeria have, that we are yet to learn…. That is what it takes to grow and ensure the longevity of their product(s). One has to take a wait and see stance with TSTV… DSTV have not spread across Africa because there was no one there… They know how to deliver their products to market. Complacency is their crime… thinking that no one else in Africa could do this.

 

“I have looked at TSTV’s list of channels, and there is not much to tempt me personally, but it is early days. If their presence does nothing more, than get a better deal for the existing consumer-base in Nigeria (with the pay-as u-use service), that in itself may be considered an achievement. GOTV and AfricaMagic consumers seem to be their primary target for now on the cable TV side…

 

“But if TSTV up their data capacity offering to say 100Gb+ monthly with the bundled Cable/Data service, this maybe where they will have a winner, giving SMILE, & SWIFT a run for their money as well… Internet-based offerings from NETFlix and other similar services could make up the difference to what TSTV maybe lacking. But for this to happen, 20Gb monthly is nowhere near enough…”

 

For Tajudeen Adigun, it is let the ‘party’ begin. “That is great! Can not wait any longer to get rid of DSTV! But I hope TSTV will not go the way of HITV”, Adigun writes.

 

Emeka Okereke even perceived the new entrants as would be the best to happen in the market at the moment. “This will be one of the best things that is happening to Dstv subscribers like me, who have been complaining of price hikes by Dstv at will. Thank God! Let Oct come! I will be the first to migrate; wishing TSTV a very successful entry into Nigerian market. Just maintain quality service/price, friendly strategy as you have said and you have the market. God bless you!”

 

Franco Byoma is among those excited about the news- “Absolutely fabulous, after 20+ years we have a new entrant champion TStv. Good bye DStv”

 

But ‘ned has a message for Franco Byoma. He relied thus, “Too early to celebrate I must tell you! Wait a bit until it starts operations and then judge. Etisalat is a cautionary tale”.

 

Meanwhile, Bright Echefu, managing director of TSTV, during the signing of the multi-transponder agreement with their ABS partner disclosed that their services would offer viewers the experience of HD and SD video, internet services, broadband, TV and radio at a very affordable rate.

 

According to him, “what makes the project unique is that it would start with 100 channels of local, regional and international in Yoruba, Igbo Hausa, Ghanaian, Sierra Leonean, Liberian Languages among others. It would also provide news, entertainment, education content”.

 

Highlighting on the technology, Echefu said that the station is based on the HBB TV tech, which is a combination of satellite and internet service for TV service.

 

TSTv will run on 4.5g network every subscriber will get 20G of data for N3,000 monthly, the data can also be used for video calls conferences with camera and wifi.

 

Certainly, Nigerians are anxiously waiting for October 1, 2017, the due date for TSTV launch. It could be a big bang in the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Jumia Nigeria kicks off Tech Week 2024

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Jumia, the leading pan-African e-commerce platform, has commenced its annual ‘Tech Week’ campaign, offering exciting deals and the latest gadgets to help Nigerians elevate their tech experience.

This year’s theme “Upgrade Your Experience” focuses on empowering consumers to embrace the transformative power of technology. The campaign running from March 18th to March 31st, 2024, provides millions of consumers with the opportunity to snag amazing deals on a wide range of tech essentials, from cutting-edge smartphones and laptops to top-of-the-line home appliances and entertainment systems. Partnering with top brands like Infinix, Tecno, Xiaomi, Oraimo, Binatone, Haier Thermocool, Sun King and Itel, Jumia ensures a diverse selection of high-quality products across different categories.

“We’re thrilled to present Jumia Tech Week 2024, a platform to bridge the digital gap and empower Nigerians with the latest technology. With the continuous rise in smartphone adoption and internet penetration in the country, the demand for accessible tech is stronger than ever. Through strategic partnerships with top international and local brands, we aim to make tech upgrades a reality for all. During this campaign, consumers will have access to a wide range of high-quality tech products at the best prices,” said Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.

Commenting on the partnership with Jumia for Tech Week, Oluwayemisi Ode, Integrated Marketing Communications & PR Manager, Infinix Nigeria, said “Infinix is thrilled to once again partner with Jumia for Tech Week 2024. Our partnership with Jumia exemplifies our commitment to providing customers with access to cutting-edge smart mobile devices at best value.

“Jumia’s reach as Africa’s leading e-commerce platform provides the perfect platform to showcase Infinix’s cutting-edge smartphones, and accessories to a wider audience. This year, we’re particularly excited to offer Tech Week shoppers exclusive deals on our latest devices, making it the perfect opportunity for consumers to upgrade at the best prices.

With over 103 million internet users reported at the start of 2024, Nigeria continues to witness a surge in internet penetration, exceeding 45%. Smartphone adoption is also on the rise, highlighting the growing appetite for technology amongst Nigerians. Jumia Tech Week caters to this evolving landscape, providing a platform for seamless access to the latest tech essentials.

Beyond just amazing deals, Jumia Tech Week offers exclusive flash sales with further discounts on select products, exciting giveaways and contests throughout the campaign, as well as a seamless online shopping experience with secure payment and pay-on-delivery option.


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NBC Approves First Children’s TV in Nigeria

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National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has granted a license to Idowu Sowunmi,  former editorial member of ThisDay Newspapers, to operate Nigeria’s first-ever children’s television station.

NBC Approves First Children’s TV in Nigeria

The new station, which will be sited in Lagos State, is expected to cater specifically to the entertainment and educational needs of the country’s population of young citizens. Programming will include a range of locally-produced and international content, including cartoons, educational shows, and live-action series.

Sowunmi said his company, Three Tees Entertainment Limited, was committed to providing high-quality, age-appropriate content that promotes learning, creativity and positive values.

The launch of the station will mark a milestone in Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape, and is expected to have impacts on the lives of children across the country.

Speaking further, Sowunmi, who is the company’s chairman said: “We are honoured to pioneer this initiative. We are dedicated to creating a platform that inspires, educates, and entertains Nigeria’s future leaders. We’re also coming up with the first children’s radio as soon as we secure the necessary approval.

“Available demographic records indicate that children aged 0 to 14 years account for more than 44 percent of Nigeria’s total population, that’s about 100 million. Our focus is to give this huge population a voice, a veritable platform to express themselves, and make meaningful contributions towards overall societal development.”

 


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The AMVCA Creates Positive Impacts on Brand Image, Says Sponsors

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The much-anticipated announcement for the milestone edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the MultiChoice Studios, Ilupeju.

AMVCA

The event highlighted the positive impact of the awards show over the years and marked the announcement of new developments to the upcoming 10th edition.

The African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has become the standard for recognising excellence in the African film industry. Through the years, the AMVCAs has invested N9 billion in award events, training and logistics, and created over 27,000 long and short-term jobs. The awards have also honoured over 300 African film and TV industry professionals in front and behind the camera.

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has a track record of successful collaborations with both new and existing sponsors, which have proven to be mutually beneficial. One of the most loved malt drink brands, Amstel Malta, is once again the headline sponsor of the awards ceremony, while Pepsi is also returning as a sponsor.

“In partnership with our sponsors, Amstel, Pepsi, Promasidor, and Martell, we call on Africa to join in this celebration, as we begin with the announcement of final nominees in each category, live across all Africa Magic channels, on March 24 at 8 pm.

“The voting portal will open immediately after the announcement,” Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said.

Francis Obiajulu, the Senior Brand Manager at Amstel Malta, explained that their headline sponsorship has continued for nine years due to the significant and noticeable positive impact the sponsorship has had on the brand image, brand health, and equity growth.

Segun Ogunleye, the General Manager of Marketing for Seven-Up Bottling Company, reiterated AMVCA’s impact on connecting brands with consumers on a deeper level. Ogunleye explained that in a market where everyone is offering the same thing, the only thing that can set you apart is having an emotional connection with your audience.

Other sponsors of the 10th AMVCAs include TECNO, Verve, QuickTeller, Tiger Beer, MTN, and Indomie. The AMVCA 10th edition will run for two days, starting on May 10 with the Young Filmmakers and Content Creators event in the morning, followed by the Cultural Day and Opening Night celebration in the evening. The Main Awards Ceremony unfolds on the night of May 11, 2024.


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