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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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Multichoice Nigeria Hikes Tariff, Second Time 5 Months

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Multichoice Nigeria, leading pay TV operator, has again increased the subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages by at least 25 per cent .

Multichoice Nigeria Hikes Tariff, Second Time 5 Months

ohn Ugbe,

Multichoice announced the increase in tarrifs in a message sent to subscribers on Wednesday and said that the new regime will be effective May 1.

The company stated this in the statement signed by John Ugbe, chief executive officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’

The pay-TV firm cited the rise in the cost of business operations as the rationale behind the price increase.

The company said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.

“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”

With the review, customers on the DStv Premium package will see their monthly subscription fee increase to N37,000 starting from May 1, marking a 25.4% rise from the current N29,500.

Also, price of the Compact+ bouquet has been raised to N25,000 from N19,800 per month, reflecting a 26.2% increment.

DStv has also announced that subscribers on its Compact bouquet will now pay N15,700, up from the current N12,500, representing a 25.6% increase.

Meanwhile, those on the Confam package will face a 25.6% hike as their monthly subscription rises to N9,300 from N7,400.

Under the new pricing structure, viewers on the DStv Yanga bouquet will be charged N5,100 for their monthly subscription, marking a 21.43% increase over the current N4,200 fee.

Multichoice has announced price increases across its GOtv packages. Customers on the Supa Plus package will now pay N15,700, marking a 25.6% rise from the current price of N12,500. Similarly, the Supa bouquet will see its price increase to N9,600 from the current N7,600.

For the GOtv Max subscription, the new price is N7,200, up from N5,700, while the Jolli package will now cost N4,850, compared to the current price of N3,950. Multichoice has also adjusted the price of its lowest GOtv package, Jinja, which will now be N3,300 monthly instead of the current N2,700.

 

 

 


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Alleged $500m wasteful investments: I stand by my words, Heineken Lokpobiri dares Wabote

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Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon Minister Of State For Petroleum Resources have reiterated that he stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, that NCDMB wasted over $500 million of the industry’s fund in equity investments in private establishments and in loans that are now non-performing.

The minster while reacting to recent media statement by SIMBI Wabote, former executive secretary to the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board, NCDMB, dismissed as blatant lies from the pit of hell, claims that his office requested for increase on NCDMB budget by N30 billion for the office of the Minister.

In a statement signed by the Nneamaka Okafor ,SA Media and Communication, Minister Of State For Petroleum Resources(Oil),the minister noted that ‘’Our position is that he who alleges must prove same. So, if Mr. Wabote has proof of such conversation, he is challenged to provide same.

‘’Secondly the Minister has no aide called Blackson. All his aides were duly selected in line with extant laws and have documents to that effect.

According to the statement ‘’The Minister in his capacity as chairman of the Governing Council stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, and as journalists I welcome you to visit the places mentioned to verify the allegations for yourself.

‘’Thirdly, the said Atlantic Refinery was supposed to be built in Mr Wabote’s home town, he should show Nigerians where that refinery is.

‘’Fourthly, the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical company was also paid for, you are welcomed to also visit the site to verify the facts for yourself.

The statement noted that Investigations are ongoing and the truth will surely come to light and monies belonging to the generality of Nigerians will be recovered for Nigerians.

‘’Let me add that these revelations are not new, they were first made during an investigative hearing of the House of representative committee on local content. Again the records are there and you are welcome to verify these facts.

‘’The Minister has never been part of any budgeting process of any parastatal under the Ministry, you are welcomed to visit these agencies to verify for yourself.

‘’Finally, the Minister’s office is run with a budget superintended by the permanent secretary and so one will wonder, how the Minister will ask another entity to make provisions for the budget of his Office. The Minister has an impeccable record from his time as Minister of Agric and will continue to stand for the truth.

The Minister and Indeed the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NCDMB will not abdicate his responsibility to please anyone. He has a responsibility to ensure that, that which belongs to Nigerians is judiciously used for Nigerians

‘’I have had course to read Mr Wabote’s release and every one can see that he is still nursing the wounds of being replaced even after spending seven years at the Board. At best, this is a clear case of when you fight corruption, corruption will fight back.

It would be recalled that the Minister at at an event in vowed to recoup alleged investments worth over $500m made by the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB).

However, The erstwhile Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr.Simbi Wabote had earlier debunked the Minister’s statement describing it as reckless.

Wabote challenged the Minister to visit the sites of the projects the agency invested in while accusing the Minister of playing politics.

“The HMSPR-Oil is implored to visit the construction sites to avail himself of facts on ground. He should also check the MPR archives of the strategic plan to diversify oil and gas development clusters in the Niger Delta using Bonny Island, Brass Island, Onne, Ogidigben, Ibom, etc. Perhaps, this will cure his aversion to any developmental initiative in Brass Island and the Niger Delta in general.” Wabote said.


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Techy Accountants in partnership with ACCA Host AccounTech Summit to Empower Finance Professionals

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The AccounTech Summit, hosted by The Techy Accountant in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), is a groundbreaking event designed to navigate the evolving landscape of the finance industry in the digital era.

Techy accountant

Recognizing the critical need for finance professionals to adapt to technological advancements and emerging trends, this summit is a driving force for innovation, transformation, and progress.

The event is set to take place as follows:

Date: August 15th, 2024,

Location: Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos, Victoria Island, Nigeria.

Time: 9:00 A.M

The summit aims to celebrate achievements in the finance sector, support entrepreneurship ventures, and enlighten participants on industry challenges and opportunities. With a focus on bridging the employability gap and promoting high-quality skill development in finance, the summit aims to address the evolving landscape of the industry in the digital age.

Over the past six years, The Techy Accountant has graduated over 1000 finance professionals and trained more than 5000 individuals worldwide.

Event Highlights

The one-day event will bring together over 200 attendees, including finance professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and Techies.

Attendees can expect a day of immersive learning and collaboration, culminating in an award and grant ceremony. Event Highlights include keynote sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all centred around the theme “Emerging Tech in Accounting & Finance – A Game Changer.”

Commenting on the summit, Mrs. Toyin Olufon, Founder of The Techy Accountant stated, “We believe in equipping finance professionals with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing industry”.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mopelola Jatto, CFA, Regional Head, ACCA Nigeria remarked, “Partnering with The Techy Accountant underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and driving excellence in the finance profession. Together, we aim to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the digital age.”

TO REGISTER, VISIT: https://thetechyaccountant.org/event/the-techy-accountants-account-tech-summit-2024


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