StarTimes Has Invested Over N20Bn in Nigeria - Bolaji

StarTimes NTA-Star TV Network Limited has avowed continued collaborations with the relevant government agencies for the Digital TV switchover In Nigeria, even as its investment in the country exceeds N20 billion.

Mr. Israel Bolaji, head, Public Relations and Communications of the Network in an extensive chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek said that they are committed to a smooth transition from analogue to digital broadcasting while enabling Nigerians to overcome entry barriers through affordability as Startimes equally showcases its premium channel offering and customer centered after sales services that will swiftly manage any challenges faced by the customers.

He said that as a platform for digital migration, they are ever committed to supporting Nigerians actualize the 2015 deadline by ensuring that Nigerians get the best of digital television at an affordable price.

And are poised to aid Nigeria migrate successfully from analogue to digital television transmission and revolutionize the digital broadcasting industry by providing quality digital TV experience that is enjoyable and accessible Digital television, Bolaji explained, implies a situation where viewers cannot get channels and signal transmission through the analogue television any longer.

“You will need to get a decoder also called Set-top-box then connect it to your analogue television and recharge the decoder to get transmission and view channels or stations. While some people have done this, there are still many people who have not. This nationwide camapign is supporting these unconnected people to get connected.

“The idea is that there exists a global mandate for nations to broadcast TV signal by digital transmission only. In effect, the regulatory body locally here is expected to switch off analogue and switch on digital broadcasting only. This is expected to happen in 2015 in Nigeria and other African countries. Other nations around the world are also doing the same with their respective set target dates and time lines,” he said.

On digital Tv overview in Nigeria, Bolaji, who has been involved with PR and communications campaigns of several blue-chip clients like Apple, Emirates Airlines, Cotecna switzerland, GlaxoSmithKline, Nestle, Intel Corporation, Nokia, Chevron, Microsoft, Hong Kong Trade delegations, FedEx Redstar Express and other global brands in Africa, said, “Since StarTimes established our business imprint in the Nigerian pay TV space in 2010, our clear mandate has been to revolutionize the industry which was hitherto characterized by a situation in which only a few rich people could afford digital television, to a whole new level where everyone can now have access and enjoy quality fully digitalized television experience.

“From the days of massive dish to handy stylish plug and play decoders. After the entrance of StarTimes into Nigeria, household no longer have to pay through their nose‎to watch television. This is clearly in tandem with our mission to enable every African and by extension; Nigerian households have access to, watch and enjoy digital television. And in the last five years we have committed fully to delighting Nigerians with good picture quality, clear signals, and acquisition of exciting local and international channels for every category and class of people in the society from the kids to teenagers, youth, sports lovers, movie lovers, music, fashion and lifestyle. We currently offer over 80 channels cutting across all these categories.

“Currently, we have a situation where we still have both analogue and Digital TV running together but that will soon change in 2015. What will happen is Nigerians will only be able to watch their favourite programs with their regular television plus a decoder or get a TV with integrated or inbuilt decoder.

“So, it is for the many who currently don’t own a decoder or a TV with integrated decoder to get it and for everyone to enjoy the full benefits of digital TV. The digital switch is a global mandate and not just a Nigerian issue and what is good for the whole world is good for us too in Nigeria but it involves huge resources for capacity building, infrastructure development, up to date equipment for digital broadcasting and signal transmission, acquiring decoders, educating the Nigerian public on the comparative advantages of digital over analogue.

“The Digital television migration is a Nigerian Government initiative resulting from the decision of the Regional Radio Conference of 2006 in Geneva, Switzerland (RRC-06) under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Nigeria, as a member of the ITU, is required to implement the resolution reached at the RRC-06 to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial TV broadcasting by 2015.

“The rest of the world is migrating to digital broadcasting and analogue broadcasting will not be protected from interference after 2015. The primary difference, and advantage, of digital broadcasting is the use of multiplex transmitters to allow reception of multiple channels on a single frequency range known as sub-channels. While analogue television requires a large amount of bandwidth to transmit sound and picture, digital signals require much less bandwidth and can therefore carry more content and provide better quality pictures and sound”.

Nigeria kicked off the transition from analogue to Digital Broadcasting with StarTimes flagging off and switching on digital transmission in June 2014 in Jos, Plateau State as a pilot phase but plans to switch off analogue and switch on digital transmission nationwide in 2015.

The process is driven by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) with other service providers and stakeholders and StarTimes is collaborating with government to make it a reality in Nigeria.

Over time, Bolaji said, StarTimes has invested heavily in Nigeria. According to Bolaji, holder of Masters degreein English from the University of Lagos and a Professional Diploma in Public Relations and Management, “StarTimes is poised through innovative marketing strategies to increase its market share and footprint in the Nigerian and African DTV market. Already, we are strong in 13 African countries and with plans to expand even more.

As part of the expansion drive, StarTimes has invested over NGN5 billion (US$31 million) in its operations in Nigeria with over 2 million subscribers. The value of our investment in Nigeria now stands at over NGN20 billion (US$124.2 million)”.

Recently, the Station unveiled ‘Nova’ bouquet, aimed at putting smile on everyone’s face.

On this, he said, “It is about happiness for all through refreshing entertainment. Our strategy for digital migration is continuous collaboration with government and others partners as well as unlocking opportunities through affordable pricing. As at date, Nova is the most affordable bouquet ever introduced in Nigeria and the best offer so far to truly make the digital television accessible to many.

"We are talking about paying only about N17 to watch over 15 exciting local and international channels… On plans for more channels he said, “Yes, we are planning to add more channels. It has never been this good and easy.

Nova is the latest bold move by StarTimes to enable more Nigerians conveniently switch over to and enjoy full digital television experience, and was launched recently ahead of the digital switch over deadline.

“Interestingly, d Nova is also coming at a time when StarTimes is also still giving out decoders for free upon subscription recharge.

The NOVA Bouquet Set was motivated by StarTimes observation that the cost of acquiring the decoders is a major factor to growing access; “we have therefore considered making it very affordable for them to acquire and access our digital television service. We have also strengthened our customer feedback and interactive points like the call centre and after sales support services to further bolster our offering”.

StarTimes was founded in 1988 with her headquarter in Beijing, and it is a Digital Television service provider that currently operates in 13 African countries where the company has adopted Digital TV technology establishing a powerful and secure multi-frequency and multi-channel digital wireless TV transmission platform.

StarTimes has combined satellite with terrestrial technology thereby facilitating the transmission of more than 100 local and international television channels covering news, sports, music, movies, TV series, religion, entertainment and documentaries all of which are available across the African operations.