Broadcasting
Angst over Poor Services Offered by FreeTV
Subscribers to FreeTV, recently launched in Lagos as the country’s official Free-To-View digital terrestrial television (DTT), have expressed disappointment over poor reception, total lack of it and lean channel offerings among others.
The service was launched in Lagos on April 30 by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information, as part of the national digital switchover (DSO) programme.
According to New Telegraph, but two weeks after launch, subscribers have been venting their anger on FreeTV’s official Facebook page.
Reginald Iyama, a Facebook user who has bought the decoder, wrote that his decoder has not been activated six days after purchase. “FreeTV is gone too soon. I have been trying to activate for over six days now,” he wrote.
Omekele Onogwu Matthew, another user, detailed his experience as: “Activation problem, subscription problem, refresh problem. For all of these, you must pass through their top dealers, who will demand commission.”
It is the same for Ehibor Loveday, who stated: “You can’t activate, you can’t subscribe, you can’t refresh. What a useless FreeTV. I have it (the decoder) in the dustbin. This is Nigeria where nothing works.”
Osho Abiodun said he bought 10 decoders from a dealer in Lagos and has been unable to activate any, the reason he demanded a refund.
“I bought 10 decoders from one of your distributors in Lagos and all are not working. The dealer can’t activate the decoders. Now, I don’t want to have any issue with FreeTV as from today and I want my money back,” he wrote.
For many others in the state, there is little information on where to buy decoders.
Tunde Niyi Abiodun, who resides in Ikorodu, wrote that the decoders are not available in the town. It is the same with Arix Oyekan, who asked where he can buy in Lagos, and Dorcas Adeleye, who wanted to know where to buy in Agege.
Subscribers also complained about is the refusal of FreeTV staff to respond to their enquiries on activation, subscription renewal and signal disappearance.
Mbanugo Steve, a discontented user, wrote: “Some of the questions I wanted to ask like the names of stations on offer, price and where to buy have been asked over an hour ago, but nobody is offering answers.”
When a call was put through 0703887277, the number listed as FreeTV’s on its Facebook page, the call was a female, who said she is a staff of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Abuja. She said the decoder costs between N12,000 and N13,000, with subscribers expected to pay a yearly digital access fee of N1,500.
Those lucky with the signal complained of the limited number of channels on the platform, saying some of the channels they once watched have since disappeared, with no explanation offered.
Egwim Mamba Chris, who said he rescanned his decoder many times, wrote: “Children need a particular station dedicated to cartoons, so they too can enjoy FreeTV. Also, what happened to stations like Core TV, One Music etc…They have stopped showing for long.”
The experiences are not exclusive to Lagos, where the service has just been launched, but have been endured by residents of states where FreeTV was launched between 2016 and 2017.
In a post made two years ago, one Oluwatoyin Afolashade, who did not give her city of residence, complained that her decoder was inactive for six months.
“Our FreeTV stopped working six months ago. When I click on factory reset, it detects channels but still says no signal though the green light is on,” she wrote.
Also, Lorenzo Nathan, who is based in Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory, said he got a FreeTV decoder a few years ago, but has not enjoyed it.
New Telegraph
Broadcasting
House of Reps Calls for N500bn Recapitalization of DisCos
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.
The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.
Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.
He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.
Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.
The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.
The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.
The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.
Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.
Broadcasting
Chinenye Anuforo of The Sun Newspaper Honored for Excellence in ICT Journalism
Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist from The Sun Newspaper, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to ICT journalism in Nigeria.
Last week, she received the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that highlight the complexities and potential of the ICT sector.
“Chinenye’s dedication to her craft is evident in her insightful analysis and engaging storytelling,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the ATAEx Awards.
“Her work has consistently illuminated the significant impact of technology on society, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”
The accolades continued as Anuforo was named the ICT Reporter of the Year at the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) just a week later.
This prestigious award further cements her status as a leading voice in the ICT industry.
Mr. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, who presented the award, praised Anuforo’s role in shaping public discourse on ICT issues.
“Her reports have not only informed but also inspired, making her a true champion of digital innovation,” he said.
Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive these awards.
“I am grateful to my editors at The Sun Newspapers for their unwavering support and to the organizers of the ATAEx Awards and Africa Digital Awards for recognizing my work.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector in Nigeria through journalism.”
Broadcasting
Flymate Travel Unveils Visadoc App to Enhance Travel Convenience
Flymate Travel Limited, a pioneering travel solutions provider, has launched Visadoc, a cutting-edge travel app designed to streamline and enhance user experiences worldwide.
Visadoc simplifies Travel and enhancing convenience by empowering travelers to manage their journey from visa applications to booking accommodations and flights. Key features include:
– Seamless Visa Application Process: Easy application, documentation, and biometric scheduling
– Personalized Travel Recommendations: Tailored suggestions based on individual preferences
– Secure Electronic Payments: Convenient fee payments
– Real-time Travel Updates: Flight statuses, weather conditions, and travel advisories
Gbenga Badmus, CEO of Flymate Travel Limited, speaking at the launch on wednesday, explained that Visadoc is designed to offer customized services to the end users.
According to him, “Visadoc is designed to offer customized services to the end users. With its help, applicants can apply with ease by doing it themselves end to end.
“By completing the documentation process and waiting for the biometric capturing invite. Without putting a physical face to the agent’s office”.
Visadoc is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. The app is designed to cater to a wide range of travelers, including families, individuals, and business professionals.
“Families, Individuals with their specific needs and preferences, are an essential target audience for travel brands. Family travelers look for visas to destinations and accommodations that cater to the interests and safety of their children. They prioritize family-friendly activities, spacious accommodations, and convenient amenities,” said Abdullahi Yusuf, Project Manager at Flymate Travel Limited.
The target markets for a public travel tracking app can include frequent travelers, commuters, tourists, and individuals who must obtain their visa.
Flymate Travel Limited is committed to leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience and provide exceptional customer service. By utilizing data and user feedback, the company will continue to refine and improve the app to meet the evolving needs of travelers.
For more information about Flymate Travel Limited Contact:
Gbenga Badmus (CEO/MD) – [email protected], 07044132787
Abdullahi Yusuf (Project Manager) – [email protected], 08160253848
Eseigbe Godwin (Software Engineer) – [email protected], 09057379300
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