Rep Proposes Bill to Empower NBC to Set Tariffs for DStv, Others

A bill seeking to give the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the sole power to decide the tariff to be charged by cable television and direct to home (DTH) operators is now before the House of Representatives.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Unyime Idem (PDP-Akwa Ibom), amends Section 2(1) of the Principal Legislation to read that the NBC, will “regulate and review through its broadcasting codes, the tariff being charged by the Digital Satellite Television Services and other broadcasting outfits in Nigeria and subscription policy for subscribers”.

Section 2(2), states that: “The Commission, shall further oversee the operations of the operators in the industries in the following manners: guarantee openness and competition in the industry favourably for the participation of all and sundry; promote efficiency and expand opportunities for participation of local investors in the industry, without downplaying the active foreign investment, assist local operators in the industry to attain and compete favourably.

“Set and review the broadcasting code and operational policy inclusive of its pricing and charged tariff from time to time, to allow for flexible players in the industry, review the broadcasting rights of every Digital Satellite Broadcast industry from time to time, to create room for flexible practice in the industry, the commission shall have the reserved sold right, to oversee the implementation of this process, without any interference”.