FG launches new satellite Pay TV

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The Federal Government launched a new satellite pay television in Abuja on Thursday, assuring Nigerians of value for money with the introduction of Silver Lake Television (SLTV).

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, unveiled SLTV at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, stressing its alignment with Nigerians’ expectations of reaping benefits from the nation’s economic potential.

Represented by Prof. Babatunde Bernard, his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Akume commended Metrodigital Limited, the operators of SLTV, for their patriotic initiative.

“In recent times, Nigerians have been yearning for alternatives to Satellite PayTV that can serve as an alternative to the existing ones.

“SLTV has responded very loudly and clearly, and from the information made available to me, they are willing to give their fellow compatriots real value for their money in terms of service quality and affordability.

“Nigeria is an opportunity that is impossible to replicate or find elsewhere in any part of the world. The Federal Government wishes to assure the management of SLTV of her full backing as they continue to do legitimate business in Nigeria’s broadcast industry.”

He expressed the growing demand among Nigerians for alternative Satellite PayTV options and lauded SLTV’s commitment to providing quality service at an affordable cost.

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Akume assured SLTV of the Federal Government’s support in their legitimate business endeavors within Nigeria’s broadcast industry.

Managing Director of Metrodigital Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwafor, acknowledged challenges hindering the growth of pay TV in Nigeria, particularly policies favoring monopoly.

“The pay-TV industry in Nigeria has not actually witnessed robust and accelerated growth since its inception, as has been witnessed in other places.

“The reason is the policies and legal frameworks that shape the practice and attitude of the industry participants.

Despite these obstacles, Nwafor highlighted the positive steps taken by the government to address the issues, expressing optimism about SLTV’s potential impact.

“This allowed the dominant players to introduce monopolistic practices that over the years prevented innovation and growth and led to poor quality of service delivery,” he observed.

He revealed that Nigerians could access SLTV’s package hosting 55 stations for a fee upwards of N2,500.

Dr. Charles Ebuebu, Director General and CEO of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), disclosed at the launch that the commission would consider calls from Nigerian pay satellite television subscribers for the introduction of pay-per-view options.

He clarified that existing contracts with content providers would be renegotiated to accommodate this model.

Ebuebu assured Nigerians that the commission was attentive to concerns about overpricing of content, citing ongoing reviews of policies and regulations to foster a competitive broadcasting ecosystem.

He emphasized the need for market forces to determine prices, ensuring fairness and preventing exploitation in the industry.