MTN begins pay-tv business in Nigeria today

South Africa’s telecommunications giant, MTN will begin pivot commercial operations in the country’s broadcasting industry as plans have been officially concluded to launch its digital pay-tv operations in Jos, Plateau state capital today.In a statement obtained yesterday MTN said it’s taking a bold step into the era of Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Media convergence in Nigeria with the planned digital television broadcasting service launch today.

Recall that over eight months ago MTN acquired a N34bn licence to provide digital pay television broadcasting services in Nigeria in what allegedly appeared to be a non- transparent deal.

Though the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) confirmed it approved for MTN Nigeria part of the country’s 700MHz broadcasting spectrum against the backdrop of allegations that it had sold the spectrum to MTN without recourse to transparency or the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) the telecommunications industry regulator that is empowered to sell such spectrum through a transparent auction.

Though NCC, had insisted  the spectrum in question must be returned to the commission as the rightful custodian taking the matter up with the National Frequency Management Commission (NFMC) but the NBC, however, claimed the microwave frequency is not a telecoms spectrum, but a broadcasting spectrum.

Admits the yet unresolved matter MTN Nigeria yesterday issued a statement that Nigerians will begin to experience convergence services as it will launch the first converged Digital TV and OTT-VOD service in the country.

According to Ferdi Moolman, CEO, MTN Nigeria in the statement, “MTN is committed to providing Nigerians with innovative digital platforms which will enhance the way we live, work and play.

“Once we commence full commercial activities, the TV service will deliver an exciting bouquet of rich local and international content to Nigerians. In addition, subscribers will have the freedom to watch their favourite programs when they choose to via MTN VOD service, rather than having to watch at a specific broadcast time. This will be the first fully converged broadcast and OTT-VOD service to launch in MTN.”

“Indeed, the launch of MTN TV is another bold demonstration of MTN’s abiding faith in the future of Nigeria, driving growth and development by enabling Nigerians keep pace with the latest global trends and converged solutions.”

Elaborating further, MTN Nigeria Executive, Lynda Saint-Nwafor said “MTN’s vision is to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world. We are committed to exploring opportunities and avenues to expand our digital footprint and value offering to our customers.  We are therefore constantly seeking appropriate channels to place the latest technologies and services in the hands of Nigerians, and this is one of such.”