Enhancing the Pay-TV Industry through Technological Innovation
Enhancing the Pay-TV Industry through Technological Innovation
Since the federal government's decision to transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, GOtv Nigeria has been at the forefront of the Pay-TV industry's technological advancements in order to ensure the long-term viability of digital broadcasting, writes Emma Okonji.
After the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Radio Conference in 2006, which resulted in the Digital Plan for Region 1 of the ITU and the subsequent Geneva 2006 (GE-06) Agreement, Nigeria began its journey towards the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting in earnest in 2007.
The Pilot Program in Jos was launched on April 30, 2016, and the subsequent roll out in Abuja on December 22, 2016, and Lagos in May 2021, marked the beginning of the practical realization of the transition in Nigeria. Despite these interventions, pay-TV operators in Nigeria have been at the forefront of driving digital broadcasting forward through technological advancements and innovations. It is expected that the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting will result in numerous technological innovations in the areas of service delivery, content provision, and the infrastructure required to deliver digital services and content. When it comes to technological advancements in the pay-TV industry, where digital broadcasting is quickly becoming the norm, GOtv Nigeria is a leader in the field, thanks to its various self-service options and enhanced decoder functionality.
Benefits
There has been a great deal of discussion about the advantages of digital television broadcasting. In a recent report from the GSM Association (GSMA), the benefits of digital broadcasting over analogue broadcasting were discussed in detail.
The report discusses the benefits for the broadcasting industry, which include: an increase in the capacity of broadcast transmission networks by improving spectrum efficiency, which results in more data transmitted per unit bandwidth; an increase in the capacity of broadcast transmission networks by improving spectrum efficiency, which results in more data transmitted per unit bandwidth; and an increase in the capacity of broadcast transmission networks by improving spectrum efficiency. Better signal quality is provided, which increases the robustness of the system to interference and picture degradation. High Definition (HD) services and interactivity should be supported. a potential reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the transmission network; The use of single frequency networks (SFNs) rather than independent parallel networks, which are common in analogue broadcasting, is being implemented. According to the report, the adoption of digital television will almost certainly result in an increase in sales of television sets and digital video recorders, as well as positive upstream effects such as increased time spent watching television and increased demand for digital content as a result of the adoption of digital television.
The report stated that the benefits to consumers from digital switchover are widely recognized, occur relatively quickly, and are primarily driven by improvements in programming and quality. The report also stated that there are broader benefits to society from digital switchover, including the potential to use digital broadcasting to narrow the digital divide, reach unserved areas, and provide e-government services.
Other than outlining the procedures that must be followed for the transition to digital broadcasting and outlining the benefits and costs associated with this transition, the GSMA report also considered the role of government in the achievement of digital broadcasting. According to the report, the government's intervention and management would be required to expedite the digital switchover process and ensure its success. As the report points out, a market-led approach alone will not be sufficient to achieve universal coverage and timeframe objectives for switch-off, as sufficient, safeguarded funding from the government would lay the groundwork for long-term planning and would facilitate a smooth transition.
Self service
The GOtv self-service platform enables customers to manage their GOtv accounts online, including the ability to quickly clear error codes, pay or renew subscriptions, and upgrade packages, all without having to physically visit GOtv outlets or dealers. They are intended to improve the customer experience by providing customers with quick and easy avenues for resolving complaints while also allowing them to enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality entertainment with their families and friends.
My GOtv App, USSD Code *288#, Paga, Quickteller, ATM, Bank Apps, MultiChoice Outlets/Sabi Men, Toll-Free numbers 9mobile:09085330333, MTN:08139842260, Airtel:07080630900, Glo:08117930333, Glo:08117930333, Glo:08117930333 are some of the self-service options available.
Subscribers can use the MyGOtv app to clear error codes, check account balances, renew subscriptions, change packages, and update their personal information, reducing the need to physically visit GOtv outlets or dealers.
The toll-free customer service lines, which connect customers directly with GOtv customer service representatives via phone calls or through any of the GOtv social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as the company's website, are encouraged by MultiChoice.
Decoder functionality
In order to keep its customers informed and in control of their viewing experience, GOtv Nigeria implemented an Enhanced Decoder Notification (EDN) feature.
There are a number of icons that appear on screen that provide valuable information such as how many viewing days are left before a customer's next payment is due, the most recent special offers and discounts, as well as information on upcoming content, campaigns, and celebrations.
Customers can access this information by pressing the "okay" button on their remote control, followed by "messages" on the menu bar, and then using the arrow keys on their keyboard to scroll through the messages. Customers will experience fewer interruptions while viewing content thanks to the new EDN service.
Digital packages
In order to make digital broadcasting affordable to all Nigerians, regardless of their earnings and allowances, GOtv Nigeria has developed packages that provide access to digital broadcasting to every Nigerian citizen. GoTV Max, GoTV Jolli, GoTV Jinja, and GoTV Smallie are some of the packages available. The GOtv Max package, which costs N3,600 per month, is the most expensive of the GOtv packages available. The package includes all of the GOtv channels, which include documentaries, sports, shows for children, music, movie channels, and a plethora of other programming. There are a total of 75 channels to choose from.
This package, which costs N2,460 per month and includes 67 channels, is designed for customers who want a package that is comparable to the top-tier GOtv Max package but is not quite as extensive as that package. The difference in price between the two packages is negligible at best. Subscribers who are unable to afford the GOtv Max package will be offered the GOtv Jolli package, which is the next best alternative. N1,640 per month is the monthly subscription fee for the GOtv Jinja package, which is a mid-range package that sits between high-end channels and low-end channels. Despite the fact that it includes a sports channel as well as movie channels, the number of channels available is less than that of the GOtv Max and GOtv Jolli packages. The GOtv Smallie package, which costs N800 per month, is the most affordable that GOtv has to offer. It is the package that is designed for customers who only require the bare essentials and nothing more. The fact that this package is less expensive does not mean that GOtv has compromised on entertainment, as subscribers to this package have access to one sports channel, three movie channels, and a host of other channels.
Digital content
The main benefits of broadcast digitization that viewers can easily understand are the assurances of clearer pictures and sound, as well as the availability of more thematic channels to choose from, all at a lower cost. More than ever before, compelling digital content will be critical in determining who will watch what and when. Digital content developers in Nigeria are being pushed to be more innovative and effective in the delivery of digital content that will ensure the long-term viability of digital broadcasting in the country. GOtv and other pay-TV providers are at the top of their game when it comes to the creation of digital content for distribution across all of their channels.
