Cable television providers in the country are in for fierce competition with the launch of Continental Satellite Limited (Consat), an indigenous satellite television provider which has vowed to entrench local content programming for over 160 million Nigerians who have been deprived of watching satellite TV because of the high cost of ownership.
Consat is leveraging on global and reliable technology platform from Eutelsat to launch its channel cutting-edge satellite service to herald digital experience for Nigerian subscribers at a time Nigeria is joining the rest of the world to migrate from analogue to digital television transmission starting this month.
Consat CEO, Mr Mayokun Okunola said they are focused on ensuring the growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry by delivering the best in Nigerian culture, news, music, entertainment and lifestyle to a worldwide audience. He said the aim is to be the platform of choice by providing over 10 free channels for local and international content. Consat offers MPEG4 digital compression technology broadcasting of over 55 channels with a view to reaching 100 channels in 2015.
Okunola said “Content is key to this industry. Our investment cannot be fully maximised if new providers are not able to air compelling and relevant content. It would be an unfair start. There is a prevalence of exclusivity that is steering this industry in the wrong direction. These issues need to be discussed by the stakeholders; regulators and other content providers in the industry so that we can find an amicable solution. We need a fair start.”
“Nigerians have come to expect diversity in terms of what they watch and listen to. We are a nation that attracts the attention of people around the world; content providers like us are expected to provide the best in information and entertainment content that showcases why Nigeria is so important to the world. CONSAT will definitely resonate with viewers, especially working professionals seeking international exposure,” Okunola stressed.
