To support Nigeria’s agenda to transit to digital transmission by June 2014, StarTimes Network, a cable station, offers 10 free channels to its subscribers in Plateau State. Irete Anetor, public relations manager, NTA-Star TV Network, explained that the Bouquet is an initiative by StarTimes to ensure that the residents have access to television viewership after Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, completes the process of the state’s digital switch-over in June.
“The bouquet allows subscribers’ access to 10 Free Channels for Life. As such, the initiative would grant them access to their favourite analogue channels after the digital switch over,” he said.
The free to air channels on the FreeViewing bouquet include NTA 24, NTA Jos, NTA Sports, PRTV, Silverbird, AIT, Channels, NTA Hausa, and ITV among others. Other bouquets available to subscribers of StarTimes are the Basic Bouquet, Classic bouquet and the Unique Bouquet, to which subscribers to this bouquet have access to more than 80+ digital channels of news, music, sports, cartoon, documentary, Nollywood, Hollywood and Bollywood movies and much more.
Anetor added that potential subscribers could benefit from the offer by purchasing the FreeViewing card. The card, according to him, cost N4,000, which covers StarTimes’ administrative fees.
“StarTimes’ mission to ensure that every home in Nigeria enjoys affordable digital entertainment is backed with its collaboration with NTA. The relationship is strategic partnerships that will help Nigeria actualise its 2015 digital transition deadline. It is leveraging on NTA’s platform to provide quality digital service to every home in Nigeria and is committed to making digital television accessible and affordable to all Nigerians on the latest technology in DTT operation,” he noted.
Although the FreeViewing bouquet is currently an offering for Jos, StarTimes spokesperson assured that it would be making it available and applicable to additional cities chosen by NBC as Nigeria progresses in its digital switch over process.
“Our vision is to help Nigeria migrate successfully from analogue to digital television transmission, revolutionise the digital broadcasting industry by providing a digital pay-tv service that is affordable and available to all Nigerians,” Anetor said.
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