Set-Top Box Manufacturers Slam NBC’s Satellite DSO Plan As ‘Incoherent, Unfair,’ Demand Presidential Intervention

The Association of Set Top Box Manufacturers of Nigeria (STBMAN) has issued a harsh criticism of the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) recently announced satellite-driven Digital Switch Over (DSO) initiative, dubbed “The Big Picture.”

In a press release issued by the Chairman, Sir Godfrey N. Ohuabunwa, the association accused the NBC of “incoherent and unfair practices” and a disregard for key stakeholders, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene immediately.

The criticism stems from a joint press release issued by the Directors General of the NBC and NIGCOMSAT, which praised the satellite-based approach as the future of digital broadcasting in Nigeria.

However, STBMAN claims that the NBC has repeatedly ignored local manufacturers’ expertise and significant financial investments in the DSO project.

“It is becoming routine for the Commission to embark on a course without even considering key stakeholders in the DSO ecosystem,” said Sir Ohuabunwa in the release.

He emphasised that STBMAN, which represents technology-driven businesses, is not opposed to technological advancements, but rather emphasises the importance of a fair and transparent process that recognises the contributions and existing commitments of local manufacturers.

STBMAN highlighted several key points of contention, including the rejection of NIGCOMSAT’s signal transmission.

The association stated that NIGCOMSAT had previously offered signal transmission and coverage solutions to reduce the high costs associated with signal distributors, but the NBC had flatly refused to consider the offer. They argue that the sudden embrace of NIGCOMSAT raises serious concerns.

The NBC’s promise to engage local manufacturers to produce hybrid-compliant reception devices “yearly” was met with scepticism, just as STBMAN claims that no such engagement has occurred with the 13 licensed STB manufacturers who have already invested heavily in producing DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) boxes based on NBC specifications.

The association expressed concern that its members have been left with large inventories of unsold DTT boxes for nearly a decade as a result of the NBC’s failure to meet its obligations.

They argue that a responsible government body would work with existing manufacturers to find a mutually acceptable solution that took into account both financial investments and technological advancements.

STBMAN thus reminded the public of its ongoing legal action against the NBC, which seeks to prevent the licensing of new STB manufacturers, claiming that such a move would jeopardise the exclusivity granted to pioneer manufacturers.

The association accuses NBC of “contempt” for proceeding with the new satellite DSO plan while the court case is still pending.

Sir Ohuabunwa emphasised that the “DigiTeam”‘s initial decision to choose DTT over DTH (Direct-to-Home) was based on affordability for the majority of Nigerian television viewers. He argued that the shift to a satellite-based system may contradict this initial rationale and ignore the existing infrastructure and expertise in the local manufacturing sector.

“For nearly ten years, members of STBMAN have been left with scores of boxes in their warehouses that they cannot sell due to NBC’s failure to meet its obligations,” Sir Ohuabunwa claimed.

The association issued a direct appeal to President Tinubu to intervene and halt what it sees as a “dangerous trend” orchestrated by the NBC leadership.

They emphasised that government support for local industries is critical to economic growth, and that the NBC should encourage economic activity rather than stifle innovation and investment.

As of press time, NBC had not issued a formal response to STBMAN’s allegations. The controversy surrounding the new satellite DSO plan promises to complicate Nigeria’s already protracted and troubled digital transition.

The industry is waiting for a definitive response from both NBC and the President, as the future of digital broadcasting and the viability of local manufacturers hang in the balance.