NigComSat Debuts NextTV, a Satellite TV Provider that Could Be Cheaper than DStv
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Company, NigComSat, is finally developing a new offering directly beneficial for consumers. The Nigerian satellite company has officially unveiled NextTV, a new direct-to-home satellite TV platform in Nigeria.
NextTV is a joint venture operation led by NigComSat alongside two other media companies. These companies are Nigus International and China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC). The Nigerian satellite company is also partnering with three media solutions for telecommunication companies, OTT providers and PayTV operators and Mobile carriers.
“NigComSat previously launched a Satellite TV platform in 2017. Image source: AfricaNews.Space”
Nigus will serve as lead partner in NextTV. The company will help raise the needed funds, company operations as well as content marketing and licensing. On its part, NigComSat will provide transponders to NextTV in return for 15% stake in the company.
Why is NigComSat Developing A Direct To Home?
To be clear, this is not NigComSat’s first foray into the direct-to-home environment. Two years ago, the company launched a similar service and offered over 40 free channels to users.
But the move was quite lowkey back then and it was made even quieter by the hype around TSTV.
Now however, the satellite company is keen to make a bigger mark on the Nigerian communications scene. In a market dominated by expensive cable companies, NigComSat’s direct-to-home service could offer some competition.
Now, direct-to-home satellite is a very interesting way to enjoy access to television contents.
Presently, many Nigerians think the only way to enjoy satellite TV content is via cable companies like DStv and StarTimes. But direct-to-home viewing completely trumps all these and gives viewers, even in the most remote locations, a diversified bouquet of contents.
Importantly, direct-to-home cuts out the middle man, like Multichioce and Startimes. It grants users unfettered access to contents including free-to-air services and other selected contents. TV stations and content providers also get direct access to customers and can benefit more from subscription fees and greater advertising revenue.
Many folks, particularly those living upwards from Abuja in Nigeria get access to contents from various sources. These include Western contents, Indian and even Middle eastern content providers like MBC2.
NigComSat’s NextTV will reportedly include channels like MTV Base, Trace Africa, CCTV News, and the MBC channels. The provider already boasts of 140 channels presently and NigComSat is still looking to co-opt more local and international content providers into its ecosystem.
However, so far, there is no much talk about subscription costs. But if NextTV will make any dent in the market, it has to be very affordable.
