The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja launched a new satellite pay television in Abuja on Thursday.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, launched the indigenous Nigerian satellite television, Silver Lake Television, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Akume, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Babatunde Bernard, said the operators of SLTV, Metrodigital Limited, took a patriotic step in setting up the satellite television.
“In recent times, Nigerians have been yearning for alternatives to Satellite PayTV that can serve as an alternative to the existing ones.
“SLTV has responded very loudly and clearly, and from the information made available to me, they are willing to give their fellow compatriots real value for their money in terms of service quality and affordability.
“Nigeria is an opportunity that is impossible to replicate or find elsewhere in any part of the world. The Federal Government wishes to assure the management of SLTV of her full backing as they continue to do legitimate business in Nigeria’s broadcast industry.”
Speaking at the launching, Managing Director of Metrodigital Limited, Ifeanyi Nwafor, expressed regret that the growth of pay TV in Nigeria had been hindered by policies and legal frameworks that encouraged monopoly.
Nwafor, however, said his firm was encouraged to invest because the government had started to take positive steps to address the challenge.
On the price of when packages, he said Nigerians can pay upwards of N2,500 for its package hosting TV 55 stations.
Also present at the event was Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Charles Ebuebu.
Speaking to journalists, Ebuebu disclosed that the NBC would consider calls by Nigerian pay satellite television subscribers for the introduction of pay-per-view options.
He added that he would enter into renegotiation on contracts with content providers.
