Abuja - SES, the global satellite company, in cooperation with service provider,
Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) announced the launch of a new digital
television platform for West Africa.
This launch is on SES’s ASTRA 2F satellite at 28.2 degrees East.
This independent and neutral TV platform in Nigeria will be the country’s first
free-to-air (FTA) DTH digital TV platform and provide the opportunity for
broadcasters to reach millions of satellite homes in West Africa which are
pointing their dishes to 28.2 degrees East.
Besides providing additional growth opportunities for local and international
broadcasters, the platform could be used to quicken the pace of digital
migration.
The platform provides end-to-end contribution, ground and space services to
local, regional, national and international TV broadcasters across West Africa.
SES will be providing the space segment and specific ground services, while
CWG will be managing the teleport services as an SES partner teleport
operator, providing high operational standards.
The service will start in September 2014.
The 28.2 degrees East orbital position is SES's prime orbital position for West
Africa and its FTA reach is one of the highest in the region. Today, SES
already transmits 28 FTA channels at the 28.2 degrees East neighbourhood.
Austin Okere, Founder and CEO of CWG, said for years, the majority of
households in West Africa has been shut out of the digital broadcasting
experience.
"Together with SES, we are excited to enable broadcasters to deliver their
content cost-effectively, and in excellent technical quality to millions of
households across the region,” Okere said.
Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES, said broadcasting via
satellite provided better picture quality and a 100 percent coverage of even
the most remote areas and regions.
"The long-term partnership with CWG will open up new possibilities for local
and international broadcasters and allow them to drive digitalisation and reach
their audiences across West Africa quickly and cost-effectively,” Kayser said.
- CAJ News

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