We Must Sell Off The Nation’s Spectrum – Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu

The Federal Government will roll out Digital Switch Over (DSO) next month in Enugu and Osogbo in Osun as part of its efforts to transit broadcasting from analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television nationwide.

Mallam Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu disclosed this recently.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed also said that preparations for the launch in the two states were near conclusion.

Modibbo-Kawu also disclosed that the process of installation of equipment for the roll out in Gombe and Delta states were near conclusion and the launch would hold before the end of the first quarter of the year.

Speaking on the challenge of virtual coverage of the states and territory where the DSO had been launched, Kawu said that it was due to topography.

“Coverage is related to topography. Take an example of the FCT, it is a city of hills and undulating grounds.

“As I am talking to you, the signal distributor for Abuja has purchased feeder pillar transmitters which will be installed for the entire Abuja and environs to be covered.

“The same thing applies in Plateau. The signal distributor has to put feeder pillar transmitter in places like Langtang for the entire state to be covered, ” he said.

Also speaking at the retreat, Hon. Olusegun Odebunmi, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation and Values, reiterated the support of the National Assembly to a successful completion of DSO.

“The Government must give directive for the sale of spectrum which is the ready made funds for it and make part of the realised money available to bankroll the process

“The best and the only sure way to raise money is to sell off the nation’s spectrum.

“ The process requires huge investment and because it is Nigerians that will benefit from it, it is time for government to invest in its people.

“There should also be a plan for compensation to those people that are vacating the spectrum.

“Money from the spectrum will also be used to subsidise the purchase of Set-Top boxes for the masses.

“The government must have the political will to drive the process,” he said.