In a significant move that promises to enhance broadcasting across Namibia, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is set to transition from its traditional Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) system to a cutting-edge Direct to Home (DTH) satellite broadcasting model. This strategic shift comes as a result of a tripartite agreement involving NBC, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, and Intelsat Ventures, marking a transformative step for the country’s media landscape.
The motivation behind this transition is clear: enhancing the quality and reach of NBC’s television and radio services. Currently, NBC employs a C-band terrestrial broadcast system, which has served the continent well over the past few decades, especially in rural regions where access to media has been vital. However, this technology is becoming outdated. As mobile networks proliferate, issues of signal interference have become prevalent, not to mention the bulky equipment that terrestrial broadcasting entails. Acknowledging these challenges, NBC’s Director General, Stanley Similo, expressed optimism about the transition, stating, “We aim to enhance our service delivery significantly. While we still had a reliable signal, our coverage was limited to only 74.5% for television and 78% for radio across Namibia.”
With the transition to a Ku-band satellite system, NBC aims to achieve a remarkable milestone: 100% nationwide coverage. This technology operates on higher frequencies, allowing for high-definition content and the ability to reach even the most remote communities with smaller, more practical satellite dishes. Similo emphasized the necessity of this upgrade, asserting, “DTH gives immediate 100% coverage across the whole country, a significant advancement for Namibia.”
The seven-year agreement with Intelsat Ventures, valued at N1 million, will facilitate this transition, with Intelsat providing the DTH transmission services. As Hans Geldenhuys, the Director of Intelsat Ventures, noted, this collaboration was years in the making, focused on broadening access to effective television for the Namibian populace.
Idi Itope, the CEO of the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, commended both NBC and Intelsat Ventures for their commitment to service delivery. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration aimed at benefiting citizens through enhanced media accessibility, reinforcing the importance of reliable broadcasting in contributing to societal well-being.
As Namibia embarks on this exciting new chapter in broadcasting, there is much anticipation and enthusiasm for the enhanced connectivity and entertainment opportunities that lie ahead. It’s a powerful reminder of the role technology plays in uniting communities and informing citizens, setting the stage for a more connected future.
Stay tuned for more updates on developments in broadcasting and media across Africa and beyond!
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