With the recent contract signing between Media Concepts international (MCI) and the third largest Set Top Box (STB) manufacturer in the world, KAON media, to commence the construction of its manufacturing plant in Nigeria, in order to help the country achieve the set target date of June 17, 2017, for Digital Switchover, the Director General of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Emeka Mba has said that the entire value chain of broadcasting is changing due to the actualization of digital migration.
Mba said this at the contract signing in Lagos recently, and congratulated MCI and KAON for the wonderful faith in the country, saying; “This is a significant testament to what we have always envisioned. Sitting here today to witness the agreement signing, with the amount of money and resources put into this development shows the strong belief these companies have in Nigeria.”
He added that, “digital switchover is a monumental project that results in changes to existing technology. The entire value chain of broadcasting is changing and we believe that this is the digital future. It is not just about importing but local manufacturers are involved in the creation of technology to bring beneficial growth in our economy.”
Also speaking at the contract signing, Tope Agbeyo, Chairman/CEO, Media Concepts international said; “this is a very massive project that will change a lot of things in Nigerian broadcast because we are moving from one level of technology to a higher level in broadcasting. Digital migration is now a reality.”
“We are bringing in production into the country. This is the beginning of the beginning and testing is being done with the boxes to make sure that they meet international and ECOWAS standards and make sure that consumers get the best value for money,” he added.
The contract worth over $1 billion (N220 billion), is expected to be launched with a foundation laying ceremony by the end of next month and should commence full manufacturing operations by December 2016, which is the expected date for the completion of the manufacturing plant.
The Sales Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, KAON Media, Young Kang said that KAON will maintain global standards in the manufacture of Set Top Boxes that will support full HD signals and convert digital signals and make viewing of digital contents possible with analogue television and devices. Their aim, he explained, is not just to sell products but to grow Nigeria’s economy by getting products made for Nigerians by Nigerians.
“We are prepared to invest and transfer our technology to have limitless opportunities for digital migration in Nigeria,” he said.
MCI is one of the 13 licensed Set Top Box manufacturers in Nigeria and the first to pay its authorization fee of N50 million.
Jumoke Akiyode
