Assessment of the Scope and Usage of Digital Dividend in Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020
Authors
Gbenga-Ilori, A.O.
Sanusi, O.I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ATBU Journal of Science, Technology and Education (JOSTE)
Abstract
The rapid pace of innovation in wireless technology has
placed increasing demand on the frequency spectrum in the
last decade. The evolution of digital television provided a way
of meeting this spectrum demand since a substantial part of
the television spectrum could be released for other services
after digital switchover. In this paper, we estimate the
spectrum savings possible from digital television switchover in
Nigeria. The paper shows that it is possible to save 168MHz as
digital dividend after the transition to digital television. The
paper also considers the country’s decision to use this
dividend for digital television and mobile broadband by
determining if this is the optimal choice for Nigeria based on
technical, economic and social constraints. Findings show
that, technically, the services can coexist if proper measures
are taken during the planning stage of the national digital
television network. Findings also show that both services have
huge economic and social value to the nation. The paper
recommends that social value take a higher priority over
economic value in a developing country like Nigeria to bridge
the existing digital divide. Finally, recommendations on a
feasible digital television migration framework for Nigeria
were made to the government and stakeholders.
Description
Keywords
Analogue television, Digital Television, Digital Dividend, Spectrum, Digital Switchover.