No going back on June 2017 Digital Switchover deadline— Buhari

President Buhari made the promise yesterday at the Abuja Launch of Digital Switch Over, DSO, in broadcasting.

The President, who was represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the launch, said the Federal Government was also determined to ensure a seamless roll-out of the DSO in all the states of the federation because of the multiplier effect of the benefits.

He expressed optimism that the exercise would create jobs in the area of content and software development, provide the platform for film producers and musicians to release their productions directly to households, and substantially cut off piracy.

Given the significance of the DSO to the economy, Buhari said local industries were already experiencing a boost from the new vista in digital economy, with several indigenous companies now manufacturing set-top-boxes.

“Technology is transforming our lives and livelihoods daily in new and more dramatic ways. But perhaps more important are the doors opened by digital transition.

“The successful launch of the pilot scheme in Jos in April has clearly demonstrated the gains of Digital Switch Over.

“Let me restate for emphasis that this government is irreversibly committed to meeting the June 2017 deadline for the switchover in the West African sub-region and also to the roll-out of the DSO in all the states of the federation.

“The significance of the DSO cannot be lost on the world as the digital switchover becomes a reality in the capital city of Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation.

I am confident that DSO would liberalize access to digital broadcasting and increase the versatility of media information. interactive programming, two-way data exchanges, mobile reception of video, internet and multimedia data will open up