Cameroonians promised free TV channels

From Michael Ndi in Bamenda

A committee in charge of sensitizing the public on the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting system, the Cameroon Digital Television Project dubbed CAM-DTV has promised Cameroonians that they will enjoy free TV channels with the coming of the digital broadcasting system.

In a sensitization meeting at Ayaba hotel last week, CAM-DTV officials explained that the switchover will lead to an increase in the revenue of audiovisual operators due to the reduction of a number of charges especially those related to the operation of broadcasting sites and electricity consumption, including the emergence of new radio communication services operating on free frequency bands.

Besides, the population was told that the emerging of innovative services such as personal mobile television on demand, media audiovisual services and the improvement of image and sound quality will create job opportunities in broadcasting, production, legislation and dubbing specialties.

Stressing on the objectives of the sensitization campaign, the CAM-DTV facilitators said the purpose was to inform and sensitize the majority of stakeholders: government services, civil society, private sector, local authorities, and professionals, on the political, economic, technological, social and legal stakes of analogue to digital broadcasting switchover in Cameroon.

The on-going sensitization was provoked by order No. 122/CAB/PM of August 2012 to reorganize the national digital broadcasting switchover committee. Article II of the prime ministerial order sets up a committee called Cameroon Digital Television Project, CAM-DTV, charged with the follow-up and effective implementation of the digital television in Cameroon and sensitizing public opinion on the switchover.