As of this Friday, 17 February 2023, DTT is now a reality in Beninese homes.
On Friday 17 February 2022, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, officially launched Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). The event, held at the DTT site in Abomey-Calavi, was attended by the Special Adviser to the President of the Republic, Mr Johannes DAGNON; the President of ARCEP, Mr Flavien BACHABI; and the Prefects of the Atlantique and Littoral departments, Mr Jean-Claude CODJIA and Mr Alain Orounla.
This launch shows that Benin has honoured the commitment made under the International Telecommunication Union's GE06 international Agreement, while placing our country on the list of countries that have completed the digital transition of terrestrial television broadcasting. It is also the result of several years of hard work to ensure that Digital Terrestrial Television is effectively available to all, with high quality, in line with the vision of the Head of State, President Patrice TALON. Major investments by the State, amounting to several tens of billions, have made it possible to roll out a digital terrestrial broadcasting network across the entire territory, with quality superior to that of analogue.
WHAT IS DTT?
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is a technological development. It is based on the broadcasting of digital television signals through a network of terrestrial radio transmitters. It replaces analogue terrestrial television and reduces spectrum occupancy. Indeed, an analogue broadcasting channel that could carry a single TV channel is now enough for the digital broadcasting of more than ten channels.
WHY DTT?
The switch from analogue to digital broadcasting is a recommendation of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) that is binding on all member countries of the union.
DTT COVERAGE
The network comprises 29 sites in order to provide the widest possible national coverage. DTT is thus available to the population throughout the national territory.
HOW TO RECEIVE DTT
To receive more than 10 channels from the first free multiplex, all you need is a DTT reception kit that meets the technical specifications and includes: 1 decoder approved by the HAAC, 1 rake antenna and accessories. This kit can be purchased from distributors throughout the country.
NB: In accordance with Order No. 020MIC/MND/DC/SGM/CTJ/SA/029SGG20 capping the selling price of basic equipment for receiving Digital Terrestrial Television, the price of the decoder is capped at 10,000 CFA francs and that of the antenna at 6,000 or 8,000 CFA francs depending on the model.
WHAT CHANGES WITH DTT
The changes are of several kinds:
Organisational:
With the separation of roles, television channels stop broadcasting their own signal and become Audiovisual Service Publishers. They publish the audiovisual content to be broadcast. Broadcasting is handled by a broadcasting operator (see Law 2014-22 of 30 September 2014 on digital broadcasting in Benin)
Institutional:
a multiplex operator, Bénin Diffusion, has been created, together with an asset company, the Beninese Broadcasting Infrastructure Company (SBIR), which is responsible for operating and maintaining the infrastructure;
Technical:
Television channels which until now have had local coverage can, thanks to DTT, be received throughout the national territory,
Individual:
Consumers benefit from:
more channels,
better picture and sound quality,
access to interactive services such as the Electronic Programme Guide. Other services such as video on demand, online ordering and online shopping may be developed.
NEXT STEPS FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH
The next step is the activation of the remaining sites according to a clearly defined timetable that takes into account the distribution of reception kits.
CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
A free short number, 105, is available for any questions about DTT, as is a website, www.tnt.bj