In Benin, the digital television platform will be officially launched on Friday 17 February. A total of 16 channels including 5 public channels, 8 private channels and 3 foreign channels will start broadcasting nationwide with the launching of decoders.
The launching of digital terrestrial television is a significant technological advance in television broadcasting, based on the broadcasting of digital television signals through a network of terrestrial microwave transmitters. This evolution of the broadcasting and reception technique of television programs will reorganize the audiovisual landscape in Benin. In sum, 16 Beninese and foreign television channels will be received throughout the country. These are 5 public channels (ORTB, BB 24, ADO TV, A+Bénin, HEMICYCLE TV); 8 private channels (GOLFE TV, CANAL3 BENIN, E TELE, ÉDEN TV, TV CARREFOUR, IMANLE AFRICA TV, CANAL 2 STAR (ex LC2), AGRI TV); and 3 foreign channels (TV5, TIVI5 and FRANCE 24).
Furthermore, in order to have access to Benin’s digital terrestrial television package, Patrice Talon’s government has decided not to charge consumers for the subscription fee. “At the first multiplex, which will be launched on Friday, access is free,” assured the acting director general of the Beninese Broadcasting Infrastructure Company (SBIR) on Ortb on 15 February.
It should be noted that the launching of DTT in Benin is part of the digital agenda for the year 2023 presented by the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitisation, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou on 3 February. In 2023, Benin will see the implementation of the National Intelligence and Megadata Strategy (SNIAM), and the continuation of numerous projects such as the deployment of digital rooms and e-services, the regulatory framework, notably the digital code, the law on digital broadcasting, data protection, the extension of mobile sites and the pilot phase of 5G, she announced.
