Where is TSTV?

t:Telecom Satellite Nigeria Limited launched a pay-per-view TV —TSTV — on October 1. TSTV was launched with the hype of t:affordability and flexibility of payment, and also amidst euphoria by Nigerians, who saw the pay TV as an alternative to the industry leader, t:DSTV. However, since the celebratory launch of the Pay TV brand, Nigerians have been asking: “Where is t:TSTV”.

A day after launch, Nigerians went in search of TSTV decoders and found out that they were not available. The company explained that “operations would commence on November 1st”. The support for TSTV was defined as an extension of patriotism and in furtherance of promoting local brands. “Even if it takes till next year for the TSTV to be available, I will wait and get it”, wrote a twitter follower of TSTV.

On November 1st, the company reeled out apology that the decoders would not be available due to accreditation of dealers and operational logistics. t:Subscribers of TSTV were viewing a football match on t:BeIn Sports t:Channel on November 2nd when the screen froze. And a  message came up: “You are viewing Beln Sports content illegally via TSTV in Nigeria.” This corroborated an earlier leaked memo from BeIn Sports to TSTV, warning the pay t:TV not to proceed with t:illegal transmission of the international sports channel.

By November 3rd, TSTV has become a channel on ABS Satellite service. “Kindly track ABS 3 and you will receive TSTV on frequency 11052, free to air”, the company wrote on social media. The channel t:TSTV is, therefore, transmitting on ABS as free to air. This is a laughable development, considering the trust reposed in the company by both the government and the people of Nigeria.