In the pre-social media era, television was the primary source of news and entertainment for Ugandans, influencing not only their information consumption but also the layout of their homes. College memories of acquiring a television set are still vivid for many, as it signified a significant milestone.

During those days, the possession of a TV set was a matter of pride. For me, as for many of my friends, investing my first Faculty allowance (referred to as ‘Boom’) in a 21-inch color TV marked a significant moment. With a basic outdoor antenna, one could access a variety of local and even some international channels without requiring a subscription, decoder, or satellite dish. All that was needed was a TV set, a power source, and an antenna.

TV broadcasters operated their transmitters and broadcast towers. Larger stations like UBC and WBS had a vast nationwide reach, while smaller stations like LTV and Sanyu TV had more localized coverage.

However, everything changed on June 17, 2015, when Uganda transitioned from analog to digital TV in compliance with international standards. The move was lauded by the Minister of ICT at the time, who expected numerous advantages such as the ‘digital dividend,’ fresh business opportunities, enhanced picture quality, and greater support for local content.

Did these benefits fully materialize? The ‘digital dividend’ did unlock frequency spectrum for telecom companies to use for LTE, but the potential for new business opportunities remains uncertain. While more TV stations have emerged, improvements in picture quality and local content have been less remarkable. This is largely due to all content now having to pass through TV channel aggregators like Signet, which has presented challenges in maintaining high quality.

The UBC Challenge

At the inception of the digital migration, UBC was designated as the sole signal distributor for the first five years, with plans to separate content and signal distribution services. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) supported this by funding and establishing at least 17 broadcast sites nationwide.

However, today, only the Kololo DTT transmission system in the greater Kampala area remains active, albeit grappling with aging equipment and sporadic power problems. The other 17 sites in different regions have been dormant for years. Consequently, for most Ugandans residing outside Kampala, watching TV necessitates paying a ‘subscription tax’ to pay-TV providers in South Africa and China, the dominant players in the industry. This, unfortunately, sidelines Ugandan content and culture, as local stations are only a minor part of larger pay-TV packages.

Is It Possible for Signet to Be Self-Sufficient?

In its current state, Signet faces challenges in achieving self-sustainability. While TV stations are expected to pay twelve million Ugandan shillings each month for carriage fees, their limited reach and other issues impede revenue generation. Compounding the problem is the incomplete separation of Signet and UBC, with funds originally intended for signal distribution now being diverted to settle UBC’s debts.

Even in Kampala, Signet’s equipment is outdated and unable to accommodate more than 49 licensed stations. It can only carry 36 stations with reduced picture quality. Furthermore, every time there’s a power outage in Kololo, channel numbers change, leading viewers to rescan for channels and endure buffering. Sometimes, the picture may appear without sound or not appear at all, necessitating late-night calls to restore the signal.

The Challenge of Hybrid License Fees for Free-to-Air.

Most TV stations in Uganda aim to serve the local audience, with international viewers reached through digital platforms. However, Signet’s limitations force TV station owners to acquire hybrid licenses to reach their intended audience. While a regular Free-to-Air license costs only 2700 USD, TV owners now must pay at least 46,000 USD annually for a hybrid license, which they don’t genuinely require but must obtain to be carried by pay-TV platforms.

This situation is exacerbated by pay-TV providers often not carrying Free-to-Air channels, despite earlier assurances from the Minister of ICT during the early stages of digital migration. Consequently, citizens end up paying for pay-TV subscriptions, even if their preferred channels are local ones that should be freely accessible. This leaves those with limited means without access to information that should be readily available via Free-to-Air TV.

The Role of Government in Supporting Signet

Access to information is vital for our nation’s development, with television serving as a primary medium for national programs, important announcements, and emergency alerts. As affordable TVs become more widespread and electricity access improves, television continues to shape Ugandan culture and lifestyle.

Hence, it is imperative for citizens to have unrestricted access to Free-to-Air TV. Last year, the parliamentary committee on ICT recommended that Signet be separated from UBC and receive funding of 17 billion Ugandan shillings to ensure its full functionality. Recent information suggests that funds have been allocated for this purpose in the budget. It’s crucial that Signet is empowered to provide TV services to citizens across the country. If direct government funding isn’t feasible, the UCC may consider utilizing the Rural Communication Fund for this purpose.

The writer is a media owner and the Vice Chairperson of NAB.