The Federal Government officially launched FreeTV today, June 17, 2026, a national digital television platform that gives Nigerian households free access to over 100 television channels with no monthly subscription fees . The initiative is part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over (DSO) programme and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritising digital inclusion and job creation .
What FreeTV Offers
FreeTV provides access to more than 100 national, regional, and state television channels covering diverse programming . These include news, sports, movies, music, educational content, children’s programmes, and dedicated Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo language channels . Over 57 channels are already live and accessible to Nigerians .
How to Get FreeTV
Nigerians do not need to purchase new television sets to access the platform . The service is accessible through three different methods:
1. FreeTV Mobile App (Instant Access)
The fastest way to start watching is to download the FreeTV mobile application from the Google Play Store . The app allows you to stream content directly on your smartphone or device without any additional hardware .
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2. Free-to-Air Satellite Decoder
For households with compatible free-to-air decoders, you may already be able to access FreeTV without additional equipment . The platform uses both satellite and terrestrial transmission to reach urban and rural communities .
To access FreeTV channels via satellite, position your dish to NigComSat at 42.5° East and input the following frequencies :
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Frequency: 12.685 GHz | Polarity: Vertical | Symbol Rate: 30 Msps
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Frequency: 12.730 GHz | Polarity: Horizontal | Symbol Rate: 26.249 Msps
Perform a blind scan or auto scan to discover available channels .
3. DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 Compatible Decoders
Existing television sets can function with compatible DVB-T2 (terrestrial) or DVB-S2 (satellite) decoders . Before purchasing any device, verify that it supports the DVB-T2 standard for Nigeria’s digital terrestrial broadcasting system .
How to Install and Set Up FreeTV
For the Mobile App:
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Visit the Google Play Store and search for “FreeTV”
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Download and install the FreeTV app
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Open the app and start browsing available channels instantly
For Satellite Decoder Setup:
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Purchase a Free-to-Air Decoder: Obtain a decoder that supports DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 reception and free-to-air channels
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Install Your Dish: Ensure proper installation and correct alignment for optimal signal quality
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Point the Dish to NigComSat: Position your dish to face NigComSat at 42.5° East
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Input Frequencies: Enter the frequencies above and perform a channel scan
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Save Channels: Organise discovered channels into favourites lists by category for easy navigation
Important Information
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No Monthly Subscription Required: FreeTV is completely free, unlike DSTV or GOtv which require recurring payments
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Data-Free Viewing: Unlike streaming services, FreeTV via satellite does not consume mobile data
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Analogue Switch-Off: Nigeria’s final analogue switch-off remains scheduled for December 31, 2028
For more information, visit www.freetv.ng, email dso@nbc.gov.ng, or call 07003887277