DEPLOYMENT OF INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION (IPTV): HOW READY IS NIGERIA?

Over the last decade, the growth of satellite service, the rise of digital cable, and the birth of High Definition Television (HDTV) have all left their mark on the television landscape. Technology advancements in TV services have brought about some exciting developments in form of Internet Protocol (IP) Technology and broadband, which have created an emerging market called Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). Internet Protocol Television is a system where a digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection. It is a television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks. IPTV covers both line TV (multicasting) as well as stored video (Video on Demand VOD). The playback of IPTV requires either a personal computer or a set-top box connected to a TV. Internet protocol television IPTV has arrived, and backed by the deep pockets of the telecommunications industry, it is poised to offer more interactivity and bring serious competition to the business of selling TV. How prepared is Nigeria for deployment of Internet Protocol Television IPTV? This paper discusses the architectural characteristics of IPTV, requirements for effective deployment of IPTV network and how Nigeria will cope with the inevitable transition from Satellite dish and cable technology to Internet Protocol Television Technology. The authors are of the view that early transition preparations are inevitable to avoid future failures.