Signet was entrusted to distribute free-to-air signals countrywide. But to date, less than 10 districts; Kampala, Entebbe, Mukono, Kayunga, Kamuli, Jinja, Mpigi, and Wakiso in Uganda have reliable access to free-to-air signals.
On a sad note, in the last couple of weeks, many television stations have been switched off the Signet free-to-air platform, and only UBC was active. This alienated many Ugandans’ access to information since many homesteads can’t afford the available pay-TV platforms like Dstv, GoTv, Startimes etc.
Signet was born after a digital migration policy recommended that the national broadcaster; Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) be split into two segments; the content generation arm (UBC) and signal distribution arm (Signet).
In June 2015, Signet assured Ugandans that after connecting Kampala, Entebbe, Wakiso, and Mpigi, other more towns will be switched to digital television in the next two months – starting with Masindi, Mbale, Hoima, Masaka, Arua and Kisoro.
This was to be followed by other towns like; Kiboga, Jinja, Fort Portal, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, Ntungamo, Kabale, Lira, Gulu, and Soroti would also be switched to digital in August 2015.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)Â switched off analogue signals in Kampala and surrounding districts on June 17, 2015, to meet the deadline that was drawn by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Since signet has failed in its mandate to deliver free-to-air signals countrywide, private tv stations management should dump its deplorable services.
A new player with reliable distribution master plan should be licenced to offer free-to-air signal services to enable Ugandans have access to information through television broadcasting.
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