Assessment of Television Signal Reception Quality in Kano Metropolis Following Digital Switchover

Nigeria's transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting represents a major transformation in the country's broadcasting infrastructure, with significant implications for signal quality, channel capacity, and audience reach. This study assesses television signal reception quality in Kano metropolis, Kano State, North West Nigeria, following the completion of the digital switchover program. A field measurement study was conducted across forty residential, commercial, and institutional locations within the Kano metropolitan area. Signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate, and picture quality index were measured using a calibrated digital signal analyzer at each location. Structured questionnaires were also administered to 150 residents to assess perceived changes in reception quality since switchover. Results indicate that 71% of measurement locations recorded satisfactory digital signal levels, representing an improvement over pre-switchover analogue performance. However, 29% of locations, predominantly in peripheral wards and areas with dense building structures, experienced signal blockage, multipath interference, and intermittent reception failures. Receiver penetration was low, with only 44% of surveyed households possessing set-top boxes compatible with the digital standard. Financial barriers to set-top box acquisition were the primary cause of non-adoption. The study recommends subsidized set-top box distribution in low-income communities, deployment of gap-filler transmitters in signal-deficient zones, and a public awareness campaign to accelerate digital TV adoption. Keywords: digital switchover, television signal quality, Kano, DTT reception, broadcasting.