Pinnacle, GatesAir Sign Agreement On Expanded Digital TV Switch Over

QUINCY –Pinnacle Communications, Nigeria’s leading digital broadcast technology company on Friday signed an agreement with a top American firm, GatesAir to continue the digital TV build-out across the nation.

The agreement and memorandum of understanding with GatesAir, which produces wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for radio and TV broadcasters, will allow the expansion of new digital TV services and the Digital Switch-Over initiative.

The expansion is expected to reach more than 50 million homes and 170 million residents. The licensed signal distributor for the DSO in Nigeria, Pinnacle Communications, brought a delegation to the GatesAir’s Quincy’s manufacturing facility in the US last Friday to see the next-generation product designs and readiness to complete Greenfield build-outs.

GatesAir and Pinnacle Communications relations began in 1998 with the launch of TV and FM radio systems across Nigeria.

Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Communications, Sir Lucky Omoluwa, highlighted his company’s long relationship with Gates-Air, especially the quality.

“Sometime in 2016, we had 12 weeks to deliver a station,” Omoluwa said. “All the transmitters were from here. We didn’t do any site testing. We just plugged them in, and they’re still on.” GatesAir CEO Bruce Swail said half of the products GatesAir produces are for international customers. “The broadcasting technology created and built here in Quincy has a huge transformative impact across the globe, and as a result, a lot of people around the world are grateful to Quincy.”

Gates Air’s managing director for the Europe/Middle East/Africa Region, Andy McClelland said the company has been on the digital path with Pinnacle for a short time but will be on it for years to come.

“A state-of-the-art, digital, terrestrial television platform being rolled out in the heart of Africa that can by the envy of not only Africa but of Europe,” McClelland said.

Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore told the group that he was proud to see GateAir’s partnerships around the globe. “They have the ability to deliver on very large programs with the upmost integrity,” Moore said. “With 97 years of history in our community, you have chosen the right partner to support your efforts of the digital switchover in Nigeria.”