For the longest time, the big three media houses - KTN, NTV & citizen - have never competed on content. Their main marketing strength has always been that their signal is available 'countrywide' (a big lie by the way, as a wazuan in Mandera, or Lamu or Sololo will attest, but that's besides the point). This is what has enabled them to capture a big portion of the tv advertising market as only they had the financial muscle to invest in transmitters.

However, with the onset of digital tv, potential investors are freed of the need to invest in a nationwide network of transmitters as the digital signal providers, of which Signet is one - will do that. This has the net effect of making investment in tv broadcasting cheaper and hence threatening their oligopolistic tendencies and threatening their advertising revenue. Additionally, competition will no longer be hinged on 'nationwide signal availability' but will now shift to programming. We all know the kind of rubbish they've been feeding us on in terms of programs.

Mukiha, some clarification please. .....there will be no monthly charges whatsoever on these digital boxes, yes? Coz I saw this disinformation on the major channels.....

This situation is like Telcom Kenya insisting on people using telephone booths and opposing migration to mobile phones eti because telcom has invested heavily in landlines.

This whole digital migration has now crossed over to the realms of boring.
I first tasted digital signal [outside DSTV] in January 2010. The signals are very good and the content are good. With this you actually dont need the unholy trinity of KTN, NTV & CITIZEN with there boring soaps. Surprisingly they control the iron share of advertising so I understand their feeling threatened.

I have bought myself a very nice DVD. If they switch us off, I'll be watching videos until I make up my mind on which decoder to purchase.