Digital Inclusion Through Dvb-T2 Technology Enhances Access to Public Services by Delivering Affordable Digital Broadcasting, Improving Information Reach, Citizen Engagement, and Service Equity in Underserved Communities

Abstract

Olarewaju Peter Ayeoribe

Digital inclusion is central to contemporary public policy as governments seek to bridge digital divides and expand equitable access to information and public services. This study examines how Digital Video Broadcasting–Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) technology enhances digital inclusion by delivering affordable digital broadcasting that expands access to public services, especially in underserved and rural communities with limited internet connectivity. DVB-T2 is recognized for its significant data capacity and spectral efficiency improvements over earlier digital standards. Under typical conditions, DVB-T2 can achieve throughputs of ~40.2 Mbps over an 8 MHz channel compared with ~27 Mbps for DVB-T, enabling broader content delivery and more robust signal quality across large geographic areas. Globally, DVB-T and/or DVB-T2 systems have been adopted in over 147 countries, indicating widespread implementation of terrestrial digital television infrastructure that can be leveraged for public service broadcasting. In Africa, DVB-T2 is widely deployed, including in Nigeria where digital terrestrial coverage has reached approximately 75% of the population as part of the transition from analog to digital broadcasting. Such coverage ensures that critical information—health advisories, educational content, civic notifications, and emergency alerts—is delivered inclusively, overcoming barriers posed by limited broadband access. DVB-T2’s enhanced spectral efficiency, forward error correction (LDPC/BCH), and advanced modulation schemes not only improve signal reliability but also support additional public-oriented services without requiring extensive infrastructure investment. This study situates DVB-T2 within a conceptual framework that links technological capability with institutional goals for participatory governance, information equity, and social inclusion. The findings suggest that adopting DVB-T2 within national digital inclusion strategies can significantly improve public service access, citizen engagement, and institutional transparency.

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