Bright Echefu Launches LUFT TV After TSTV Setbacks
Bright Echefu, the founder of Telecom Satellites Limited (TSTV), has introduced a new Pay TV service called LUFT TV, years after TSTV’s struggles left many customers frustrated. The launch event took place in Abuja on Sunday, where Echefu promised that LUFT TV would deliver the best entertainment in Nigeria and across Africa. According to Echefu, LUFT TV’s satellite coverage already extends across West Africa, ensuring that people from different countries in the region can access the service.
Echefu emphasized that LUFT TV was built using cutting-edge technology, providing crystal-clear HD quality and the flexibility for users to watch on multiple devices. The subscription plan is designed to be affordable, positioning it as a more budget-friendly option compared to other Pay TV services. “LUFT TV is on your terms,” Echefu explained, “available anytime, anywhere.” This approach aims to make entertainment accessible while giving users more control over their viewing experience.
Despite the excitement surrounding LUFT TV, Echefu addressed the unresolved issue of TSTV, which has often been off the radar. He assured that TSTV was not dead and hinted that subscribers who were previously signed up with TSTV would soon be transitioned to LUFT TV. “TSTV is going to come back,” he said, adding that there was no need to worry about losing anything from their past subscriptions. This announcement was meant to reassure TSTV’s disappointed customers that they had not been forgotten.
Echefu also highlighted LUFT TV’s commitment to supporting local content, saying the platform would showcase Nigerian stories, from engaging dramas to memorable sports moments and music. He described LUFT TV as more than just a service, but as a movement meant to bring people together, inspire, and entertain. It’s clear that LUFT TV aims to focus on Nigerian values, showcasing the richness of the country’s culture and stories through its content.
The launch event saw support from various political figures, including the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule. He praised Echefu as a visionary individual with a great mind. Sule likened the growth of Pay TV to the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, where competition led to significant improvements, such as the shift from per-minute to per-second billing. He stressed that in challenging economic times, Pay TV should offer flexible payment options, allowing viewers to pay for what they watch.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also supported the new initiative, emphasizing the importance of offering affordable, high-quality options to Nigerians. He encouraged citizens to support LUFT TV, highlighting the need for platforms that provide value to customers at reasonable prices. Mutfwang’s comments reflected a broader appreciation for local initiatives that prioritize affordability and quality.
TSTV, which was launched in 2017, was initially seen as a challenger to Multichoice, the owner of DStv and GOtv. TSTV’s ambitious entry into the Nigerian Pay TV market raised hopes that it would break the monopoly in the industry. However, its service quickly faltered, with frequent interruptions and unsatisfactory customer support. After briefly resurfacing in 2020, TSTV again went silent in March of the following year, leaving many subscribers dissatisfied. The company is now facing legal challenges, including a fraud-related case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Echefu has denied any wrongdoing in the EFCC case, claiming that it is a civil dispute related to a loan with Kalsiyam Global and not a criminal issue. The case remains unresolved, adding to the uncertainty surrounding TSTV’s future. Meanwhile, LUFT TV offers a fresh start, hoping to succeed where TSTV could not.
