SECTOR 2 Pay TV services such as DSTV and MY TV are more popular in bigger towns and cities, but only the rich can afford them. Most of the channels broadcast entertainment programmes, especially international soaps and sports, but there are a few that offer local content such as Africa Magic and MNet. Nigeria has an impressive mobile phone penetration. There are believed to be more than 80 million subscribers in this country of some 150 million inhabitants. Nearly every village in Nigeria has a mobile telephone network. Though the cost of telecommunication remains high for many subscribers, the mobile phone still serves as a primary source of information access. Internet is becoming increasingly popular, though it is only available in big towns and cities. Most Nigerians access the internet at cybercafés where they pay between US 50 cents to US $1 per hour for the service. While only a small proportion of the population has internet at home, most offices are equipped with computers with relatively high speed internet connection. Mobile phones have increased internet access options, but the potential impact is restrained by the high costs associated with this access. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.8 (2008 = 3.4) 2.2 Citizens’ access to domestic and international media sources is not restricted by state authorities. A wide range of media sources is available to Nigerians via free-to-air, cable and satellite television. Citizens are not restrained as to what they can access, so long as it is available and affordable. However, some panellists pointed out that there are rules in place that bar local television stations from relaying live newscasts from foreign stations. Two years ago, the government encrypted Big Brother Africa, a reality TV show aired by a foreign station, arguing that public taste, decency and cultural conflict justified this decision. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011 21