Financial Crime World

Haiti Takes a Giant Leap with First Digital Terrestrial Television

Port-au-Prince, Haiti - In a significant milestone for the country’s digital landscape, Haiti has successfully launched its first digital terrestrial television (DTT) service. This development is expected to revolutionize the way Haitians consume entertainment and information.

A Brief History of Digital Technology in Haiti

The introduction of DTT in Haiti dates back to 1996 with the arrival of international credit cards from Visa and Mastercard. Since then, the country has made significant progress in embracing digital technology. In 2007, the Haitian financial sector launched a debit card, followed by the introduction of e-wallets such as Tcho Tcho Mobile and Lajan Cash.

The Rise of E-Wallets

The National Credit Bank (BNC) partnered with Tagattitude to launch Lajaon Cash, an e-wallet that can be used on both Digicel and Natcom platforms. Today, this product is available at 39 BNC branches and serves over 800,000 customers across the country.

  • MonCash has more than 900,000 customers, with 2,200 active agents carrying out 7.1 million transactions worth $44 million in 2018 alone.
  • The growth can be attributed to improvements made in the Tcho Tcho mobile model.

The Financial Landscape of Haiti

The financial landscape in Haiti now consists of:

  • Seven commercial banks serving two million customers

  • 52 financial cooperatives serving 912,806 members

  • 132 microfinance institutions with 250,000 clients

  • With an estimated 25.7% of the population interested in mobile banking services, there is vast potential for financial inclusion in Haiti.

Challenges and Opportunities

However, experts caution that while the legal framework has allowed for the development of these services, further expansion will require understanding the challenges facing the sector and proposing appropriate solutions.

The Impact of DTT on Entertainment and Information

The launch of DTT is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s entertainment and information landscape. With this new service, Haitians will have access to high-quality digital television channels, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Conclusion

As Haiti continues to push forward in its digital journey, it is clear that the potential for growth and development is vast. With the right support and infrastructure, the country can continue to make significant strides in embracing technology and improving the lives of its citizens.