MultiChoice Defies FCCPC Order, Implements New Subscription Rates For DStv, GOtv Amid Public Outrage
- Despite the directive of the FCCPC, MultiChoice has implemented the new subscription price for DStv and GOtv
- The FCCPC had asked the Pay-TV company to maintain the old subscription rate pending investigation
- However, findings have shown that MultiChoice has flouted the Commission’s order and implemented the new rates
Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
MultiChoice Nigeria has begun the new subscription price for DStv and GOtv customers despite the order by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to halt the new rate pending investigation.
Findings by Legit.ng show that the new rates became effective on Saturday, March 1, 2025, as per the MultiChoice announcement.
Source: Getty Images
MultiChoice new rates for DStv and GOtv
According to the new rates, subscribers will pay N44,500 for Premium, from N37,000, 19,000 for Compact 15,000, Compact Confam will pay N11,000 from N9,000, Yanga subscribers will pay N6,000 from N5,100 and Padi subscribers pay N4,400 from N3,600.
For GOtv subscribers, Super Plus subscribers will pay N16,800 from N15,700, and the Super package will go for N11,400 from N9,600.
Others are Max at N8,500 from N7,200, Joli subscribers will pay N5,800 from N4,850, Jinja subscribers will pay N3,900 from N3,300 and Smallie subscribers will pay N1,900 from N1,575.
The pay-TV company announced the new price on Thursday, February 27, 2025, telling subscribers that the new rate will become effective on March 1, 2025.
FCCPC orders MultiChoice to maintain old rates
Following outrage from Nigerians, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice Nigeria to halt implementing the new package and summoned the company’s chief executive officer.
The recent price hike outraged Nigerians who lamented the absence of strong competition against the South African-based company.
The public outrage caused the FCCPC to intervene, asking the company to suspend the planned increases.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the FCCPC asked MultiChoice Nigeria's chief executive officer to appear at its headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025, for an investigative hearing regarding the PayTV company’s planned hikes in DStv and GOtv subscription prices.
Ondaje Ijagwu, the director of corporate affairs at FCCPC, said the commission order follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension concerning its scheduled appearance before the commission.
He said:
“While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.”
FCCPC summons MultiChoice Nigeria CEO
The commission disclosed that under the current directive, MultiChoice is asked to maintain the current price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the commission’s review and final determination.
Ijagwu said maintaining the status quo on pricing is important to prevent potential consumer harm during the period, saying further updates will be given as the investigation continues.
MultiChoice Nigeria was embroiled in a court battle with consumers regarding the last increases.
MultiChoice suffers subscriber loss
In November last year, the company disclosed that about 243,000 Nigerians refused to renew their subscriptions between April and September 2024 due to the drop in Nigeria’s macro and consumer environment.
The company noted that high inflation at 32.70 affected subscribers in Nigeria.
Multichoice disclosed this in its financial statement released on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, saying that over 566,000 non-South African subscribers ended their subscriptions in the period under review.
MultiChoice suffers revenue loss
Earlier, the MultiChoice Group disclosed a 30.77% decline in subscriber income from Nigeria for the full fiscal year that concludes in March 2024
Despite the price hike of subscription fees two times, BusinessDay reported that revenue decreased to $341.72 million from $493.59 in the prior year.
Source: Getty Images
The company attributed this decrease to several factors, including increased fuel costs, historically high inflation above 33%, and the naira depreciation.
Steps to avoid paying new DStv, GOtv subscription prices
Legit.ng earlier reported that MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that customers of its DStv and GOtv services still have the option to avoid paying the recently adjusted subscription prices.
The decision comes amidst public concerns over the new subscription prices set to take effect from March 1.
In response, MultiChoice Nigeria has introduced a support package to help ease the financial burden on DStv and GOtv subscribers
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
