MultiChoice Under Fire Over Decision To Hike DStv, Gotv Subscription Rates

 

Nigerians have lashed out at MultiChoice Nigeria over its decision to increase DStv and GOtv subscription rates.

 

Recall that we had reported that Multichoice announced an upward review of the prices by 17 percent in a text message to customers.

 

The company said the new rates will take effect on May 1, 2023.

 

“Please note that from May 1, your monthly subscription (premium) will be N24,500. To retain your old price of N21,000 for up to 12 months ensure you are active by April 30,” the text message reads.

 

This latest development has elicited a flurry of reactions on social media. 

 

The pay-tv firm said the price adjustment was due to the rising costs of business operations.

 

The new regime would also see the price of the Compact+ bouquet move to N16,600 from N14,250 monthly. Subscribers on the Compact bouquet would under the new price regime, pay N10,500 as against N9,000, with those on Confam set to pay N6,200 as against N5,300.

 

Those on DStv Yanga and Padi would pay N3,500 and N2,500 respectively as against N2,950 and N2,150.

 

On the GOtv service, subscribers on GOtv Supa package would pay N6,400 as against N5,500, with those on GOtv Max paying N4,850 as against N4,150.

 

GOtv Jolli subscribers are due to start paying N3,300 as against N2,800, with the tariffs on GOtv Jinja and GOtv Lite also rising from N1,900 to N2,250 and N900 to N1,100 respectively.

 

To cushion the effect of the price review, MultiChoice, made a price lock offer to subscribers, who renew their subscriptions before their due dates

 

But many subscribers lamented the hike in the subscription rates. 

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-west Zone gave the pay-tv firm a seven-day ultimatum to reverse its planned hike. 

 

Opposing the subscription hike, NANS said the South African company was extorting Nigerians without considering their standard of living.

 

It also noted that tariffs should be charged on a “pay as you view” basis.

 

Also reacting, a social media user, @AsiwajuLerry said: “The only reason DSTV keep getting away with this ridiculous subscription rates with no significant value is because they have no competition in Africa.”

 

Lola Okunrin in a protest tweet said: “Can we all just agree to boycott Multichoice and their products (DSTV and GOTV)?

 

“The increment in tariffs is getting too much. After every market day, they increase price while showing same movie over and over and over again till you know the next scene word for word. Can we?”

 

Another user, Daniel Regha said: “MultiChoice increasing their subscription rates makes no sense; Cos asides from news & sports channels, most stations on DStv plus GOtv are boring to watch. 

 

“Old movies are often shown, while documentaries are always repeated. If anything, MultiChoice should be reducing prices.”