The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MultiChoice Nigeria to explain te company’s proposed subscription price increase set to take off on March 1.
Exercising its mandate under sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the Federal Government agency directed the company’s CEO to attend an investigative hearing at the commission’s headquarters tomorrow in Abuja.
In a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC said: “This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential market dominance abuse, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.
“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.”
The commission added that should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, it would impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
Also, the FCCPC said it is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape.
Also, leading pay television service provider, MultiChoice Nigeria, is offering a support package for DStv and GOtv subscribers, following its recent tariff adjustments.
In a message to subscribers, the company announced that as from March 1, new tariffs will apply to DStv and GOtv packages.
MultiChoice Nigeria said DStv and GOtv subscribers who renew their subscriptions before the expiration date will be exempt from the new rates for a specified time as a reward for their loyalty.
Additionally, subscribers on both platforms can take advantage of extra benefits through the Step Up offer, which began in January and will continue until March 31.
The Step Up offer expands access to premium content by enabling both active and disconnected DStv and GOtv subscribers to enjoy content beyond their current package through an automatic upgrade to a higher package on payment for a package above their current subscription.
As part of the palliative package, MultiChoice said it will announce a reduction in the subscription for Showmax, its streaming service, on February 28. This aims to provide customers with more affordable access to live sports, movies, and general entertainment.
The latest price review puts the cost of DStv Compact bouquet at N19,000 and Compact Plus at N30,000. DStv and the Premium subscription will rise to N44,500.
Also, GOtv Supa customers will henceforth pay N16,800, while those on Supa will pay N11,400. The tariff on GOtv Max moves to N8,500, while that of GOtv Jinja moves to N3,900.