MultiChoice terminates DStv services in Malawi over tariffs’ hike
MultiChoice terminates DStv services in Malawi over tariffs’ hike
Story from Christine TOBECHUKWU
In a move that has surprised many subscribers, MultiChoice Africa Holdings (MAH) announced the immediate withdrawal of DStv services from Malawi.
This decision comes in the wake of a recent court injunction issued by the High Court in Lilongwe, involving a legal battle between MultiChoice Malawi (MCM) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
READ ALSO: MultiChoice Nigeria hikes DSTv, GOTv subscription rates by 17%
The crux of the matter revolves around the adjustment of DStv tariffs, a contentious issue that has now culminated in the abrupt termination of services.
The High Court’s injunction specifically prohibited any tariff adjustments to the DStv offerings
MultiChoice last month increased DStv tariffs but MACRA obtained an injunction against the hike and Multichoice Malawi (MCM) obtained a stay in order to allow it to comply with the injunction.
The company argued that it does not provide DStv services as these services are offered by MultiChoice Africa Holdings hence MCM could not adequately comply with the injunction.
The High Court has sustained the MACRA injunction. And in reaction, MultiChoice has withdrawn DStv services from Malawi.
“MCM does not offer the DStv service to the public and therefore cannot set or adjust tariffs for this service, a point repeatedly made to MACRA.
“As a result, the order handed down to MCM is incapable of being implemented by them but carries with it grave consequences for the directors and management of Multichoice Malawi, including imprisonment.
“Given the impact on its supplier MCM and an increasingly adverse regulatory environment, (MAH) is therefore left with no choice but to terminate the DStv service indefinitely,” reads a part of the statement by Multichoice Africa.
It adds that the company will not accept new subscriptions or reconnections starting tomorrow 9 August and all ongoing subscriptions will be honoured until September 10.
Meanwhile, MACRA through Director General Daud Suleman has said in a statement that it expects MCM to implement the court order without delay since any person who disobeys the court order may be charged with contempt of court.
Nigerians have experienced such increase in DStv subscription fees as well, what action should the Federal Government take?