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Outrage as Multichoice raises monthly subscription rates for DSTV, GOtv
There has been a wave of discontent among subscribers of Multichoice, the leading satellite television service provider in Nigeria, following the recent hike in monthly subscription fees for DSTV and GOtv.
Multichoice’s decision to increase subscription rates has sparked outrage among customers who feel the impact of the monopoly the company holds in the satellite television service industry in Nigeria.
The new subscription rates were unveiled by Multichoice earlier this week, citing rising operational costs and a commitment to improving service quality as reasons for the adjustments.
Under the new rates, the premium bouquet for DSTV now stands at N37,000.00, up from N29,500. Similarly, the Compact Plus package has been revised to N25,000.00 from N19,800, Compact now costs N15,700 instead of N12,500, Comfam increased to N9,300 from N7,400, among other significant increments across different packages.
GOtv subscribers were also affected by the price surge, notably with the Value and Plus packages experiencing increases in their monthly subscriptions.
The sharp rise in subscription rates has triggered widespread criticism from some Nigerians, who deem it as being tone-deaf given the challenging economic circumstances faced by many.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that social media platforms has been flooded with expressions of condemnation and frustration, with many subscribers questioning the justification for the steep price increase.
Mr Ebuka Victor, a Facebook user, urged the Federal Government to address the incessant increase and also break the monopoly being enjoyed by the company.
According to him, DSTV is killing Nigerians, the Federal Government must urgently intervene and rescue the citizenry from the monopoly Multichoice is enjoying.
Mr Benjamin Chukwucheben, also a user of Facebook asked rhetorically, “is there no regulatory body in Nigeria to stop the incessant increase in subscription for DSTV?”
READ ALSO: Multichoice Nigeria unveils substantial price hikes for DStv, GOtv packages
He claimed that Multichoice had increased subscription fee more than three times within a year.
NAN reports that the Federal Government is under pressure to intervene in the matter.
This came with calls for regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), to investigate the rationale behind the price hike.
Mr Frank Akpata, in his intervention on his Facebook page, said; “Nigerians should get a smart TV or use their PS5 console, download and subscribe to all streaming platforms available.
“You will watch sports, movies with updated independent source news in real time as well. And there are enough animations for kids,” he said.
Mr Abdullahi Adamu, another Facebook user, said “the price hike is coming at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, unemployment, and dwindling purchasing power.”
Ms Tomi Ifeayinchukwu, a digital marketer, told NAN in Abuja that she doesn’t subscribe to DSTV, she relies on streaming platforms for her entertainment.
“Since I moved into this present apartment, I did not bother to subscribe to DSTV. I rely solely on streaming platforms.”
Mariam Ajala, an engineer, told NAN that she just pays for DSTV subscription but uses streaming platforms for her entertainment.
She, however, added that with this increment, she would stop subscribing to the DSTV service.
NAN reports that DSTV and GOtv serve as primary sources of entertainment and information for numerous households.
Many customers told NAN that the increase in subscription fees is a significant financial burden.
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