The Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to rise to its responsibilities following MultiChoice Nigeria’s announcement of a new price increase for its DStv and GOtv subscription services, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
National President of ATCIS, Sina Bilesanmi, condemned the move, describing it as exploitative and insensitive to the plight of Nigerian consumers already facing economic challenges. “We are totally appalled by this recent hike and we reject it. We view it as a reflection of the company’s insensitivity to the plights of our members,” Bilesanmi said.
ATCIS also criticized the NBC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for what it described as inadequate protection of consumer interests. “The National Broadcasting Commission should rise up to its responsibilities,” Bilesanmi stated, stressing the need for more effective regulation of the pay-TV industry.
In response, the FCCPC has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain the rationale behind the price hike. The commission expressed concerns over the recurring unilateral price increases and potential abuse of market dominance.
Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission, Ondaje Ijagwu, in a statement yesterday, 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”, he said.
However, the commission warned it may impose sanctions if the company fails to provide satisfactory reasons for the proposed hike.
“Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
MultiChoice, however, attributed the subscription increase to rising operational costs, citing inflation and currency devaluation. However, ATCIS and other consumer advocacy groups argue that the hikes are excessive and unjustified.
ATCIS, however, called for stronger regulatory action and continues to advocate for the implementation of “Pay-As-You-Go” or “Pay-Per-View” subscription options, which it believes would provide consumers with fairer pricing and greater flexibility.
