Amidst Multichoice’s recent subscription hike, Nigerians may be turning to alternative entertainment avenues, signaling a potential shift in viewing habits and consumer choices.
Credible News had reported that the broadcasting company on Wednesday announced a new price increment for all its DSTV and GOTV packages, citing challenges in doing business as reason
A statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe and sent to its customers on Wednesday noted that the increase was necessitated by the rise in the cost of business operations, adding that the increment would take effect on May 1, 2024.
“We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations has led us to make this difficult decision,” the statement said.
With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Also the DStv Compact+ gone up N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.
The Comfam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while the Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.
Meanwhile, the Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.
While the Jolli package was jacked up from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and the Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.
In light of this recent development, Nigerians have voiced their frustration, with calls for government intervention to address the ongoing pattern of price hikes.
“I think we have gotten to a point where we call out companies that aren’t empathetic towards the plight of Nigerians.
READ ALSO: Multichoice announces fresh price hike for subscribers
“DSTV keeps increasing their tariffs despite providing less value on their channels,” said a civil servant Mr. Dominic Gbenga.
Mrs Joy Ayodele opined that the hike in the DSTV and GOTV subscription was unnecessary as according to her, the company isn’t providing any special services.
“For me, the increase is very unnecessary.
“Aside from the fact that it’s coming at a very wrong time, they are not also offering any compelling service and they are fast becoming outdated.
“What they should focus more on is how to up their games in terms of offering services that can get people glued to their TV. Other platforms are emerging with interesting contents, so if they do not do more with updating to meet up with current trends, then this hike might just result in losing more customers,” she said.
Social media platforms have also become a battleground for expressing frustration, with users venting their grievances and calling for collective action against what many perceive as unjustified price hikes
They highlighted the lack of competition in the market as a factor enabling the company’s continued dominance. Many have vowed to abandon the broadcast provider in favor of alternative entertainment options.
An X user @the beardedsina said: “This is the point where the government should invest in national channels and national contents. We have indigenous channels that showcase things and need a little boost. Even, there are cheaper carriers rather than allow a South African to keep ripping us off.”
Another user, @buzzedison opined that: “No serious competition, that’s why they can do whatever they like. Football is their biggest advantage, if not …….would never use DSTV.”
“People are gradually boycotting them already. Me and my guys don’t use DSTV, we have our smart TV, we stream matches online,” a user, @japhetho said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has said the recent price increases in MultiChoice cable subscriptions will be reviewed.
The acting CEO of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, stated that the review will be done by relevant stakeholders to ensure subscribers in Nigeria get value for their money.
Credible News.ng
