Multichoice

Cable Tv subscribers yesterday kicked as MultiChoice Nigeria announced an increase in the cost of subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages.

The subscribers, acting under the aegis of Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), said the hike is a reflection of the insensitivity of the pay tv service provider to the plight of the people. Its President, Sina Bilesanmi, said the increase comes nearly one year after MultiChoice hiked its subscription rates.

“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.

Are they hiking their subscription because the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted a 50per cent tariff adjustment to telcos?

“The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should rise up to its responsibilities. In fact, NBC should borrow a leaf from the regulatory and watch dog activities of the NCC. It is so disheartening,” he said.

According to an email to customers yesterday, the pay-TV firm said the new rates would take effect from March 1.

MultiChoice said the rationale behind the price increase is due to the rise in the cost of business operations.

Multichoice said: “Due to prevalent economic factors leading to increased operational costs, we have unavoidably had to adjust the prices of our DStv and GOtv subscription packages.

“We understand the impact this change may have on our valued partners, and we have only taken this step after careful consideration and in-depth analysis.

“It has always been our mission to offer the best entertainment to our esteemed customers and we are committed to continue delivering high quality content and unparalleled service to our viewers across Nigeria.”

According to the pay-TV firm, from March 1, customers on the DStv premium bouquet will no longer pay N37,000 but N44,500 and those on Compact+ would pay N30,000 – up from N25,000.

Customers on Compact bouquet will pay N19,000 — up from N17,000.

To subscribe to Confam, Yanga, and Padi packages, customers will pay N11,000, N6,000, and N4,000 – up from N9,300, N5,100, and N3,600 respectively

MultiChoice also said GOtv Supa+ subscribers will pay N16,800 as against the old price of N15,700.

Similarly, subscribers on the GOtv Supa package are expected to pay N11,400 contrast to the N9,600; while customers on the GOtv Max bouquet will pay N8,500 instead of N7,200.

The company added that GOtv Jolli package will now cost N5,800 and no longer N4,850.

MultiChoice said the price of the GOtv Jinja and Smallie packages would rise from N3,300 and N1,575 to N3,900 and N1,900, respectively.

DSTV is offering customers three days (72 hours) of complimentary access to all its premium channels.

The Multichoice Nigeria has announced a 72-hour free access to all its DStv channels starting from Friday, December 27, 2024.

The Pay-tv operator, which lost 243,000 customers between April and September this year in the following price increments, said its disconnected customers can also benefit from the offer.

According to a statement released by MultiChoice Nigeria on Thursday, the seasonal offer is open to all DStv subscribers but excludes GOtv subscribers.

Describing the offer as a “gift like no other”, Multichoice said subscribers on all packages would now have access to its Premium channels within the period.

“As we wind down the year and celebrate the holidays, DStv is happy to announce that we are making this December one to remember.

“From Friday, Dec. 27, to Sunday, Dec. 29, we’re giving all DStv customers, connected and disconnected, regardless of their current package, access to every channel and every show at no extra cost.

“Whatever package you’re on, connected or not, this is your chance to unlock the full power of DStv Premium and revel in a world of endless entertainment and authenticity.

“For 72 hours, the only thing standing between you and the best in sports, kids’ programming, movies, and local dramas is your decoder. No payments or calls required.”

Multichoice’s offer may be presented as a complimentary gesture, but it could also be a strategic move to regain customers who have recently discontinued their decoder subscriptions.