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FCCPC Summons MultiChoice Over DStv and GOtv Subscription Increase

Published by admin on February 26th, 2025.

FCCPC Summons MultiChoice Over DStv and GOtv Subscription Increase

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on MultiChoice Nigeria, the company behind DStv and GOtv, to provide an explanation regarding its planned subscription fee hike, set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, revealed that the commission had directed the CEO of MultiChoice to appear for an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27, 2025.

This follows MultiChoice’s announcement on Monday of a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, which will see the cost rise from N15,700 to N19,000, alongside other price adjustments.

The announcement has sparked a wave of criticism from subscribers, many of whom voiced their displeasure on social media about the frequent price hikes.

In response, the FCCPC expressed concerns about the continuous unilateral increases in pricing, questioning the fairness and potential market abuse involved. The commission emphasized that such practices could be seen as anti-competitive.

The statement noted, “Under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC has ordered MultiChoice’s CEO to attend an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025. This follows concerns over recurring price hikes, market dominance abuse, and anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV sector.”

The consumer protection body also expressed worries about the differences in pricing strategies MultiChoice applies in different regions, which has raised questions about fairness.

The FCCPC has warned that if MultiChoice fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, it may face penalties, sanctions, or other corrective actions. The commission confirmed that it is collaborating with the sector regulator and other agencies to ensure fair competition and enhance consumer protection in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry.