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• Firms offer plans to mitigate impact
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria, operators of DSTV and GOTV, to justify a proposed subscription price increase scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025.
The FCCPC stated that this action follows MultiChoice’s recent notification of the price adjustment, which has raised concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-TV industry.
Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, said in a statement that the Commission’s action aligns with its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
This comes as Multichoice assures DStv and GOtv subscribers who renew their subscriptions before the expiration date will be exempt from the new rates for a specified time as a reward for their loyalty. Additionally, subscribers on both platforms can take advantage of extra benefits through the Step Up offer, which began in January and will continue until March 31.
Nonetheless, the FCCPC has directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Ijagwu said that if MultiChoice fails to provide satisfactory explanations or is found in violation of fair market actions, the FCCPC will impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
He further highlighted the FCCPC’s concern over frequent price increases faced by Nigerian consumers, particularly amid allegations that MultiChoice employs differing pricing strategies in other markets. These practices, he said, raise questions about fairness and potential market abuse.
Ijagwu assured Nigerians that the FCCPC is collaborating with sector regulators and relevant agencies to uphold fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription industry.
