A Federal High Court in Abuja has intervened to halt the planned increase in subscription prices for DStv and GOtv services by Multichoice Nigeria Limited, a leading Pay-TV operator.
Last week, Multichoice Nigeria Limited announced its intention to implement a price increment across its DStv and GOtv packages, scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2024. The company cited rising operational costs in Nigeria as the rationale behind the decision.
Under the proposed price adjustments, subscribers to various DStv packages would experience significant increases in their monthly subscription fees. For instance, the Premium package subscription would rise to N37,000 monthly from the current N29,500, while the Compact+ bouquet would increase to N25,000 from N19,800.
Similarly, subscribers on the GOtv platform would also face higher subscription fees, with the Supa Plus package set to rise to N15,700 from the current N12,500.
However, following a legal challenge, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining Multichoice Nigeria Limited from implementing the planned price hike.
The court’s decision comes in response to concerns raised by subscribers and customers regarding the affordability of the services in the face of economic challenges.
Multichoice Nigeria Limited has faced criticism in the past for multiple subscription fee increases within a short period. The latest announcement of price adjustments sparked public outcry, prompting legal action to address the issue.
While the court’s intervention provides temporary relief to subscribers, it underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and consumer protection in ensuring fair and transparent business practices in the telecommunications industry.
As stakeholders await further developments, the outcome of the legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for both Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its subscribers, shaping the future landscape of Pay-TV services in the country.