In a significant development, a three-man panel of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ruled that Multichoice Nigeria must provide subscribers on the DStv and GOtv platforms with one month of free subscription.
The tribunal also imposed a fine of N150 million on Multichoice for contesting the jurisdiction of the court, which had previously prohibited it from raising the prices of its DStv and GOtv packages.
Led by Justice Thomas Okosu, the panel issued the ruling in Abuja on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle between Multichoice and regulatory authorities.
Despite previous orders from the tribunal to halt subscription rate hikes, Multichoice Nigeria proceeded with the increase in May, prompting swift action from the CCPT.
The decision comes after the CCPT had intervened in May, preventing Multichoice Nigeria Limited from implementing its proposed subscription tariff hikes and adjustments to product and service costs.
This latest ruling underscores the tribunal’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and enforcing fair competition practices within the broadcasting industry.