The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, to keep its current subscription fees intact until the conclusion of an investigation into a proposed price increase.
This directive from the FCCPC will remain in effect until an inquiry into MultiChoice Nigeria’s pricing strategy is completed. In a statement, the FCCPC noted that the order comes after MultiChoice requested an extension regarding its appearance before the Commission. MultiChoice is now required to participate in a rescheduled investigative hearing set for March 6, 2025, along with relevant officials and a detailed response to the Commission’s inquiries.
The FCCPC emphasized that maintaining the current pricing structure as of February 27, 2025, is crucial to protect consumers from potential harm during the review process.
Recently, MultiChoice informed its subscribers of a planned price hike effective March 1, 2025. The proposed increases included a rise in the premium DStv package from US$24.69 to US$29.69 and the Compact Plus package from US$16.68 to US$20.02.
On the GOtv side, the Supa Plus package would increase to US$11.21, the Supa package to US$7.61, and the Max plan from US$4.80 to US$5.67, among other adjustments.
This proposed price adjustment led to the FCCPC summoning MultiChoice to an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27, 2025. The company is expected to justify its pricing decisions.
The FCCPC expressed concern over MultiChoice’s frequent unilateral price hikes, which raise issues about potential market dominance and anti-competitive behaviour in the pay-TV sector. There is also concern about discrepancies in pricing strategies applied in other markets, prompting questions about fairness and consumer protection in Nigeria.
