CPC slams MultiChoice’s new DStv rate

The Consumer Protection Council on Friday said it would be a violation of the order of the court for MultiChoice Nigeria to continue to collect the new rate from its DStv and GOtv subscribers.

The Director-General, CPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said this in Abuja while reacting to the hike in subscription rate by MultiChioce.

In July, MultiChoice Nigeria announced new monthly subscription rates for the DSTV Premium package from N14,700 to N15,800 (about 7.5 per cent); Compact Plus from N9,900 to N10,650; Compact bouquet from N6,300 to N6,800; Family from N3,800 to N4,000, and Access from N1,900 to N2,000. The new rates took effect from August 1.

On August 20, 2018, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria V MultiChoice Nigeria Limited: Case No. FHC/ABJ/CS/894, entered an order restraining MultiChoice by itself, agents, or representatives from continuing any increased subscription rate or prices, pending the determination of an application before the court.

Reacting to the development, the CPC boss said the council was aware that customers of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited had been unable to renew their subscription at their bouquet prevailing price as of July 31, 2018.

He said, “It is a violation of the order of the court for MultiChoice to require consumers to pay, or to receive any new rate for their service from consumers.

“For clarity, the current, valid and prevailing rate for the DStv and GOtv services is the rate that was effective as of July 31, 2018.

“In view of the continuing and increasing complaints that consumers are unsuccessful in renewing subscription in compliance with the order of the court, even after service of the order upon MultiChoice, the council is setting up a special channel for receiving complaints for this purpose.

“As such, any consumer who has, or is experiencing this challenge should please send an email to [email protected], stating relevant information, including smartcard number, name, telephone number, date and time of failed attempt to pay, supporting same with relevant evidence such as a screenshot or document.”