The FCCPC has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to justify a subscription price increase set for March 1, following concerns over anti-competitive practices. The CEO is required to attend a hearing. MultiChoice plans to raise prices for DStv and GOtv packages, which has prompted the FCCPC to assure consumer protection and fair market principles.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to provide justification for a subscription price increase effective March 1. This directive, announced by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, indicates that the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice is required to participate in an investigative hearing on Thursday.
Furthermore, the FCCPC raised concerns regarding MultiChoice’s recurring unilateral price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive practices within the pay-television sector. Ijagwu emphasized the commission’s distress over ongoing price increases affecting Nigerian consumers and questioned MultiChoice’s fairness in pricing strategies compared to other markets.
The FCCPC asserted that should MultiChoice fail to satisfactorily explain their price adjustments or if violations of fair market principles are discovered, regulatory penalties and corrective actions may be implemented in defense of Nigerian consumers. The commission is actively collaborating with sector regulators and relevant agencies to promote fair competition and consumer protection within the broadcasting and digital subscription industry in Nigeria.
On February 24, MultiChoice disclosed plans for a price hike. The adjustments, communicated in a statement, stated, “Dear Customer, please note that effective 1 March 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages.” This notification outlines increases for various subscription packages, such as the DStv Compact bouquet rising from N15,700 to N19,000, while Compact Plus subscription will rise to N30,000, and Premium will increase to N44,500. In addition, the GOtv prices will see slight adjustments, with the standard package moving from N3,600 to N3,900 and GOtv Plus from N4,850 to N5,800.
In conclusion, this proposed price adjustment occurs approximately one year after the last review, prompting significant attention from regulatory bodies aimed at ensuring equitable consumer pricing and corporate accountability within the media subscription industry.
In summary, the FCCPC’s summons of MultiChoice highlights serious concerns regarding consumer pricing fairness and market competitiveness in Nigeria’s pay-television industry. With scheduled hearings to address these issues, the outcome may impose significant implications on MultiChoice’s pricing strategies and consumer relations. The regulatory body’s commitment to consumer protection will be pivotal in the resolution of this matter.
Original Source: nannews.ng
