Nigerians have voiced their collective discontent following the recent subscription rate increases imposed by Multichoice, the parent company of popular satellite television services DSTV and GOTV. The price adjustments, implemented twice in the last five months, have left many subscribers seeking alternatives and expressing frustration over the impact on their household budgets.
In the most recent price hike effective from November 6, 2023, Multichoice raised the monthly subscription fees across various packages. The DSTV Premium package saw a 20% increase, while other bouquets experienced varying percentage hikes, affecting millions of subscribers.
Social media platforms and online forums have become hubs for Nigerians to share their reactions and grievances. Many subscribers have highlighted the challenges of these increases, particularly in the context of the prevailing economic conditions and the need to manage limited resources.
Several subscribers have taken to Twitter and other platforms to express their dissatisfaction. A user tweeted,
“Multichoice keeps increasing subscription fees without improving service quality. It’s becoming unbearable for the average Nigerian. #DSTVHike #GOTVHike.”
Another lamented on the frequency of the increases, stating, “Two hikes in five months! Multichoice, are we expected to keep up with this trend? The economic situation is tough, and these constant hikes are unjustifiable. #MultichoiceHike #DSTVSubscribers.”
The House of Representatives recently urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to engage in dialogue with Multichoice over the subscription increment, following a motion moved by a lawmaker who argued that the timing of the hike amidst economic hardships was inappropriate.
While some subscribers expressed their intention to explore alternative Pay TV providers, others have embraced Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and other streaming services as viable options. The emergence of new players in the Pay TV market, such as SLTV and TSTV Africa, has garnered attention as potential alternatives to Multichoice.
As the debate continues, subscribers are calling for more affordable and consumer-friendly options, emphasizing the need for service providers to consider the economic realities faced by Nigerians. The Multichoice subscription hike remains a hot topic, reflecting the broader challenges of balancing entertainment choices with economic constraints for many households in Nigeria.