FCCPC summons MultiChoice over DSTV, Gotv price hikes, warns against exploitation
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to justify its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1.
MultiChoice’s summon is contained in a statement by FCCPC’s spokesperson, Ondaje Ijagwu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr Ijagwu said the commission had directed the chief executive officer (CEO) of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday.
He said the action followed MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raised concerns about recurrent unilateral price hikes.
Mr Ijagwu said other concerns were potential market dominance abuse and perceived anti-competitive practices in the pay-television industry.
“The FCCPC is deeply concerned that Nigerian consumers continue to face frequent price increases amid accusations that MultiChoice applies different pricing strategies in other markets, heightening questions about fairness and market abuse.
”Should MultiChoice fail to provide satisfactory explanations or be found in violation of fair market principles, the FCCPC will be left with no other option than to impose regulatory penalties, sanctions, or other corrective measures to protect Nigerian consumers.
”The FCCPC is engaging the sector regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair competition and consumer protection within Nigeria’s broadcasting and digital subscription landscape,” he said.
On February 24, MultiChoice announced a proposed price increase for its services, set to take effect from March 1.
MultiChoice informed its customers in a statement entitled “Price adjustments for DStv and GOtv packages.”
According to the company, its latest price review will hike the DStv Compact bouquet from N15,700 to N19,000, the Compact Plus to N30,000, and the Premium subscription to N44,500.
MultiChoice said, “GOtv customers, who currently pay N3,600, will now pay N3,900, while the subscription fee on GOtv Plus will increase from N4,850 to N5,800.”
The proposed increase is coming roughly one year after its last price review.
(NAN)
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