TheNewsGuru

Tag: gotv

  • Multichoice implements tariffs hike for DStv, GOtv after FHC ruling

    Multichoice implements tariffs hike for DStv, GOtv after FHC ruling

    After the May 8, 2025 ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Multichoice has implemented tariffs hike for DStv and GOtv.

    Recall that Multichoice in February notified its customers of price increment across its subscription packages on both DStv and GOtv.

    According to the company, price review will hike the DStv Compact bouquet from N15,700 to N19,000, representing a 25% increase.

    The Compact Plus package will also increase from N25,000 to N30,000, which is a 20% increment.

    For the highest package, DStv Premium, the company said the subscription price will go up from N37,000 to N44,500, which also represents a 20% increment.

    In the notice sent to its customers, the company said the new price regime was to take effect from March 1, 2025.

    However, a summons by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and a subsequent suit filed by MultiChoice at the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja put the tariffs hike on hold.

    Meanwhile, a recent check by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) indicates that Multichoice has now implemented the tariffs hike for DStv and GOtv.

    As of May 9 after the FHC ruling, DStv confam package was N11,000.00. However, after implementing the tariffs hike, DStv confam has skyrocketed to N14,048.00.

    Throwback: FCCPC lacks power to interfere in decisions of private companies to fix prices – FHC rules

    Although the Abuja Federal High Court dismissed the suit filed by Multichoice, the court held that FCCPC lacked the power to interfere in the decisions of private companies to fix prices.

    The Federal High Court on May 8 dismissed the suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited seeking to stop FCCPC from taking administrative action against it.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the suit was an abuse of court process having been filed after a similar suit was filed on the issue by a lawyer, Festus Onifade, with Multichoice and FCCPC as parties in the suit.

    MultiChoice, the operator of DStv and Gotv increased the subscription rates on its packages against an invitation by FCCPC to give explanation on why the company wanted to effect the price hike.

    Justice Omotosho, on March 12, restrained FCCPC from sanctioning the pay-Tv company until the hearing and determination of the substance suit.

    The judge gave the order after an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025 and moved by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, to challenge FCCPC’s alleged threat.

    The FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd to provide explanations regarding the March 1 price review of its packages.

    The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on February 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.

    The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.

    However in the ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team led by Moyosore Onigbanjo, the company sought an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

    It also sought an order restraining the commission and its officers from issuing any further directive or taking any steps capable of disrupting its business activities, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

    Justice Omotosho on March 27 then fixed May 8 for judgement after counsel for the MultiChoice, Onigbanjo and FCCPC’s lawyer, Prof. J.E.O. Abugu, SAN, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit.

    Delivering the judgement, the judge observed that an earlier suit filed by Onifade before the same Federal High Court in Abuja, and in which Multichoice is a party, was still pending before the company decided to file the instant suit.

    The judge said Multichoice could ventilate the issues in the suit filed by Onifade simply filing a counter claim rather than filing a separate suit.

    “With respect to issue two, abuse of court process refers to when a party misuses a court process for the purpose of harassing or annoying his opponent.

    “It is to file multiple processes on the same issues and between the same parties,” he said, citing previous court cases.

    According to the judge, the abuse lies in the multiplicity and the manner or evidence of the right of the parties rather than the exercise of the right per se.

    Citing previous case, Justice Omotosho held that “the employment of judicial process is generally regarded as abuse of judicial process where a party improperly uses the issue of the judicial process to the irritation and annoyance of his opponent and the efficient administration of justice.”

    The judge said MultiChoice also admitted to the existence of a similar suit In Paragraphs 7 and 8 of its further affidavit.

    “Now in that suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025 between Mr. Festus Onifade and Multichoice Nigeria Limited and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the plaintiff there had filed a suit challenging the right of Multichoice to increase its subscription price as same is unfair.

    “The plaintiff therefore sought among others a declaration that Multichoice suspends its impending price increase for being in breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

    “This instant suit was filed by Multichoice challenging the powers of the defendant (FCCPC) to regulate its subscription prices.

    “The origin of both suits is from a complaint by the said Mr Festus Onifade about the alleged unfair increase proposed by Multichoice Nigeria Limited.

    “It is therefore clear as day that weighing both suits, especially the parties and reliefs sought, the suits are similar and can be contested in one of the suits and not in different actions,” he said.

    He further held that MultiChoice was aware of the suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025 filed by Onifade on February 27, “which means it was filed before this instant suit.”

    “To my mind, filing this instant suit even though the defendant in that suit is now the plaintiff is an abuse of court and an unnecessary and vexatious duplicity of actions.

    “Quite dearly, these issues can be dealt with in that pending suit without the need to file a fresh surt.

    “Relying on the above decisions, I therefore hold that the plaintiff in this suit could have ventilated its grievance in the other pending suit without the need to file a fresh suit.

    “Allowing this suit to go on to conclusion will lead to a likely conflict of decisions arising from judgments in this court and in the other suit.

    “The long and short of what this court is trying to say is that this instant suit is an abuse of court process on grounds of multiplicity of actions.

    “Thus this suit must be dismissed for being an abuse of court process,” the judge ruled.

    The judge then proceeded to decline jurisdiction and dismissed the suit.

    However, Justice Omotosho went ahead to determine the case on its merit and held that since Nigeria runs a free market economy, the FCCPC lacked the power to interfere in the decisions of private companies to fix their prices.

    The judge held that  under Section 88 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, it is only the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that can regulate prices in a regulated industry and for essential goods, not the kind of services being rendered by the Multichoice where consumers have choices.

    The judge  held that the FCCPC had no business querying how companies fix their prices in a free market economy.

    Meanwhile, the earlier suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025 and filed by Onifade before the Federal High Court in Abuja, in which Multichoice and FCCPC are parties, is still pending and undecided.

  • FCCPC stops DStv, GOtv subscription price hike

    FCCPC stops DStv, GOtv subscription price hike

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has ordered MultiChoice, the company behind DStv and GOtv, to withhold subscription price increase until after investigation.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that FCCPC on Tuesday summoned MultiChoice, over the planned increase in its cable TV subscription prices.

    TNG earlier reported that Multichoice is preparing to implement a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from ₦15,700 to ₦19,000, effective March 1, 2025.

    The increase comes nearly a year after the last price review.

     FCCPC, however, in a statement on Thursday, said the decision to halt the increase in subscription price was to protect customers while the investigation goes on.

    It read in part: “Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices until the ongoing investigation into its proposed price hike is concluded.

    “This directive follows MultiChoice Nigeria’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the Commission.

    “While the FCCPC has granted the request, the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on March 6, 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.

    “Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the Commission’s review and final determination on the matter.

    “Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period.

    “Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

  • MultiChoice defends price hike at Tribunal, gives reasons

    MultiChoice defends price hike at Tribunal, gives reasons

    MultiChoice Nigeria has attributed the recent price hikes for DSTV and GOTV to the depreciation of the naira, rising taxes, and other economic factors.

    This led to a legal dispute, resulting in a tribunal ruling that fined MultiChoice and mandated a free one-month subscription for customers due to non-compliance with interim orders.

    MultiChoice appealed the ruling, citing increased operational costs and economic challenges, and stated that they duly notified customers and regulatory authorities before the price increase.

     

    In its counter affidavits before the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, MultiChoice Nigeria argued that the price hikes were necessary due to the fallen value of the naira and increasing taxes. The legal team emphasized that the company had notified customers a month in advance.

     

    Nairametrics reported that a three-man panel of the tribunal, led by Thomas Okosu, fined MultiChoice 150 million naira and ordered one month of free subscription for customers, citing non-compliance with interim orders.

     

    During the resumed hearing, Onifade questioned the tribunal’s decision to allow MultiChoice’s numerous applications, arguing that the tribunal’s primary objective is to protect consumers. Tribunal chair Thomas Okosu restrained Onifade from continuing this line of argument, emphasizing the rights of both parties. Onifade and the legal team of the FCCPC then requested more time to respond to the counter-affidavits, and the tribunal adjourned the hearing to July 29, 2024.

     

    MultiChoice announced the price adjustments on April 24, 2024, informing subscribers that the new prices would take effect from May 1, 2024. The company cited rising business operation costs as the reason for the increase, which ranged from 25% to 26% across packages.

     

    The commission indicated that it would review MultiChoice’s reasons for the price hike and might involve regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The economic conditions in Nigeria have impacted MultiChoice’s subscriber base, with active DStv subscribers in the country declining by 18%.

     

     

  • We didn’t reduce our subscription rate – Multichoice

    We didn’t reduce our subscription rate – Multichoice

    MultiChoice, a  satellite television provider in Nigeria, has denied viral reports that it’s has reduced subscription fees amid a recent drop in subscribers.

    The reports claimed that the company had initially increased its prices, citing rising costs and inflation, but the move was met with widespread criticism from consumers and regulatory authorities.

    Recall that the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja subsequently ordered MultiChoice to revert to its old prices, pending the outcome of a full hearing on the matter.

    The initial report said Multichoice has now complied with the court order, readjusting its subscription rates for both DStv and GOtv users.

    However, contrary to the claims making the rounds that the company bowed to pressure by reducing its rates.

    Checks have revealed that both GOtv and DStv apps showed that all categories of subscription packages remained the same.

    According to the report, the new rates, which took effect on June 16, 2024, see the DStv Premium package reduced from N37,000 to N29,500, while the Compact+ package has been reduced from N25,000 to N19,800.

    Similarly, the Compact Bouquet package has been reduced from N15,700 to N12,500, and the Confam package has been reduced from N9,300 to N7,400.

    GOtv subscribers have also seen their prices reduced, with the Super+ package now costing N12,500 instead of N15,700, and the Super package reduced from N9,600 to N7,600.

    The GOtv Max package has been reduced from N6,300 to N5,700, while the GOtv Joli package has been reduced from N4,500 to N3,950. The GOtv Jinja package has been reduced from N3,200 to N2,700.

  • MultiChoice reverts subscription prices following a court ruling

    MultiChoice reverts subscription prices following a court ruling

    MultiChoice, the owner of DStv and GOtv, has been forced to revert to its old subscription prices following a court order.

    The company had previously increased its prices, but the court ruled that the hike was unjustified.

    According to reports, the company has lost over a million subscribers in Nigeria due to the price increase.

    The price hike was implemented to align with market realities following high inflation in Nigeria and the naira’s devaluation.

    The old prices are as follows: DStv Premium package: N29,500 (down from N37,000); DStv Compact+ package: N19,800 (down from N25,000); DStv Compact Bouquet: N12,500 (down from N15,700); DStv Confam package: N7,400 (down from N9,300); DStv Yanga package: N4,200 (down from N5,100); DStv Padi package: N2,950 (down from N3,600).

    GOtv subscribers will also see a reduction in prices, which is as follows: GOtv Super+ package: N12,500 (down from N15,700); GOtv Super package: N7,600 (down from N9,600); GOtv Max package: N5,700; GOtv Joli package: N3,950; GOtv Jinja package: N2,700 (down from N3,300).

    It is not clear if MultiChoice will also offer a month-free subscription as ordered by the court. However, the company has vowed to challenge the court order, saying it does not favour its business model.

  • MultiChoice to appeal tribunal ruling ordering free subscription

    MultiChoice to appeal tribunal ruling ordering free subscription

    MultiChoice Nigeria says it will appeal the ruling of the competition and consumer protection tribunal (CCPT) after the company was fined N150 million for challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that the tribunal fined MultiChoice and ordered the company to provide one-month free subscriptions on DStv and GOtv to Nigerians.
    MultiChoice announced an increase in the cost of subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv packages on April 24.
    However, on April 29, the tribunal stopped MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs and cost of products and services, which was scheduled to begin on May 1
    MultiChoice challenged the tribunal’s verdict restricting it from increasing the prices of its packages through an application filed on April 30 by Moyosore Onibanjo, the company’s lawyer.
    The tribunal, in its ruling on Friday, cited section 39 (2) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Act which states the “tribunal shall have jurisdiction throughout the federation and on all commercial activities aimed at making a profit”.
    For failing to comply with the order of the tribunal not to implement the price adjustment, Thomas Okosu, who led the three-man tribunal panel, imposed an administrative penalty on Multichoice.
    In a statement addressing the order, MultiChoice said it disagrees with the position of the tribunal.
    “MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter,” the company said.
    “We disagree with the ruling, and will therefore file an appeal against said ruling.”
    MultiChoice said the company is restrained from making further comments because the matter is currently sub judice.
  • DStv, GOtv ordered to give Nigerians free subscriptions

    DStv, GOtv ordered to give Nigerians free subscriptions

    The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday fined Multichoice Nigeria Limited the sum of N150 million for disregarding its order restraining the pay TV company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) understands that Multichoice is the parent company of DStv and GOtv.

    In the hearing, the tribunal also ordered the company to provide its Nigerian customers with a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.

    Recall, the tribunal had ordered Multichoice In April not to increase its subscription fees without proper notice, following a lawsuit filed by a lawyer Festus Onifade.

    The lawyer argued that the eight-day notice given for the price increase was insufficient.

    Multichoice, on its part, argued that previous rulings had settled price regulation issues.

    Onifade insisted the length of notice was inadequate and more pressing than the price hike itself, prompting the tribunal to affirm its jurisdiction and ruling against Multichoice.

    The court fixed July 3 for a hearing of the substantive suit of the plaintiff.

  • PAY TV: FCCPC keeps mum on MultiChoice’s price hike

    PAY TV: FCCPC keeps mum on MultiChoice’s price hike

    Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Thursday, did not oppose the recent price hike on tariffs and cost of products and services by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, the owners of Dstv and Gotv.

    FCCPC made this known through its lawyer, Nikiomari Abeke, before the three-member panel of Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) sitting in Abuja.

    The three-member tribunal is chaired by Thomas Okosun.

    The CCPT had, on April 29, restrained MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs on the Dstv and Gotv packages scheduled to take effect from May 1, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by Festus Onifade.

    The tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, gave the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Onifade.

    CCPT, thereafter, directed all parties in the suit to appear before it on Ma y7 at 10am for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    Onifade, in the suit marked: CCPT/OP/2/2024 and filed April 29, had dragged MultiChoice and FCCPC before the tribunal.

    The claimant, also a legal practitioner, sought two orders, including an order of interim injunction restraining the Pay-Tv operator from going ahead with its impending price increase until the determination of the motion on notice.

    But MultiChoice, through its lawyer, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, filed a preliminary objection praying the court to decline jurisdiction in the suit.

    Onigbanjo argued that such price dispute case had been decided before in favour of his client.

    However, Onifade, in his response, urged the tribunal to discountenance the company’s objection and direct it to pay the sum of N10 billion or any amount the panel might deem fit in the circumstance for deliberately disobeying and failure to comply with the interim order.

    When the case was called on Thursday, Onigbanjo tendered and adopted the previous judgement of the tribunal in suit no CCPT/OP/1/2022 as exhibit alongside his application.

    The senior lawyer argued that when a court had already determined an issue between same parties on the same subject matter before, that matter cannot be re-litigated again by any tribunal or court.

    “Therefore, this tribunal cannot sit on appeal on its decision.

    “This tribunal is bound by its own decision in Exhibit A; that it is not the forum where the claimant can come to seek to regulate the prices and services offered by MultiChoice,” he said, urging the tribunal to strike out the suit.

    On his part, Onifade argued that the issue he brought did not border on price regulation or increase.

    He said what he placed before the court was whether the company gave adequate notice in respect of the May 1 subscription price increase.

    “It is our submission that the 8-days notice issued by Multichoice Nigeria Ltd is insufficient in law.

    “A monthly subscriber should be given at least a month,” he said, praying the tribunal to dismiss the preliminary objection for being a waste of time of the court.

    Counsel for the FCCPC, Abeke, told the CCPT that the commission was not opposing MultiChoice preliminary objection.

    According to the lawyer, to that extent, no process or no counter was filed to the motion of the first defendant (MultiChoice).

    After taking the arguments of parties, the tribunal adjourned the suit until June 7 for ruling

  • Uproar as MultiChoice hikes DStv, GOtv subscription rates

    Uproar as MultiChoice hikes DStv, GOtv subscription rates

    Nigerians have flayed MultiChoice as reactions continue to trail the recent hike in the subscription rates of DStv and GOtv.

    Recall that Multichoice recently announced that a new price bouquet will take effect from November 6, thereby giving a very short notice.

    The new hike, which MultiChoice is implementing from Monday, is about 20 per cent and will be the third time the South African firm would increase its price in 2023.

    The firm via a letter on November 1 and addressed to partners, reads “On Monday, November 6, 2023, we will adjust our prices across all our packages on DStv and GOtv.

    “We understand the impact this challenge may have on our valued customers and partners, but the rise in the cost of business operations, had led us to make this difficult decision.

    “It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to our valued customers and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service to our customers.”

    In the new price list, for DStv, Premium bouquet, the price moved from N24,500 to N29,500; Compact+, from N16,600 to N19,800; Compact, from N10,500 to N12,500; Confam, from N6,200 to N7,400, among others.

    For GOtv users, Supa+ increased from N10,500 to N12, 500; Supa moved from N6400 to N7,600; Max from N4850 to N5,700; Jolli, from N3,300 to N3,950, among others.

    An official of MultiChoice, who spoke on anonymity, neither confirmed nor denied the planned tariff hike. She said, “I cannot say yes or no to the plan. But you know the situation of things in Nigeria, how the cost of doing business continues to go up without showing any plans to abate.”

    However, some subscribers already claimed to have received an SMS from MultiChoice on Wednesday, alerting them to the planned increases in subscription fees.

    While blaming the rise in the cost of doing business in Nigeria, MultiChoice had in March 31, 2023, its financial year end, reported that it generated N277 billion (ZAR9.1 billion) in subscriptions.

    By implication, the company’s revenue witnessed a 29 per cent growth compared to the N177.5 billion (ZAR7.1 billion) recorded in the previous year. This contributed very significantly to the Multichoice Group’s overall revenue growth of seven per cent, amounting to ZAR59.1 billion.

    The Group had stated: “Notwithstanding liquidity constraints in Nigeria, the group managed to extract $235 million (FY22:$240m) at an average rate of NGN684:$ (FY22: NGN553:USD) during the year. Cash holdings of ZAR1.9 billion (FY22: ZAR2.3bn) held in Nigeria remain exposed to weaker currencies.”

    In its yearly results for 2022, MultiChoice group added 900,000 90-day active subscribers to close the year with 21.8 million subscribers, an increase of five per cent year-on-year (YoY). The 90-day subscriber base comprises 12.8 million households (59 per cent) in the Rest of Africa and nine million households (41 per cent) in South Africa.

    However,  the President of Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), Sina Bilesanmi, has called for boycott of both DStv and GOtv by subscribers in Nigeria, stressing that the hike is exploitative in nature.

    In his interview with journalists he said that it was the fourth time the operators would effect price hikes in 2023 in Nigeria.

    “I cannot believe this is happening at this time. The brand is just exploiting the Nigerian market, all because no alternative yet! I will employ all Nigerians to boycott both DStv and GOtv services. I also call on President Tinubu, the National Assembly to step in and save Nigerians from this exploitation,” he stated.

    According to him, ACTIS met President Tinubu in August and demanded his intervention by asking these operators to give customers Pay Per View, “he said we should give him time then. But I think the time is now for the entire country to rise against this exploitation by MultiChoice.”

    According to him, the association has written about 20 letters since 2020 to Multichoice on Pay Per View and other issues in the industry, but is yet to respond to them.

  • NANS issues seven-day ultimatum to Multichoice Nigeria to reverse hike in price

    NANS issues seven-day ultimatum to Multichoice Nigeria to reverse hike in price

    A seven-day ultimatum has been issued by the National Association of Nigerian Students, South-west Zone, to MultiChoice Nigeria to reverse its planned hike on DSTV and GOTV subscription rates or face the consequences.

     

    The student body made this known via a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Coordinator, Adejuwon Olatunji, Deputy Coordinator, Alao John, and Public Relations Officer, Opeoluwa Awoyinfa

    Recall that MultiChoice had announced an upward review of prices on its DSTV and GOTV packages by 17 per cent, in text messages sent to its subscribers. It stated that the new rates would take effect on May 1, 2023, explaining that rising costs of business operations was the reason behind the increase.

    Reacting to the hike in price, NANS said the South African company was bringing hardship on, and extorting Nigerians, without considering their standard of living.

    It also noted that tariffs should be charged on a “pay as you view” basis.

    The NANS statement reads in part “Today, we are aware that Multi Choice Digital Satellite has increased its tariffs without considering the standard of living of Nigerians. We have also waited for long to see if this same company will dance to the music of Nigerians who have been clamouring for ‘pay-as-you-view’ tariff, but the reverse is the case.

    “This is the time to call on National Broadcasting Commission to go back to the Commission’s act to regulate the ownership, activities and operations of Direct Broadcast Satellite Service Providers. DSTV is one of the leading direct-to-home service providers in Nigeria since its inception of operation from as far back as 1995, and has also made a lot of profit with over 25 million subscribers which is the largest market for its operations.