MULTICHOICE, THE parent company of DStv and GOtv has announced another increase in its subscription prices, a move that has sparked criticism among Nigerian subscribers.
The Explainer gathered that the revised pricing structure will take effect from 1 March 2025, marking yet another price adjustment in less than a year.
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In a statement to customers on Monday, titled “Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages”, MultiChoice CEO John Ugbe explained the rationale behind the increment.
“Dear Customer, please note that effective 1 March 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue to offer our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology,” the statement read.
New Pricing Structure
According to the company, the new prices across its DStv and GOtv packages are as follows:
DStv Packages
Compact: N15,700 → N19,000
Compact Plus: N24,500 → N30,000
Premium: N29,500 → N44,500
GOtv Packages
GOtv Value: N3,600 → N3,900
GOtv Plus: N4,850 → N5,800
GOtv Max: N6,200 → N8,500
GOtv Supa: N9,600 → N11,400
GOtv Supa Plus: N13,500 → N16,800
MultiChoice attributed the price hike to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria, citing factors such as currency depreciation and high inflation, which have significantly increased its operational expenses.
Mounting Subscriber Discontent
The Explainer gathered that this announcement comes against the backdrop of a significant decline in MultiChoice’s subscriber base in Nigeria. According to reports, the company lost approximately 243,000 DStv and GOtv subscribers in the last financial year, a trend largely attributed to economic hardship and growing discontent over frequent price adjustments.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some accusing the company of insensitivity to the financial struggles of customers.
“Since 3 years now I don troway dstv thank God for iptv,” a Twitter user said.
Another user wrote, “Nigerians don suffer in the hands of their leaders who can’t help to defend them on issues as this.”
Another user wrote “We will dump them for pay as you watch packages”
“Thank God for smart TV and Internet connection…….”a user wrote.
The Explainer reported that this is not the first time MultiChoice has increased its subscription fees in response to Nigeria’s economic realities. Over the years, the company has consistently adjusted its pricing to match rising costs.
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Nigeria has been grappling with one of its worst inflationary periods in decades, with inflation reaching 29.90% as of January 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The naira’s depreciation against the dollar has also compounded the challenges for businesses, particularly those with international obligations like MultiChoice.
Experts argue that while MultiChoice’s justification may be valid, its frequent price adjustments could further alienate customers, especially as more Nigerians explore alternative entertainment options, including streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax.
Recent reports indicate that MultiChoice Nigeria is facing significant challenges due to its pricing policies and the evolving preferences of consumers.
In September 2024, MultiChoice Nigeria defended its opposition to a “pay-as-you-watch” model in court, stating that such a system is not commercially or technically feasible in satellite broadcasting due to current technological limitations. This stance was in response to consumer advocacy groups pushing for more flexible payment options.
Additionally, between April and September 2024, the company reported a loss of 243,000 subscribers, attributed to rising subscription costs and a shift towards more affordable streaming alternatives.
In May 2024, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja issued an interim order restraining MultiChoice from implementing a planned price hike for its DStv and GOtv services, following a suit that accused the company of unjustly increasing subscription fees without adequate notice.
