Subscribers of Multichoice, a leading satellite television service provider in Nigeria, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent surge in monthly subscription fees for DSTV and GOtv.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) highlighted that Multichoice currently dominates the satellite television service market in Nigeria, enjoying a monopoly.

Vanguard’s recent report revealed that Multichoice unveiled the new subscription rates earlier in the week, citing operational expenses and the desire to enhance service quality as reasons for the adjustments.

Under the new rates, the premium DSTV bouquet has risen from N29,500 to N37,000, while Compact Plus increased from N19,800 to N25,000, Compact from N12,500 to N15,700, Comfam from N7,400 to N9,300, and other packages also experienced substantial hikes.

Similarly, GOtv subscribers witnessed a surge in their monthly subscription fees, impacting the Value and Plus packages.

The announced price hike has sparked widespread condemnation from many Nigerians who find it insensitive, especially given the current economic challenges. Social media platforms have been flooded with expressions of frustration and outrage, with numerous subscribers questioning the justification behind the steep price increase.

One Facebook user, Mr. Ebuka Victor, called on the Federal Government to intervene in the incessant price hikes and break the monopoly held by Multichoice, stating that DSTV’s pricing is burdensome for Nigerians.

Another user, Mr. Benjamin Chukwucheben, raised concerns about the lack of regulatory intervention to curb the frequent subscription fee increases by Multichoice.

The Federal Government is now under pressure to address this issue, with calls for regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to investigate the rationale behind the price adjustments.

Meanwhile, some Nigerians are exploring alternative options, such as smart TVs or streaming platforms, to avoid the high costs associated with traditional satellite television subscriptions.

Overall, the increase in subscription fees for DSTV and GOtv has placed a significant financial burden on many customers, leading to widespread discontent among subscribers who rely on these platforms for entertainment and information.