Outrage as MultiChoice Nigeria Hikes DStv Subscription Fees by 21%
3 min read
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced 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. This latest price hike, following a similar adjustment in May 2024, has sparked widespread backlash from customers who are frustrated by frequent increases without a corresponding improvement in service quality.
In a notice sent to customers on Monday, the pay-TV giant explained that the price adjustment was part of a review of its pricing structure, citing inflation and rising operational costs as reasons for the change. Despite the increase in the Compact package, MultiChoice confirmed that the prices for the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets would remain at ₦30,000 and ₦44,500, respectively.
The notice, titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” stated: “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”
Subscribers Express Frustration Over Poor Value and Repetitive Content
The announcement has reignited anger among subscribers, many of whom took to social media to voice their discontent over what they see as unjustified price hikes. Complaints ranged from repetitive content to frequent service disruptions.
Okechukwu, a subscriber, criticised the platform’s programming, saying, “Apart from repeating movies—sometimes on two channels at the same time—there’s a constant interruption to check if you’re subscribed or authorised to watch a channel, even when you have the Supa+ package.”
Others suggested that the latest price increase would push more viewers to explore alternative entertainment options. “More people will switch to better options, especially those who don’t care about football matches,” said Kevin Okeke, another dissatisfied customer.
Monopoly Concerns and Calls for Boycott
The backlash has also reignited debates about the lack of competition in Nigeria’s pay-TV market, with critics accusing MultiChoice of exploiting its dominant position. “It’s always easy for them to increase prices because there’s no real competition. That’s what a monopoly does to consumers,” one user complained.
Ramsey, another aggrieved subscriber, called for a boycott of MultiChoice services: “The last increment was less than a year ago, and now another one? It’s time to boycott this company.”
Rising Cost of Living in Nigeria
The price hike has also tapped into broader frustrations about Nigeria’s high cost of living. Oburu Chinedu voiced his discontent, saying, “The way we pay tariffs in this country, you’d think we were in London or Dubai! Even electricity is outrageously expensive. How did we get here?”
Growing Pressure on MultiChoice
The backlash against MultiChoice reflects growing frustration among Nigerian consumers over the rising cost of living and perceived lack of value for money from pay-TV services. With subscribers openly exploring alternative options and calling for boycotts, the company may face mounting pressure to justify its pricing strategy and improve service delivery.
As the debate over value and affordability continues, industry analysts warn that MultiChoice risks losing subscribers to digital streaming platforms that offer more flexible and cost-effective viewing options. The question remains: Will MultiChoice address these concerns, or will it continue to test the loyalty of its Nigerian customer base?
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