- DSTV prices in Nigeria have been increased numerous times by Multichoice over the years
- This has always been met with chagrin from Nigerians who have to bear with the incessant incrementsÂ
- Another attempt to increase the package prices has been met with court action as a tribunal fined Multichoice N150 million and ordered it to give a free one-month subscription to DStv and GOtv usersÂ
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal had recently fined Multichoice Nigeria N150 million for contesting the jurisdiction of the court and mandated that, as a result of inadequate notice to their increase in price, the business gives Nigerians a free one-month subscription to DStv and GOtv.
First increase occurred in September 2009
Prices have been raised frequently by Multichoice in recent years. With an average increase in costs every two years, prices jumped eight times between 2009 and 2017.
The first increase occurred in September 2009, the same month that the low-cost Dstv Access package was unveiled for N1,500.
Prices increased again in April 2011. Except for Access, which remained at N1,500, all bouquets saw price increases, going from N9,500 to N10,300 for Dstv Premium.
Price hike blamed on higher inflation and operational expenses
August 2012 showed a 10% increase in their bouquets with Dstv Premium having increased from N10,000 to N11,000. Access remained at N1,500. The increase was tied to higher inflation and operational expenses.
August 2015 saw a 20% increase in all bouquets. Dstv increased from N11,650 to N13,980. Dstv Access subscribers were now required to pay N1,800 rather than the former fee of N1500.
Latest increment may push customers away
DStv Premium increased by 55% in eight years, from N9,000 in 2009 to N13,980 in 2017.
In 2023, the price was increased multiple times, and at some point, it was at N12,500 (+19%) for Supa Plus, N4,200 (+20%) for Yanga, N7,400 (+19%) for Confam, N12,500 (+19%) for Compact, N19,800 (+19%) for Compact+, and N29,500 (+20%) for Premium.
The current increase in 2024 may push their consumers to cheaper packages or competitors. The premium package went up to N37,000 from N29,500, while the Compact Plus, which was N19,800, went up to N25,000.