Despite Directive, DSTV Continues To Charge for Free-to-Air channels in Nigeria

As far back as middle of 2016, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) gave a repeat  directive it earlier issued to MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, owners the Digital Satellite Broadcast Television (DStv) to unlock all free-to-air channels irrespective of whether subscribers have active subscriptions would be applied across board on all satellite/pay television stations operating in the country.

Earlier on, the council had issued far-reaching directives to MultiChoice to among other things, make compensations to its subscribers within 90 days, after the council established allegations of violations of consumer rights against the broadcaster.

According to report from ThisDay newspapers, the council specifically ordered DSTV to unlock all free-to-air channels even at the expiration of subscription. DSTV had often refused to release the free to air channels, which should include local television stations whenever current subscription expired. Even though it was learnt that pay television stations are under obligations to release the free to air channels as part of broadcasting agreement signed, DSTV and some of its competitors including Startimes, have continued in the breach.

As ironic as it is, DSTV and its competitors in Nigeria do not pay for the content from local television stations, rather they get paid a subscription by these stations to carry their signals. So by charging their digital television consumers, DSTV is actually making money from two fronts.

But MultiChoice Nigeria, has described as misleading and inaccurate recent media reports accusing it of unfairness to Nigerian subscribers. For some time now, there have been media reports purporting that MultiChoice affected a 20 per cent slash in DStv subscription in countries which it operates, leaving out Nigeria and South Africa.

In a statement by Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager, DStv, the company said subscription rates across countries are easily verified, and that all the facts were on the internet for all to see. While admitting that DStv bouquet subscriptions were slashed in other countries, as reported, she explained that reduction was way below the 20 per cent claimed by the authors of the reports.

On the exclusion of Nigeria from the list of countries affected by the slash, Ms. Oghuma said Nigerian DStv subscribers have always paid lower rates than subscribers in the affected countries and, despite the recent reduction, still pay lower.

“For two years, prices were not increased in Nigeria until April 2015. Even when they were increased, they remained substantially lower than in other countries. MultiChoice made a decision to absorb costs on behalf of the Nigerian subscriber because the company recognizes that the country is passing through a difficult economic phase,” she explained.

While avoiding the other aspect on their not releasing the local television free-to-air channels, She added that the company remained committed to providing improved services and customer-focused initiatives because it values its subscribers. Rather, she said, the company made available toll-free lines on all the mobile telephone networks in the country to ensure subscribers could reach its call centres at no cost when they have issues with the service.

Responding to enquiries, CPC spokesman, Abiodun Obimuyiwa said the council’s directive would be implemented across board as soon as it gets DSTV to comply.