EXCLUSIVE: CPC It’s illegal for MultiChoice to demand new rates from DSTV subscribers

The Consumer Protection Council on Friday said it was a violation of the order of the court for MultiChoice Nigeria to continue to collect the new rates from its DStv and GOtv subscribers .

The Director - General , CPC , Mr . Babatunde Irukera , said this in Abuja while reacting to the hike in subscription rate by MultiChoice .
In July , MultiChoice Nigeria announced new monthly subscription rates for the DStv Premium package from N 14 , 700 to N 15 ,800 (about 7 . 5 per cent).

Compact Plus from N 9 , 900 to N 10 ,650 ; Compact bouquet from N 6 , 300 to N 6 , 800 ; Family from N 3 , 800 to N 4 , 000 , and Access from N 1 , 900 to N 2 , 000 .
The new rates took effect from August 1 .

On August 20 , 2018 , Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court , sitting in Abuja , in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria vs MultiChoice Nigeria Limited : Case No. FHC/ ABJ / CS/ 894 , entered an order restraining MultiChoice by itself, agents , or representatives from continuing any increased subscription rate or prices , pending the determination of an application before the court .

But reacting to the development , the CPC boss said the Council was aware that customers of MultiChoice Nigeria Limited had been unable to renew their subscriptions at their bouquets ’ prevailing price as at July 31 , 2018.
He said, “It is a violation of the order of the court for MultiChoice to require consumers to pay, or to receive any new rate for their service , from consumers .

“For clarity , the current , valid and prevailing rate for DStv and GOtv services are the rates that were effective as at July 31 , 2018 .
“In view of the continuing and increasing complaints that consumers are unsuccessful in renewing subscription in compliance with the order of the court , even after service of the order upon MultiChoice , the Council is setting up a special channel for receiving complaints for this purpose .
“ As such , any consumer who has, or is experiencing this challenge should please send an email to
multichoicecompliance@cpc.gov.ng , stating relevant information, including smart card number , name, telephone number , date and time of failed attempt to pay , supporting same with relevant evidence such as a screenshot or document. ”