Digital Satellite Television (DStv) service subscribers in Nigeria have charged the federal government of Nigeria to compel MultiChoice, the major distance-to-home service provider in Nigeria to introduce ‘pay-as-you-view billing’ system.
Over the time, Nigeria subscribers of the DStv have in different ways showed their grievances over the continued payment for services not rendered by MultiChoice.
This degenerated in Lagos on Monday, when DStv subscribers pleaded with the Federal Government to enact a law to compel MultiChoice to introduce “pay-as-you-view billing’’ system.
The subscribers said that there was a need for such billing system, as it would ensure value for the subscription.
Many of the subscribers complained of paying for what they did not get services for, saying that after several complaints, MultiChoice did not listen.
Mr. Uzochukwu Nwafor, a businessman said that MultiChoice was not considerate on how it was handling the issue of pay-as-you-view.
“There is a need to put a regulation in place to help subscribers enjoy the money they paid to view the programmes.
“With that (pay-as-you-view billing), we can save some money. I see subscribing to DStv programmes as a waste of money; it does not happen abroad or even in South Africa,‘’ he said.
Mr. Silvanus Nwankwo, a civil servant, said that the National Assembly (NASS) was supposed to look into the operations of MultiChoice.
“Many companies come to Nigeria and rip us off because our policies are not being implemented.
“Again, DStv does not have severe competitors and that is why the company is behaving as it pleases.
“The Pay-As-You-Go billing that telecommunications operators offer is supposed to apply to DStv,’’ he said.
Nwankwo, however, said that the National Assembly should focus on the number of Nigerians that subscribed to the company’s service and insist on reducing prices of its bouquets.
A Hip Hop Artiste, Ishmael Lawal, popularly known as ‘King Songo’ complained about the decoder of MultiChoice.
Lawal said that after subscription, he hardly watched the programmes because the signal was weak.
He also said: “The company cuts off subscriptions two days before expiration, without warning.
“Again, they keep repeating programmes, when one had paid to get new and trending programmes.’’
A source at the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), who pleaded anonymity, said that the council had already taken MultiChoice to court over the issue.
The source said that CPC received complaints from consumers against MultiChoice, among which was the refusal of the company to offer pay-as-you-view billing on both DStv and GOtv.
The complaints included failure to receive signal after subscription paid; subscription disconnection before the end of billing cycle with no credit applied for paid time lost; and lack of clarity in terms and conditions.
Other complaints were: non-activation of free to air channels except when a consumer complains; and confusing toll-free customer care telephone channels.
Also, were: arbitrary charges; confusing billing; blocking some channels already subscribed; poor picture or signal quality with excessive and uncompensated downtime during both inclement and clear weather conditions; and lack of responsiveness.
Martin Maputo, the General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MultiChoice, said that for two months, the company would reduce prices of its bouquets.
Maputo said that MultiChoice wanted subscribers to enjoy the 2018 Christmas with their families, while enjoying music, food, movies, among others.
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