There is no increase in tariff- DSTV

Despite the public outcry against the proposed new tariff by MultiChoice, operators of DSTV and GOtv, the company has insisted that it has no plan to increase tariff.

DSTV spokesperson, Mrs Caroline Oghuma, said this in a phone interview on Sunday with the Daily Times. Though it is unclear why the interview with our correspondent terminated abruptly, efforts to get her to expatiate hit a brick wall as subsequent calls and message put across to her were not replied as of the time of filing this report.

Earlier, MultiChoice had in a statement said the price adjustments it recently announced, which would take effect from June 1, was to reflect the increase in the rate of the Value Added Tax (VAT) by 2.5 per cent from five per cent to 7.5 per cent by the Federal Government.

The statement read in part: “We acknowledge that Nigerians are living under increased economic pressure and want to make every naira they spend count.

“We remain committed to providing our customers with value for their naira, while giving them access to the best available content. DStv and GOtv products and services will be amended to include 7.5 per cent VAT.”

 Meanwhile, Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers (ATCIS), a group of subscribers has raised eyebrows over the plan to increase monthly DStv/GOtv tariff in Nigeria from June 1.

In a letter jointly addressed to MultiChoice by the body’s national president, Mr Adesina Bilesanmi and secretary, Mrs Loris Anger, ATCIS bemoaned the proposed increase in tariff, stating that it was inappropriate to raise tariff based on new VAT of 7.5 per cent. The group, however, explained that the proposed tariff an increase should be based on 2.5 per cent, noting that 5 per cent VAT had been captured in the previous tariff plan.

The letter read in part: “We write on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Elders Forum, Executives and entire members with over 185 million subscribers drawn from the six geopolitical zones.

 “The above-named association, wish to notify you that, we say no to increase in monthly tariff DStv/GOtv subscription in Nigeria during COVID-19. We are the masses advocate and fight for positive change for the interest of the subscribers.”