Reps probes Multichoice operations over increase in subscription rates

The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate the operations of Multichoice Satellite Television Company over alleged exorbitant subscription rates charged its customers and the refusal by company to adopt the Pay as you Go package option.

The House therefore mandated its Committee on Information and Culture, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to interface with the Nigeria Communications Commissions, Nigerian Consumers Protection Council and other relevant agencies to address the issue.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna/APC).

Moving the motion, Rep. Abbas said that increasing subscription rates for the various bouquet on offer by Multichoice and its refusal to offer the pay as you go option to its customers is unacceptable and exploitative.

He said that it has become a practise for the digital television service company to increase the subscription rates of its various packages annually.

“In 2013, the monthly subscription increased by seven- 10 per cent; in 2014 by 10-15 per cent and in 2015 by 10-22 per cent and just recenltly, the company sent a notification of another price increase with effect from May 1, 2017.

“DSTV does not have a pay as you go plan like most similar communications companies around the world, thereby making its subscription plan to expire at the end of the monthly subscription period, whether or not the subscriber uses its services,” he stated.

The lawmaker further added that the regular increase in the subscription rates of the various bouquet on offer and the refusal to adopt a pay as you go option was against all known and fair business practices all over the world.

Rep. Abbas expressed concern over the seeming inability of the regulatory agencies to exercise their authority in the communications industry.

The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun, who presided over plenary.

The committees charged with the investigations are expected to report back to the House in eight weeks for further legislative action.