MultiChoice Nigeria announces a 21% price hike on the DStv Compact package, sparking outrage over rising costs and service quality concerns

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ultiChoice Nigeria has announced a 21% increase in the subscription fee for its DStv Compact package, raising the price from N15,700 to N19,000, effective from 1 March 2025.

Also read: MultiChoice eyes $3bn Canal+, merger to compete against US streaming giants in Africa

This price hike follows a similar adjustment in May 2024, which the company attributed to rising inflation and increasing operational costs in Nigeria.

The announcement has triggered widespread criticism from subscribers, many of whom have taken to social media to voice their frustration over frequent price increases without a corresponding improvement in service quality.

In a notice sent to customers on Monday titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” MultiChoice explained that the new pricing structure was designed to maintain the delivery of high-quality homegrown and international content.

Despite the hike in the Compact package, the company confirmed that the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets will remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively.

“We are committed to offering our customers world-class content through the best technology. This price adjustment allows us to continue delivering that experience,” the company stated.

However, the justification hasn’t eased customer dissatisfaction. Many subscribers have complained about recurring issues like repeated content, frequent service interruptions, and a perceived lack of value for money.

Okechukwu, a DStv user, criticised the platform’s programming: “Apart from repeating movies — sometimes on two channels at the same time — there’s constant interruption to check if you’re subscribed, even when you have the Supa+ package.”

Another subscriber, Kevin Okeke, suggested that more customers might begin seeking alternatives: “More people will switch to better options, especially those who don’t care about football matches.”

The backlash has also reignited discussions about the lack of competition in Nigeria’s pay-TV sector.

Many subscribers blame MultiChoice’s market dominance for what they see as unjustified price hikes.

“It’s easy for them to keep increasing prices because there’s no real competition. That’s what a monopoly does,” a user complained.

Others have even called for a boycott of the service. “The last increment was less than a year ago, and now another one? It’s time to boycott this company,” Ramsey, another disgruntled customer, urged.

Amid broader frustration with Nigeria’s rising cost of living, the sentiment was echoed by Oburu Chinedu:

“The way we pay tariffs in this country, you’d think we were in London or Dubai! Even electricity is outrageously expensive. How did we get here?”

Also read: MultiChoice faces subscriber decline amid changing market dynamics

As the 1 March 2025 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether MultiChoice will address these growing concerns or if more subscribers will start exploring alternative entertainment options.