MultiChoice Nigeria, the satellite TV provider, has announced an increase in the prices of its DStv and GOtv packages in response to Nigeria’s rising inflation. The announcement was made via text message to subscribers yesterday.
According to an internal memo released by the company, the price increase is due to the various economic challenges impacting its business operations. MultiChoice Nigeria stated that it has had to review the prices of its packages to continue providing its customers with great entertainment, anytime and anywhere.
The new prices for MultiChoice Nigeria’s DStv and GOtv packages will take effect from May 1, 2023. The DStv Premium package will see a price increase of ₦3,500 or 16.7%, rising from ₦21,000 to ₦24,500. The DStv Compact+ package will have an addition of ₦2,350 or 16.5%, jumping from ₦14,250 to ₦16,600. Similarly, the DStv Compact package will go from N9,000 to ₦10,500, a ₦1,500 or 16.7% increase. The DStv Confam package, currently priced at ₦5,300, will see a 17% increment to ₦6,200. The DStv Yanga package will get a ₦550 boost from ₦2,950 to ₦3,500, equivalent to 18.6%. Lastly, the DStv Padi package will increase from ₦2,150 to ₦2,500, a difference of ₦350 or 16.3%.
Subscribers, however, have expressed apathy towards the price review, as they have experienced similar increases in the past. In September 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, MultiChoice Nigeria raised the monthly price of its Premium package from ₦16,200 to ₦18,400. Other higher packages, such as Compact Plus and Compact, were also affected, with subscribers asked to pay ₦12,400 and ₦7,900 respectively.
MultiChoice Nigeria later slashed its prices on February 1, 2021, to provide relief to its customers from the recession in Q4 of 2020 and the impact of the pandemic. However, in March last year, DSTV hiked its prices again due to economic challenges impacting its business operations.
The price increase has stirred mixed reactions among subscribers. While some subscribers understand the challenges faced by MultiChoice Nigeria and the need to adjust prices, others have expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction. Many subscribers rely on satellite TV for their daily entertainment, and it remains to be seen how these increases in prices may impact their budget and viewing habits.
As of May 1, 2023, subscribers of MultiChoice Nigeria’s DStv and GOtv packages should expect to pay higher prices for their subscriptions.