Nigerians are grappling with tough decisions as Multichoice, the parent company of popular pay-TV services DStv and GOtv, announced another price hike for its subscription packages.
This comes at a time when telecom operators have just increased data costs, leaving many Nigerians with tough choices as entertainment and internet services become more expensive.
The latest price adjustment, which takes effect from March 1, 2025, saw DStv and GOtv packages increase by an average of 20% and this came as the third price increment by Multichoice Nigeria in the last 15 months.
For instance, the DStv Premium package now costs N44,500, up from N37,000, while the Compact Plus package rose to N30,000 from N25,000.
Similarly, GOtv packages also experienced significant increases, with the GOtv Max package now priced at N8,500, up from N7,200.
For many Nigerians, the price hike is a heavy blow to their already strained budgets. Lagos-based entrepreneur Israel Ajayi shared his frustration, saying:
“I’ve been a DStv subscriber for over five years, but this latest increase is the last straw.
“I can’t justify spending N44,500 monthly on a TV subscription when I still have to pay for data, electricity, and other essentials. I’m considering switching to free-to-air channels or exploring streaming platforms.”
Another subscriber, Sandra Okeke, a teacher in Lagos, expressed similar concerns.
“I use GOtv because it’s more affordable, but even the GOtv Max package is becoming too expensive. With data costs also going up, I’m thinking of canceling my subscription altogether and relying on YouTube and other free platforms for entertainment,” she said.
For Samuel Ibiwunmi, the double impact of rising pay-TV and data costs means he would have to drop one and manage himself with one service.
“It’s getting harder to keep up. I rely on both cable TV and internet services for my business and personal entertainment, but with these hikes, I will have to cut one-off,” he said.
While acknowledging the financial burden on many Nigerians with the rising costs of all goods and services in the country, a digital marketing specialist, Mr. Henry Olugbenga, advised Nigerians to explore alternative entertainment options.
“Streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime Video offer more flexibility and competitive pricing.
“While data costs are a concern, many of these platforms allow users to download content for offline viewing, which can help manage data usage,” he said.
“For example, a family or group of friends can split the cost of a Netflix or Showmax subscription,” he added.
“For example, a family or group of friends can split the cost of a Netflix or Showmax subscription,” he added.
“Entertainment is important, but it’s a discretionary expense. In times like this, it’s crucial to focus on needs over wants. Nigerians should consider downgrading their pay-TV packages or canceling them entirely if they’re not essential,” he advised.
While Nigerians are already adjusting to the new price and seeking alternatives, an intervention from the country’s consumer watchdog, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) raises hope that the latest price increment by Multichoice will not go unchallenged.
The FCCPC on Tuesday summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to come and explain its proposed subscription price increase.
The latest price increment comes despite the huge loss of subscribers by the Pay-tv company the previous year due to multiple price increments.
Beyond its usual annual price increment, Multichoice had increased its prices twice in 2023, one in April and another in November of the same year.