MultiChoice Nigeria has announced its intention to appeal the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT), which imposed a N150 million fine on the company and mandated one month of free subscriptions for its DStv and GOtv customers.
The tribunal fined MultiChoice for disobeying an order that restrained the company from increasing its monthly subscription fees pending the resolution of a lawsuit filed by Abuja-based lawyer Festus Onifade. In addition to the fine, the tribunal directed MultiChoice to offer one month of free service to its Nigerian subscribers.
In a statement released following the ruling, MultiChoice expressed its disagreement with the tribunal’s decision and confirmed its plan to appeal.
“MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter,” the statement read. “We disagree with the ruling and will therefore file an appeal against the said ruling.”
MultiChoice also indicated that, due to the ongoing legal process, it would refrain from making further comments on the matter.
“As the matter is currently sub-judice, we are restrained from making further comments,” the company added.
The initial dispute arose when MultiChoice announced a price increase for its DStv and GOtv packages in April. The tribunal subsequently issued an order halting the price hike, pending the outcome of the lawsuit. MultiChoice’s decision to challenge the tribunal’s jurisdiction led to the imposition of the fine and the free subscription order.
The ruling has sparked reactions from subscribers, who have expressed their frustration over the increased costs. Many customers have taken to social media and other platforms to lament the rising monthly fees for DStv and GOtv services, underscoring the broader dissatisfaction with the price hike.
The tribunal’s ruling and MultiChoice’s response highlight ongoing tensions between consumer rights and corporate interests in Nigeria’s pay-TV market. The appeal process will be closely watched as it unfolds, potentially setting a significant precedent for future regulatory and legal actions in the industry.