Reactions herald Multichoice’s new rates
By Tanko Mohammed
The recent increase in subscription rates of Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) of Multichoice Nigeria has provoked mixed reaction of customers.
The Multichoice announced plans to adjust its subscription rates on June 1.
to reflect the 50 per cent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).
The 2020 Finance Act, which was signed into law in January with the implementation began in February, raised VAT from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.
Mr Ebuka Chidi, a business man, expressed his displeasure at the planned increase in subscription rates, saying that Multichoice had not been fair in their dealings in the country.
“DSTV and GoTV are supposed to be operating on pay as you go tariff plan in the country but they choose to exploit us, Nigeria. Can they practice that plan in other countries?
“Some people subscribed and do not watch but still have to renew their subscription the following month. The system is bad,” he said.
Chidi, however, urged the government to help check their activities and bring them to order.
Another customer, Mr Emmanuel Hassan, urged the government to work on the country’s satellite to make it easier and affordable for citizens.
“If the country produces a standard satellite we will not use their brand or have different options. They increase prices at will and will always find opportunities to exploit us,” he said.
Mrs Ebere Chibuzor, said that the timing for the implementation was wrong, saying that the country was going through some economy set back while government was trying to help reduce the cost of living by reducing the pump price of petrol among others.
She said that the timing for implementing the value-added tax was wrong, as many homes depend on their products to cope with the lockdown and the present situation.
Chibuzor said that DSTV brand helped a lot of people to suppress depression from staying at home and that it keeps the children entertained, among other advantages.
She appealed to management of Multi choice to support the government and wait until the COVID-19 pandemic would be over.
A businesswoman, Mrs Aminat Ibrahim, said the timing for the implementation was wrong, especially now that so many businesses had suffered and some private sector workers now receive half salaries.
“The economy of the country is in a bad condition because of the pandemic and I must commend the government,” she said.