NIN Responds to MultiChoice’s 50% Decoder Price Cut, Demands Subscription Reform and Customer-Centric Pay-TV Policies
TEC NEWS REPORT
NIN Responds to MultiChoice’s 50% Decoder Price Cut, Demands Subscription Reform and Customer-Centric Pay-TV Policies
Abuja, Nigeria – June 28, 2025
The National Interest Network (NIN), a prominent civil society organization advocating for public welfare and economic justice, has issued a powerful open letter to MultiChoice Nigeria, calling for urgent reforms in its Pay-TV subscription model. This comes in response to MultiChoice’s recent decision to slash the price of its DStv decoder from ₦20,000 to ₦10,000—a move that NIN described as commendable but not far-reaching enough to address deeper consumer challenges.
In the open statement addressed to MultiChoice and copied to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIN emphasized that while the decoder price reduction is a positive step, the more pressing issue lies in the company’s subscription system which remains “inflexible, unaffordable, and unfair to the consumer.”
Key Concerns Highlighted by NIN
The statement outlines several grievances and observations:
- Unjust Subscription Losses: Many customers reportedly lose their subscriptions without usage due to power outages, travel, or other disruptions—leading to expired services without any value received.
- Lack of Inclusive Channel Access: NIN noted that upon expiry, subscribers are only allowed access to NTA, recommending that other essential news channels be made available during grace periods.
- Economic Mismatch: Contrary to the perception that Pay-TV is for the elite, NIN argued that low-income earners form the bulk of the viewership base—individuals often priced out by current packages.
- Disproportionate Burden on Consumers: The organization acknowledged the legitimate business costs MultiChoice faces but insisted these costs should not be transferred unfairly to consumers already struggling with inflation, erratic electricity, and stagnant income.
NIN’s Core Recommendations
To address these concerns, NIN proposed the following reforms:
- Reduction in Monthly Subscription Prices to match current economic hardships.
- Introduction of a Non-Expiring, Pay-As-You-Go Option, where customers pay for viewable hours or units that only deplete during active usage.
- Retention of Service Value for unused time due to unavoidable disruptions.
- Greater Consideration of the Low-Income Demographic, who make up the majority of the user base.
Call to NCC for Regulatory Oversight
NIN called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to step in and facilitate a balanced solution that considers both consumer protection and industry sustainability. The group urged the Commission to work closely with MultiChoice and other Pay-TV providers to restructure subscription frameworks in line with consumer realities.
A Final Plea for Fairness
In a firm conclusion, the NIN President urged MultiChoice to evolve with its host nation’s socioeconomic climate. “We are all facing the heat—but fairness must not be one-sided,” the statement reads.
NIN maintains that reforming the Pay-TV sector is not just about business—it’s about respecting the dignity and rights of consumers who deserve to get value for their hard-earned money.
For media inquiries, contact:
- Email: info@nin.org.ng
- Phone: +2347061951575 (Office of the President)
- Hon. Ijeh Emmanuel, National Media and Publicity Director – +2348069755005
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