Nigerian Subscribers Roar as DStv Raises Subscription Fees by 19%

DSTV’s recent decision to raise subscription fees from N24,000 to N29,000 has ignited a significant backlash within its Nigerian customer base. The move has drawn sharp criticism, and many subscribers are expressing their dissatisfaction, primarily due to what they perceive as a lack of corresponding improvements in service quality.

One disgruntled user, Prosper, vented his frustration by stating, “Hotels, companies, etc., are the reason DSTV is behaving like gods with this very useless increment they just did. Why pay so high and get almost no value of what you’re paying? Is it the old and repeated movies, even the cartoons are the same, everything is just reshuffled.”

@the_beardedsina highlighted the adverse effects of consistent price increases, which have led to customers discontinuing their subscriptions. He tweeted, “DSTV & Multichoice is funny. You increased tariffs of all your subscriptions. People stopped subscribing, and you’re losing customers. You will be disturbing someone with customer care to ask why they haven’t subscribed. If you call me again DSTV, I will curse and swear for you.”

User @brodah_ayor criticized DSTV for its apparent disregard for customer sentiment, suggesting that Nigerians have tolerated these price hikes for far too long. He stated, “@DStvNg just doing what they like. They know that ‘Nigerians will adapt.’ We will shout for 1 week, and that’s all. It’s high time people start boycotting them. They are doing too much.”

@Emmanuel OC questioned the rationale behind DSTV’s subscription price increase, given the repetition of content, saying, “Why is @DStvNg increasing the price of the subscription, and they are repeating similar films programs daily? Please, this is wickedness to all Nigerians.”

@Nielo added, “The only time I turn on my TV and go to DSTV is when it’s football time. Once football is over, DSTV becomes useless… And they keep increasing the price. Lol.”

@maxvayshia suggested blocking DSTV and GOTV customer care agents for repeatedly raising subscription costs throughout 2023. He tweeted, “I will start blocking DSTV and GOTV customer care agents. Increasing subscription cost THREE TIMES in 2023, and you are calling me for what? I’ll spray you Cameroon pepper through my phone.”

@OmotayoofLagos pointed out, “Multichoice are also increasing money for DSTV and GOTV packages, people that don’t have any reasonable content like that to show their viewers.”

However, not everyone is quick to condemn DSTV. User Olufisayo offered an alternative perspective, emphasizing the economic challenges involved in the industry. They pointed out that DSTV pays for TV rights in USD while receiving payments in Naira. Olufisayo said, “DSTV is always the scapegoat. Economics is simple, life’s tough for you, life’s tough for them. They pay most of the TV rights you have access to in USD, while you all pay them in Naira. Think about it.”

User @DamiElebe defended DSTV’s position, urging people to recognize the economic realities. They highlighted the substantial costs associated with securing sports rights and the fact that these payments are typically made in foreign currency. @DamiElebe stated, “I am tired of people complaining about DSTV changing their prices. You know what the economy is saying. Do you even know how much it is to pay for the rights of just sports alone? Do you think they are collecting Naira there?”

The recent price hike by DSTV has certainly ignited a passionate debate among its Nigerian customer base, with strong opinions on both sides. While many subscribers are frustrated with the constant price increases and perceived lack of improved content, others are sympathetic to the economic challenges the company faces in an industry where they must pay for content rights in foreign currency. The ongoing discourse highlights the complex dynamics and challenges within the pay-TV market in Nigeria.