Multichoice Stuns Subscribers: DStv and GOtv Prices Skyrocket by 21%!

MultiChoice, the parent company overseeing DStv and GOtv services, has announced an upcoming increase in subscription prices across various packages, effective March 1, 2025. This adjustment, which comes less than a year after its last price review, is attributed to Nigeria’s prevailing economic challenges, including the depreciation of the naira, escalating energy costs, and an inflation rate that stood at 24.48 percent as of January 2025. MultiChoice stated that these price adjustments are necessary to sustain the provision of world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through optimal technology.

Among the DStv bouquets, the Compact package will see a substantial 21 percent increase, rising from N15,700 to N19,000. The Premium package will be priced at N44,500, the Family package will increase from N9,300 to N11,000, and the Access bouquet will be adjusted to N6,000. For GOtv subscribers, the Value package will go up from N3,600 to N3,900, while the Plus package will move from N4,850 to N5,800. The majority of MultiChoice users subscribe to the Compact, Access, and Family bouquets, making these changes impactful for a large segment of their customer base.

This development has already sparked criticism from subscribers, many of whom have expressed persistent frustration over what they perceive as frequent price hikes. The increases from MultiChoice are not isolated, as they occur amidst broader economic pressures affecting individuals and businesses across Nigeria. The cost of living and operating in the country has taken a drastic turn due to government reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies and increased electricity tariffs, all contributing to the depreciation of the naira and rising operational expenses for companies.

The telecommunications sector has also experienced significant price adjustments. Following a 50 percent telecom tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), mobile network operators like Airtel and MTN have revised their prices. Airtel Nigeria, for instance, implemented adjustments of up to 50 percent across its data pricing structure and call rates. Airtel's call rates have increased from 18 to 25 kobo per second, and SMS charges are now N6, up from N4.

Specific adjustments to Airtel's data plans include daily plans ranging from N50 for 40MB to N350 for 1GB. Weekly plans now offer N350 for 350MB, N500 for 750MB (with additional YouTube benefits), N500 for 1GB (with YouTube and Socials), and N500 for 2GB. Monthly plans have also seen increases: 3GB for N2,000 (formerly 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (previously 3GB at N1,500), 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000), 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (previously 18GB at N5,000). However, certain tariff plans, such as the 5GB weekly plan for N1,500, have remained unchanged.

In contrast, MTN Nigeria recently faced significant backlash for a contentious 200 percent tariff hike on its 15GB data plan, which saw the price jump from N2,000 to N6,000, far exceeding the NCC’s approved 50 percent increase. This move ignited widespread public outcry and a direct threat of action from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Reacting swiftly to the pressure, MTN Nigeria issued an apology via its official X account, admitting the tariff increase was a “mistake” and subsequently reversed it.