Reps To Engage NCC, Multichoice Over Increased bouquet Charges

The House of Representatives yesterday mandated it’s
committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values  to
interface with the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Consumer
Protection Council, and the Multichoice Satellite Television Company
over increased prices of bouquet offer.

 

The committee is expected to address concerns over the
increment and report back to the House in eight weeks for further
legislative action.

The member representing Zaria federal constituency of
Kaduna State, Hon. Tajudeen Abbass in a motion on the  need to
investigate the exorbitant charges and refusal of Multi-choice Satellite
Television Company to Adopt “Pay As You Go” Package Option.

According to the motion,  the ever increasing prices of
the various bouquet on offer by Multi-choice Satellite Television
Company and its refusal to offer a “Pay As You Go” package option on its
Digital Satellite Television is causing a financial strain on its
subscribers.

Abass observed that it has become a practice of the
company to increase the prices of its various packages almost on a
yearly basis.

“For instance, in 2013 the monthly subscription increased
by 7–10%; in 2014 by 10-15% and in 2015 by 10–22%, and just recently,
the company sent a notification of another price increase with effect
from May, 2017,” he said.

According to the motion DSTV does not have a ‘Pay As You
Go’ plan thereby as most similar communication companies around the
world have, thereby making its subscription plan to expire at the end of
the monthly subscription period, whether or not the subscriber used the
services.

“The regular increases in the prices of the various
bouquet and refusal to adopt a “Pay As You Go” option is against all
known and fair business practices all over the world,” he added.