The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday made known its intention to investigate allegations of negative trade practices levelled against Multichoice Nigeria, the owners of the Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) pay television service.
This followed a motion moved by Senator Isah Hamma Misau at the plenary, in which he brought to the attention of the Upper Chamber alleged unwholesome trade practices of the company occasioned by its dominance of the Nigerian satellite television market.
The senator hinged his grouse with the company on the claim that the company was involved in one legal tussle or the other with its subscribers, who were dissatisfied with the programming service and unreasonable subscription hikes across the various bouquets the company offers.
The senate directed its committees on information, trade and investment to conduct their investigations and report to it within four week, adding that the committees should summon the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC).
Also, the Senate said the committees must conduct a public hearing and involve the relevant stakeholders, with the aim of fostering a way forward.
However, many Nigerians have gone on social media to air their views on the matter.
While many felt the probe was in order, and should be directed at creating a better environment for competition in the digital satellite pay TV subsector, others felt it might be carrying the legislatures oversight function a bit too far.
Read their comments below…
Today @NGRSenate, we passed a motion on the arbitrary subscription charges and price hikes of @MultiChoice (DSTV). pic.twitter.com/jRKXb5CjUk
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) February 24, 2016
DSTV is a business with huge investments here. A better approach is to encourage competition. Let market forces resolve this @bukolasaraki
— Ikechi Ugwoeje (@IkechiUgwoeje) February 25, 2016
Can the NASS actually terminate a contract? Fix DSTV prices? Are these things within their power? I'm confused.
— S. (@saratu) February 25, 2016
Just look like babanla overreach to me. Weird thing is, so many people are applauding this DSTV thing. https://t.co/pjcqeTIdXt
— S. (@saratu) February 25, 2016
We act entitled in Nigeria. See what happened with Per sec billing. MTN said it was impossible. GLO CHANGED THE GAME. DSTV NEEDS COMPETITION
— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) February 25, 2016
Is DSTV subscription overpriced? Yes. Is it the job of the state to manage the business model of a private enterprise? Hell no!
— k.a.Y (@kayiskhalid) February 25, 2016
Do you know how much DSTV pays for EPL rights.
£296m. For 2016 to 2019. You think they came to play abi
— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) February 25, 2016
DSTV is not our enemy. They are a business. You can choose not to patronise them. You really can. How much they charge is their prerogative
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) February 25, 2016
I believe we understand our general points. DSTV has a right to set a price. You have a right not to pay. Simple as. https://t.co/9CiJplNrW0
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) February 25, 2016
I can afford not to fly Arik or Aero cos of cheaper and quality alternatives. There needs to be an alternative to dstv fin
— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) February 25, 2016
it's not a must to own DSTV, summon our local operators to up their game with DSTV, giving same qualtiy @ Low Price https://t.co/i6j6mbkxd3
— TRY AGAIN (@emmankom) February 25, 2016
I think they ought to be reasonable in their prices even if they are riding on the back of unavailable competition. DSTV should be cautioned
— Olúwafémi Festus Àrìyò (@Harryphem) February 25, 2016
Senate To Probe DSTV Over Price Hike And Other Issues .#CarryGo
— #ChildOfGod (@liliancool77) February 25, 2016
this DSTV price tin is lik tellin Ferrari to reduce the prces of their prodcts so you can buy…if you can't afford to pay.. stay off ffs
— Nemezu 𓅓🖕🏾😒 (@stifler_drug) February 25, 2016
Of all the issues plaguing Nigeria, our "distinguished" @NGRSenate has picked on the most important of all…
DSTV tariffs.
What a joke.
— H.O.N. (@MrNosegbe) February 25, 2016
And most of us have dstv at home simply because of sports… and dstv leverages on that to continue to hike the prices.
— Das Duwem (@D_WarEagle) February 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/9jaElectorate/status/702785844608954368
https://twitter.com/OminiAho/status/702785737499025409
If customers are unhappy with DSTV's subscription rates why must we watch? Can't we boycott? What is this rubbish?
— H.O.N. (@MrNosegbe) February 25, 2016
The cost of doing business in Nigeria is ridiculous. The Senate cannot force DSTV to implement a pay per view option.
— Cinderella Man (@Osi_Suave) February 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/OLDEAN__/status/702785169837694976
Dstv Really Needs To Be Probed.. Haba!
— Esh. (@EeshiO) February 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/Shaunonyx/status/702784252803457024
If you ve ever seen a dstv crew at live event in Nigeria. You will notice all south Africans crew camera man just one Nigeria journo
— DM (@Dem_zie) February 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/enn_shielu/status/702784224722599937
Alternatives for DSTV aren't strong competitors, the likes of Startimes. CTL, Metro digital should upgrade themselves. Where is HiTv?
— Manny (@jvecar) February 25, 2016
I really have to cut on unnecessary expenses. ……Dstv has to go😢😢😢
— #Morena_Pitso (@KingPitso2) February 25, 2016