Senate tackles DSTV over alleged price hike and sharp practices

The running battles between the legislators and the leading Digital Satellite Television operators Multi Choice, a subsidiary of South Africa- based Multichoice Africa, owners of the DSTV is far from over.
The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Industries, Trade and lnvestment, Mr. Emeka Enelamah; heads of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission and the Consumer Protection Council over alleged unwholesome practices by Multichoice Nigeria.
The summon is sequel to a motion moved by Senator Isah Misau, titled "concern about unwholesome practices by multichoice Nigeria(DSTV)
The red chamber also mandated the Committee on Information to organise a public hearing for all stakeholders including the civil society on how to protect Nigerian subscribers.
The recommendations followed a motion moved by Senator lsah Misau, titled, “Concern about unwholesome practices by Multichoice Nigeria (DSTV).”
In his motion he observed that the dominance of DSTV in the industry has led to its negative and unhealthy trade practices.
He pointed out in the motion, “Many concerned Nigerians are aggrieved and in constant demand to stop DSTV’s arbitrary price hikes, noting that recent increase in DSTV subscription is outrageous and totally unacceptable”
unreasonable subscription hikes across their various bouquets and
The firm was also accused of moving major subscribers from low subscription bouquets to high subscription bouquets, poor service delivery and absence of toll-free lines for customers’ complaints and refusal to adopt the pay as you use model applicable in other climes where Multichoice operates.
The lawmaker accused the organisation of ripping of Nigerians because of its monopoly of the broadcast right of the English Premiership making  a lot of football-loving Nigerians following the English Premier League to be  at the mercy of DSTV
He said, “Many concerned Nigerians are aggrieved and in constant demand to sop DSTV’s arbitrary price hikes, noting that recent increase in DSTV subscription is outrageous and totally unacceptable”
Contributing, the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Na’Allah, said, “We have found ourselves in the situation where certain people position themselves for a business in such a manner because they have exclusive monopoly.”
 “This does not help any growing economy in any country and I think the moral courage to reverse this situation in the overall interest of Nigeria rests with this Senate”
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki said, “We must play our role to ensure that we protect Nigerians and ensure that the best global practices are happening in our own country.
“So, I would want the committees as directed to look into the matter particularly to ensure that the CPC plays the role they should play in ensuring that the rights of Nigerians are always protected.”