After court order, MultiChoice increases DStv, GOtv subscriptions

Notwithstanding a subsisting court order, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited has increased the subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv bouquets.

Earlier, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja had issued an injunction restraining MultiChoice Nigeria from increasing its subscription prices, which were set to take effect on May 1 pending determination of a lawsuit before the court.

But the cable TV in Abuja had refused service of the court order, insisting that any document should instead be sent to their Lagos headquarters.

Following the development, the tribunal had granted a separate application for substituted service of the interim order on the pay TV company in Abuja or anywhere in the country where it has an office.

In a ruling, the presiding officer, Saratu Shafii, said the decision underscores the tribunal’s commitment to ensuring that MultiChoice complies with its orders.

However, reports said that the new subscription fees were enforced on Wednesday, May 1, much to the dismay of millions of subscribers who waited for the company to halt the new rates.

It is not clear as at the time of filing this report what the applicant will do, but it is trite that he still has the right to approach the court for an order jailing the alleged contemnor.