FCCPC Orders MultiChoice to Introduce Price Lock

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited (MCN), owners of GOtv and DStv, to introduce a price lock initiative and toll-free customer lines for its customers.

The commission said this move was as a result of alleged dominance by the pay-television company.

This was contained in a notice issued by the FCCPC to MultiChoice Nigeria.

The commission added that the price lock would ensure that subscribers maintain the same subscription fee for a minimum of one year. In a statement signed by Tam Tamunokonbia, director, legal services, FCCPC also directed MCN to allow subscribers to suspend their subscription four times annually, which it currently offered for a fixed period between seven and 14 days twice yearly.

The statement reads in part: “It should guarantee a price lock option that allows subscribers to maintain the same subscription fee for a minimum period of one year subject to a contractual agreement that clearly specifies the applicable terms.”

The commission also urged MCN to communicate to each subscriber regarding all channels available within their selected bouquet option and completely toll-free customer service lines to be operational 24 hours daily.

The commission further urged MCN to provide it with a report on challenges to operate the new guidelines, as well as submit a compliance report demonstrating full compliance of the order, warning that violation of an order of the commission would attract a fine of N5m.