Nigerians fret as DStv hikes S/A tariffs

Subscribers to pay Tv giant, DStv, in Nigeria, has warned that they will not welcome any new tariff hike in the country any time soon.

The subscribers, acting under the aegis of Association of Telephone, Cable Tv and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria), said they will reject any hike at this time.

Reacting to the hike in South Africa that saw monthly fees increase by between 3.2per cent and 7.5per cent from 1 April 2023, ATCIS-Nigeria President, Sina Bilesanmi said he will not be surprised if the hike is extended to the Nigerian market, adding that the body will resist it.

“Yes, we are aware of the South African hike and know that it is a sign of what will happen in Nigeria. They will hide under the guise of spiraling inflation and others to hike tariffs. But we have always pushed for pay-per-view. And if they say they do not have the technology or precedent globally to implement that template, they should think about a technology that allows us to retain our subscription when we don’t use it. I mean for instance, if I subscribe and I am unable to use my subscription either because I am not around or I do not have cash to fuel my generator, I should be able to use it or roll it over when I subscribe again.

“I know it is a battle that will be won one day. Remember when GSM technology was first introduced. The earlier operators said it was impossible to do per second billing until Globacom came and took the industry by storm by introducing per second billing.’’