Consumer protection outfit orders MultiChoice to introduce new features
MultiChoice Nigeria has been ordered to introduce an additional feature that allows subscribers increase the number of times they could suspend their subscription.
The order by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, through Tam Tamumokonbia, FCCPC Director of Legal Service, was made available to journalists on Saturday in Lagos.
FCCPC said it embarked on investigation following complaints from subscribers alleging abuse of dominant position by MCN, owners of DSTV and GOTV.
It said it had prepared and delivered a detailed Investigative report to MultiChoice Nigeria, showing its findings with respect to the investigation.
The FCCPC said such features should include a price lock option for subscribers to maintain the same subscription fee for a minimum period of one year.
The Commission further ordered that such contractual agreement clearly specify the applicable terms and conditions.
FCCPC ordered MultiChoice to submit back a draft of the agreement within seven days of the receipt of the order.
“MultiChoice must ensure better value for money and proposition for annual prepayment of subscription, including the ability to suspend subscription at least once every quarter of the year.
“It must clearly communicate to each subscriber, all channels available within their selected bouquet option.
“The group should also provide toll-free customer service lines which are operational 24 hours daily through which consumers may receive support with respect to the services offered when necessary.
“The lines must be toll-free across networks, not only with same network as it is currently the case.
“It must also advertise the existing toll-free customer service lines more frequently and more widely on channels available and under the control of MultiChoice on the DSTV and GOTV platforms. Such advertisement must run on each channel
at least daily.
“It should also increase the number of times all subscribers may suspend their subscription up to at least four times annually.
“We shall also expect the group to submit to the Commission a compliance report demonstrating full compliance with the orders within the time stipulated in the Commission’s Order of Feb. 4, 2022.”
The commission warned that a violation of its order would attract a fine of N5 million under the FCCPC Administrative Penalties Regulations, 2020.
(NAN)
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