Government must intervene in DStv subscription hike – CUTS International

Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is urging the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, as well as the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, to step in following MultiChoice Ghana Limited’s decision to increase subscription prices for DSTv.

The price adjustment, set to take effect on April 1, 2025 will see an average 15% increase across all subscriber packages for DSTv.

MultiChoice Ghana attributes the hike to rising consumer inflation and prevailing economic pressures.

However, CUTS International has raised concerns over the short notice given to customers, arguing that subscribers should have been given more time to prepare.

The West African Regional Director of CUTS, Appiah Kusi Adomako, clarified that while the organisation acknowledges Ghana’s deregulated market and does not oppose the price review itself, the timing is problematic.

“DStv holds a dominant position in the satellite TV market, largely due to its exclusive access to premium content like the English Premier League and UEFA competitions, which most competitors cannot provide. This advantage gives them significant market control, and implementing a price hike with just one week’s notice appears to be an abuse of that dominance,” Appiah Adomako told Citi Business News.

He also urged relevant ministries to intervene and ensure that MultiChoice Ghana provides customers with at least a month’s notice before implementing any price adjustments, in line with fair business practices.

MA