MultiChoice agrees to reduce DStv fees, says Sam George
- Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced that MultiChoice agrees to reduce DStv fees. The company sent a letter to the Ministry requesting further discussions on a reduction plan. Sam George made this statement at a press conference in Accra on Friday, September 5. He revealed that MultiChoice has finally agreed to reduce their prices and wants to discuss the level of the reduction. According to the Minister, MultiChoice realized that Ghanaians fully backed the Ministry. The NPP and NDC have both endorsed the Ministry’s position. Ghanaians simply refuse to pay exorbitant fees any longer.
Prior to the press conference, Sam George had issued a September 6 deadline. He threatened to suspend MultiChoice Ghana’s license if they failed to reduce subscription prices. Speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, Sam George stressed the government’s commitment. He wants to ensure Ghanaian consumers get fair prices. He boldly stated that “as of now, they have until September 6. If there is no resolution, we will shut down the operations of MultiChoice. No company or corporation is more powerful than the collective interest of the Ghanaian people.”
The Ministry has already imposed a daily fine of GHC10,000 on MultiChoice. This fine is for failing to submit critical pricing data. As of Wednesday, September 3, the company owes about GHC150,000 in accumulated penalties. “On August 7, the NCA, acting on my behalf, issued a 30-day notice to suspend the licence of Multichoice Ghana Limited because they failed to cut their price by 30%,” the Minister said. “Some 15 days ago, I met with them and imposed a GHC10,000 daily fine on them. So, now they owe us about GHC150,000, which the NCA will collect.”
Samuel Nartey George had earlier requested MultiChoice Ghana to reduce its DStv subscription fees by 30%. He based his request on the Cedi’s appreciation against the dollar and other trading currencies. However, DStv refused to reduce the subscription prices in response. The company explained that the Cedi has depreciated for over eight years. Therefore, the request to reduce prices by 30% is not feasible.
In a Sunday, August 3 statement, MultiChoice responded to the Minister. The company said it is “not tenable” to reduce DStv subscription fees as proposed. MultiChoice also expressed concern over the Minister’s remarks. The company noted that it has continually engaged in open and good-faith discussions with the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA). The company also revealed it had already submitted a proposal. The proposal outlines an alternative path forward. The NCA then granted a 30-day ultimatum for MultiChoice to make a decision. The latest development shows that MultiChoice agrees to reduce DStv fees, with further talks now required to determine the new rates.
