Multichoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has made a surprising move by reverting to old subscription rates for both services. This decision comes after the company lost over 1.2 million subscribers in Nigeria due to a recent price hike.

The price hike, which was implemented in May 2024, saw DStv and GOtv subscribers facing significant increases in their monthly subscription fees . The move was met with widespread criticism and outrage from subscribers, who felt that the new prices were unaffordable and unjustifiable.

Despite the backlash, Multichoice initially stood by its decision, citing the need to offset the rising costs of business operations in Nigeria. However, it appears that the company has now had a change of heart, and has decided to revert to the old subscription rates with immediate effect.

The reversal is a significant climbdown for Multichoice, and is seen as a major victory for subscribers who had been vocal in their opposition to the price hike . The move is also seen as a tacit admission by the company that it had misjudged the market and had underestimated the strength of feeling among its subscribers.

So, what led to this dramatic reversal? There are a few factors that likely contributed to Multichoice's decision. Firstly, the sheer scale of the subscriber losses must have been a major wake-up call for the company. Losing over 1.2 million subscribers in a short space of time is a significant blow to any business, and would have had a major impact on Multichoice's revenue and profitability.

Secondly, the company must have realized that the price hike had damaged its relationship with its subscribers. The move was seen as greedy and tone-deaf, and had led to a significant amount of ill-will towards the company. By reversing the price hike, Multichoice is able to repair some of this damage and restore trust with its subscribers.

Finally, the company may have been influenced by the legal challenges it faced over the price hike. A court ruling had ordered Multichoice to revert to the old subscription rates, and the company may have decided that it was better to comply with the ruling rather than risk further legal action .

So, what does this mean for DStv and GOtv subscribers? In practical terms, it means that they will see a reduction in their monthly subscription fees, effective immediately. The old subscription rates will apply, and subscribers will be able to enjoy the services at a lower cost.

For Multichoice, the reversal is a significant embarrassment, but it is also a necessary move to restore trust with its subscribers. The company must now work to rebuild its relationship with its customers and to regain their trust. This will require a significant amount of effort and investment, but it is essential if Multichoice is to remain competitive in the Nigerian market.

In conclusion, the reversal of the DStv and GOtv price hike is a significant development in the Nigerian pay-TV market. It is a major victory for subscribers, who had been vocal in their opposition to the price hike. For Multichoice, it is a necessary move to restore trust with its subscribers and to remain competitive in the market. The company must now work to rebuild its relationship with its customers and to regain their trust.