Pay-TV operator warns drastic reductions would hurt service quality
MultiChoice Ghana, operators of DStv, has pushed back against a directive by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, to slash subscription fees in line with the recent appreciation of the cedi.
In a statement signed by Managing Director Alex Okyere and issued on Sunday, August 3, the company reaffirmed its commitment to keeping prices “as low as possible” without compromising service quality, but insisted that the reductions proposed by the Minister are “not tenable” under current economic conditions.
“The statement noted that MultiChoice values its subscribers and endeavours at all times to keep DStv subscription fees as low as possible, despite the extremely challenging competitive and macro-economic environment in which we operate, without compromising on customer choice and the quality of the services we offer.”
While acknowledging the cedi’s recent appreciation, the statement noted that the company has never described the currency’s gains as a “fluke,” but cautioned against using short-term exchange rate movements as the sole basis for price adjustments.
The statement further described the Minister’s August 1 comments as “regrettable,” noting they were made despite ongoing efforts to engage constructively with both the Minister and the National Communications Authority (NCA). It revealed that a proposal outlining alternative solutions had already been submitted to the authorities.
Having operated in Ghana for over 30 years, MultiChoice warned that an impasse could have “dire implications” for its workforce and partners, and reiterated its readiness to work with government to resolve the matter.
The statement comes after Mr. Samuel George gave the pay-TV operator an August 7 deadline to reduce prices or face a suspension of its broadcasting licence.
