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Subscription Hike: Reps To Probe DSTV, Want 3-Month Free Subscription As Compensation
The Federal House of Representatives has mandated it’s Ad-Hoc Committee Investigating the Dstv Operations to carry out investigation into the sudden increment of subscriptions by DSTV Multi-choice Services knowing the challenges the country and whole world at large are facing right now as a result of the pandemic.
The House also called on the multi-choice operatives to suspend the increment on all their packages and as such give a 3month free subscription in compensation.
This was contained in a motion moved by Hon. Chinedu Ogah from Ebonyi State (APC) on the urgent need to Investigate the Suden Increment of tariffs on DSTV Multi-choice Services during Tuesday plenary at the floor of House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
According to Hon.Ogah the DSTV Multi-Choice has increased 15% tariff in all their cable packages with effect from the 1st of June, 2020.
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He expressed concern that at this time where the country is facing serious financial crises as a result of the Covid-l9 Pandemic and people struggling to survive, increasing tariff will subject people to more hardship.
He said “despite the House set up a Committee who is investigating this issue. DSTV Multi-Choicc still went ahead to made this increase;
“Mr. Speaker and my Honorable colleagues, due to the already exorbitant charges by this cable service provider despite not rendering a “per as you go” services.
“Cognizant that since the beginning of this pandemic and till this moment, multichoice has not render any form of humanitarian assistance to our country.”
Contributing to the debate on the motion, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu ( PDP, Anambra State) stated that since Dstv is a private station that has the right to operate within a free market, the House should not be seen as draconian. She stated that is it a choice to subscribe with them (Dstv) or choose other stations.
On her part, Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha ( APC, Abia State ) added that even though Dstv is a private company, they cannot operate at the financial detriment of Nigerians.
Making his point on the debate, Chairman,. Ad-hoc committee to Investigate Non – Implementation of Pay-As- You- Go Tariff ( PAYG) Plan by Broadcast Satellite Service Providers, Hon. Unyime Idem stated that Dstv gave the excuse of the increase in VAT as the reason for their price increase, he called for an amendment to refer the issue to the Ad-Hoc committee already investigating the Dstv.
The motion was unanimously voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the Ad-Hoc Committee Investigating the Dstv Operations.
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