GHANA THREATENS DATV SHUTDOWN OVER SUBSCRIPTION PRICES
Government demands 30% reduction in DSTV subscription fees or faces licence suspension; MultiChoice responds cautiously, investors express concern over regulatory tensions
Ghana’s government has threatened to suspend DSTV services unless operator MultiChoice reduces subscription prices, escalating a standoff over consumer costs.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George said on Friday that the National Communications Authority (NCA) would enforce a shutdown if MultiChoice failed to commit to price cuts.
“If MultiChoice is not interested as they claim in their last statement, in discussing a reduction in prices as they had indicated to me, we would proceed to effect the shutdown tomorrow as indicated.
DStv indicated their willingness to engage the Ministry on its concerns on pricing and prayed us to stay our enforcement action. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action,” George said.
He noted that no company is above the law, and as such and when MultiChoice is ready to discuss price reduction, they can come to the negotiation table.
He further added that until then, there is nothing for both parties to meet over, threatening that the National Communications Authority (NCA) would carry out enforcement.
The dispute follows government demands for a 30% reduction in DSTV fees by August, which MultiChoice rejected, citing high content and operational costs. In a September 5 statement, the company said it would engage in a government-led committee but stressed it had “not agreed to a price reduction.”
Diplomats and analysts have voiced concern that the row could hurt investor confidence and strain ties with South Africa, home to MultiChoice.
A government working committee is expected to issue recommendations by September 21, though enforcement could come sooner if talks collapse.
Source: GBC Ghana Online
