Some Abuja-based subscribers of Startimes Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s pay television, on Thursday decried the company’s recent 40 per cent hike in tariff.
The subscribers told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that the new subscription was a way of exploiting and cheating them, adding that it was also a strain on their finances.
NAN reports that the NTA Star-TV network said in April that it would increase subscription fees for its different bouquet plans, starting from April 18.
Israel Bolaji, the company’s Public Relations Manager, attributed the increment of between 20 per cent to 35 per cent to “new developments and content offerings”.
However, Rabi Adamu, a subscriber in Kubwa, an Abuja suburb, said she was disappointed in the company for hiking its tariffs.
Adamu said the company made no prior announcement of the decision to hike its tariffs.
She said: “Presently, the country is facing a lot of challenges with the increase in dollar rate, fuel scarcity.
“But it is now compounded by additional charges on the TV cable network that we relax with.”
Nuhu Abdul, a Businessman at Wuse market, said he subscribed to the network due to the cheap rates that it offered at the commencement of its operation in Nigeria.
Abdul said, however, that had changed, adding: “Right now, I’m disappointed in how this people enticed us to purchase their products and later cause us to weep.
“I was enticed to the pay television by one of the Startimes marketers with a monthly subscription of N500.
“Now it has risen to N1,000 after I subscribed.
“I was not given a satellite.
“I used my old satellite with the antenna that was given but I paid the installer an extra-charge contrary to what I was told at the point of purchase.
“As if that was not enough, the N1,000 recharge I do buy has now increased to N1,200 and the dealers still request for N100 before they hand over the card.”
Another subscriber, Muhammad Tola, said he was embarrassed when he went to renew his subscription and had to pay for an additional cost he was not prepared for or aware of.
Tola said: “I felt embarrassed last weekend when I went to renew my monthly Startimes subscription by the sudden 40 per cent tariff increment and extra N100 charges by authorised dealers and vendors.
“There was no prior notice.
“I believe it’s high time for the Consumers’ Protection Council and the National Broadcasting Commission to rise up to protect the interest of consumers.
“I also urge Startimes and other TV service providers to be humane enough to improve on providing more quality services instead of exploiting people.”
Ngozi Okpara, a journalist, also said: “There cannot be a better opportunity for the government agencies overseeing this satellite TV stations to protest and protect the public through their offices than now.”
Reacting to the complaints, Irete Anetor, the Manager, Public Relations NTA Star-TV Network, said Startimes had in three years revolutionised the pay TV industry with over 80 channels.
Anetor said: “StarTimes can boast of unbeatable quality channels that reflect over 40 per cent local content portraying the Nigerian culture and creative diversity in a positive and proper perspective.
“Any changes in our services is for positive reasons and cannot be against the public that we serve, we shall remain steadfast in giving our subscribers value for their commitment to Startimes.”
On his part, Bolaji said the developments and direction were borne out of the company’s desire and commitment to offer value by enhancing access and improving content.
According to Bolaji, Startimes services are to break barriers between the people and the platform further, deepening digital TV penetration in Nigeria.
He said: “Our efforts are also geared towards closing the huge gap between the people and Digital TV switch campaign.
“By creating a robust and improved digital television experience that is constantly refreshing.
“Increasingly, more Nigerians can also gain access to an impactful and explosive digital television experience.”
Similarly, Alhaji Salisu Awwalu, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, told NAN that the commission was aware of the latest development.
“On the issue of Startimes, we are going to hold a meeting within the week before any decision can be taken,” Awwalu said.
NAN.