DSTV-Nigeria - Contrary to the MultiChoice Nigeria, operators of DStv's claim that the return of English Premier League (EPL) to the platform last year would not mean an upward increase of subscription price, the international PayTV network is set to renege on that promise as new subscription price increase comes into effect in 1 April 2011. Explaining reasons behind the increase in subscription price the managing director of MultiChoice Nigeria Mr. Joseph Hundah said, "It has come to our attention that there are some queries around the DStv subscription price increase that comes into effect on 1 April, and we would like to ensure that the truth is communicated to you, our valued subscriber. Most of all we would like to reassure you of our best intentions and reaffirm our commitment to Nigeria , which is clearly demonstrated through our continuous investments in the country."

DStv in a statement to announce the new price regime said Premium Bouquet has now moved from N9, 500 to N10, 300 while Premium Bouquet + Asian subscribers would pay N12, 420 instead of N11, 500 with Access Fee: N1,200 to N1,800, which is only applicable to Dual View installation.

However, for the first three months DStv will be discounting the new DStv Premium subscription price by N300 per month which means you will only pay N10,000 for April, May and June 2011 after which the full price of N10,300 will be billed. This initiative is being undertaken to relieve the pressure of the price increase to our loyal DStv Premium subscribers, stated the company.

In the last 5 years the PayTV brand has had only one price increase despite series of positive developments on the organisations such as the return of EPL and some other interesting leagues to the bouquet.

He said, "We have only had one price increase 18 months ago. Since then, despite the high inflation rate averaging around 11.95percent, we have not increased subscription prices until now. Our current subscription price increase percentage is well below the inflation average with a 5 to 8percent increase on DStv Premium bouquet."

"Additionally, we have added a total of 18 new channels over the last 18 months to the DStv bouquets, thus giving you, our subscriber, even more value and choice than ever before. These channels include channels made in Nigeria and showcased in Africa - displaying Nigeria 's ingenuity and artistry; these include AfricaMagic Yoruba, AfricaMagic Hausa, NN24 and Sound City . The range of newly launched international channels includes Discovery World, iConcerts and Afro Music," the statement stated.

Over and above this, MultiChoice is the only operating pay TV company that has invested in the latest television technology with High Definition (HD) television and launched the following channels - M-Net HD, SuperSport HD, i-Concerts HD, Discovery Showcase and SuperSport HD Extra - thus ensuring that Nigeria is up there with the best internationally in terms of access to the latest television experience and technology. The introduction of HD channels and the HD PVR decoder has revolutionized the television viewing experience of our subscribers. But that is not the end of our increased offering - in April we intend to add another three exciting new channels; so please keep a look out for these announcements.

There is currently no other pay television company in Nigeria that has made as much investment in the production of local content and infrastructure. Over the last three years the business has invested over $100 million in the coverage of Nigerian sports, including basketball and football; has bought the latest outside broadcast ( OB ) vans to show live events, built studios and trained technicians. Our investment has not only been in sport, but also in Nigerian productions such as Tinsel, Naija Sings, Jacobs Cross, Comedy Club live in Lagos, Moments with Mo and Jara. We are also excited about the upcoming Big Brother Africa which has made many Nigerian stars.

Goddie Ofosesenior

Daily Independent