The National Communications Authority (NCA) has formally informed Multichoice Ghana Limited of plans to suspend its authorisation to operate a Subscription Management Service for Satellite Television Broadcasting (Pay TV Direct-to-Home Bouquet).
This follows a directive from the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, amid an ongoing dispute with the pay-TV operator over what the Minister describes as unjust and excessive subscription fees.
Multichoice Ghana, the company behind DStv, has been accused of disregarding the country’s economic situation in its pricing strategy.
The Minister has been vocal about his intent to enforce regulatory measures, calling the current pricing regime exploitative and disconnected from the financial realities of most Ghanaians.
In a response issued on Sunday, August 3, the company described the Minister’s directive to the NCA as “regrettable,” and maintained that any further reductions in fees would be unsustainable under prevailing market conditions.
However, the Minister dismissed this position, insisting it lacks consideration for the economic pressures facing ordinary consumers.
Subsequently, the NCA issued a public notice on Thursday, August 7, announcing its intent to suspend Multichoice Ghana’s operating licence under Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). The Authority said the pricing model in question runs counter to the public interest.
As stipulated by law, the company has been given a 30-day period to respond. Within this time frame, Multichoice Ghana may submit a written objection, offer a remedial plan, or provide its perspective on the matter.
“The company has 30 days within which it may present its views, submit a statement of objections, or take appropriate remedial action,” the statement from the NCA indicated.
