We cannot do anything about Multi Choice’s fees increase- CCPC

The Consumer Competition and Protection Commission (CCPC) says it cannot do anything pertaining to the increase in subscription fees by Multi Choice Zambia.

DSTV Subscribers have bitterly complained over what they have described as exorbitant new subscription fees which will come into effect next month and have appealed to CCPC to come in and see how these prices can be reduced.

But CCPC Executive Director Chilufya Sampa has told QFM News that the commission does not regulate fees but only allows competition so that the subscriptions can be reduced.

Mr. Sampa explains that Zambia has a free market economy which makes it is very difficult to regulate pricing.

He says only solution is to have more digital satellite television services in Zambia in order to give Multi Choice Zambia competition.

And Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) Executive Secretary Samuel Simutunda says it is unfortunate that while Zambians are already paying the highest subscription fees in the region, Multi Choice wants to increase subscription fees.

Mr. Simutunda has told QFM News in a separate interview that Multi Choice should not hike their subscription fees considering that Zambians are already paying more than other countries.

But Multi Choice Zambia has explained the reasons behind the increment in subscription fees effective April 15th 2016.

Multi Choice Zambia Public Relations Manager Mwika Malindima has however refuted reports suggesting that they are increasing the premium package from K521 to K710.

Mr. Malindima says people have gotten it wrong because increase is from K521 to k631 contrary to what has been circulating.

He explains that the price increases are done every year only that this year they have gone a bit higher than usual due to the escalating input costs to the business.

Mr Malindima says the companies they buy contents from have adjusted the prices especially the sports channels.

Mr. Malindima adds that the continued fluctuation of the kwacha against the dollar has also contributed to the increment in the subscription fees.