Pay-Tv operator, StarTimes Nigeria has been slammed by Nigerians for increasing the prices of their various packages, despite promising not to do so earlier in the year.
StarTimes had in a post on Twitter on Friday announced that effective 1 August, the price of its Basic Bouquet will increase from N1,300 to N1,700, while its Classic Bouquet has been reviewed upwards from N1,900 to N2,500.
The company in a statement accompanying the announcement disclosed that it increased its rates because of the depreciation of the Naira in recent times, adding that it is affecting the cost of purchase for foreign content.
But the announcement elicited a backlash from many Twitter users, many of who insisted that they subscribed to StarTimes because of its supposed cheap rates.
Some Nigerians also noted that the company has contradicted itself after declaring just over two months ago that it will it not increase its rates despite adding more channels to its various bouquets, while others questioned the reason for increase as the pay-Tv operator does not currently have the right to the English Premier League, La Liga or UEFA Champions League.
Majority of the commenters asked the company to review its decision, particularly at a period when Nigerians are still reeling from the economic disruptions triggered by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We understand the situation but from N1900 to N 2500 is too much. What’s the difference between you multichoice? Bet it with me, you will loose so I of your customers.
— Chelsea news (@olorunniyitimm6) July 10, 2020
You guys are hypocrite, just few months again when DSTV increased their prices, you brought out a jingle against them and asked us not to accept. No you guys are doing the same and your increment is way higher. Shame on you @StarTimes_Ng
— Olaoluwa Ogunniyi (@olarhyme) July 10, 2020
I better carry carry my FreeTv and brush off the dust in it for reactivation ooo. N2500 monthly subscription is out of my reach! 😭😭😭
— J a m e s m a c (@Ojamesmac) July 10, 2020