NCA acts on Minister’s directive, moves to suspend Multichoice Ghana

Shika Dzidzoamenu 4 months ago

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has served notice to Multichoice Ghana Limited, operators of DStv, of its intention to suspend the company’s authorisation to operate its Subscription Management Service for Satellite Television Broadcasting (Pay TV Direct-to-Home Bouquet) in Ghana.

This regulatory step, detailed in an official press release on Thursday, is being pursued under Section 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and is based on what the NCA describes as a pricing model “deemed inimical to the public interest.”

“This regulatory action is subsequent upon the company’s pricing model, which is deemed inimical to the public interest,” the statement said.

The Authority has granted Multichoice Ghana a statutory period of thirty (30) days to respond to the notice. Within this window, the company may either present its position, propose remedial actions, or submit a written statement objecting to the intended suspension.

The development comes on the back of heightened regulatory pressure from the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, who has criticized Multichoice Ghana for what he describes as unfair and exorbitant subscription fees being imposed on Ghanaians.

The Minister, who directed the NCA to take action, has accused the company of exploiting Ghanaian consumers and failing to adjust its pricing model in response to the country’s economic challenges. He has insisted that regulatory enforcement is necessary to protect the public interest.

Multichoice Ghana, in a prior statement issued on August 3, described the Minister’s directive as “regrettable” and argued that further reductions in subscription fees were not commercially feasible under current market conditions. However, the Minister rejected this position, insisting that the company’s stance shows disregard for the financial struggles of ordinary consumers.

The National Communications Authority was established under Act 524 of 1996, later replaced by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769). It is the statutory body mandated to license and regulate electronic communication activities and services across the country.