FCCPC Investigates Increases in Pay TV Prices
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched an investigation into the conduct of dominant pay-TV service providers for possible unfair price increases.
This was made known in a statement by Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC in Abuja, saying that the move was to address the commission’s concerns and publicly expressed consumer dissatisfaction with Pay TV services.
He said the investigation was in pursuant to sections 17(b), (e), (g), (s), (x), (y), 18(3), 59, 61, 62, 69,70(1)(2), 72, 73,74, 108,109 and110 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
Mr Irukera said that the scope of the investigation would include questions about unfair dealings, unreasonable and unjust contract terms, abuse of market power, pricing practices and other illegal conducts.
He disclosed that the commission had over the past 24 months pursued legal action in court, secured an injunction pre-empting price increase, entered specific orders regarding a TV service provider.
The FCCPC chief also noted that the commission had engaged in periodic surveillance and monitoring, and more recently inquired into a purported tax increase by at least one provider.
Mr Irukera then assured consumers that the commission would continue to pursue initiatives and efforts that would promote and ensure fairness to all.
There have been complaints by Nigerian subscribers over the decision of some cable television service providers to hike prices in their bouquets especially during the present economic climate.
