Exclusive: Nigerians seek alternatives in SLTV, others as DStv, Gotv price hikes bite on

In response to the sudden hikes in subscription fees of Multichoice, a South African company that operates DStv, a major satellite television service in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Gotv in several countries, many Nigerians have begun to look into alternative options to meet their information and entertainment needs.

Last month, Multichoice Nigeria announced a price increase for its packages, leaving many citizens, who are still struggling with soaring inflation and fuel scarcity, enraged by the decision.

The South African-owned company faulted the latest increase on a “rise in the cost of business operations.”

The new prices see customers on the DStv premium bouquet paying N37,000, up from N29,500, while Compact+ subscribers will now pay N25,000 compared to N19,800 before. Compact bouquet subscribers will now pay N15,700, up from N12,500. Similarly, GOTV’s Jinja package increased from N2,700 to N3,300, and the Smallie package rose from N1,300 to N1,575.

As the subscription fees soar, Nigerians are increasingly turning to affordable alternatives, with SLTV decoders and free-to-air satellites emerging as popular choices.

Operated by Metro Digital Limited, SLTV offers a variety of infotainment channels, but Nigerians express both concerns and optimism about its competitiveness.

Ayofe wrote, “Well lemme be sincere with you in my review on SLTV 1. If you are a football person then SLTV is for you. If you have kids that won’t allow you to watch TV shows except cartoons then SLTV is for u. If you are someone who has a wife that loves Telemundo and Zeeworld then SLTV is for you. If you are someone that loves local TV news stations then SLTV is for you. If you are someone that loves CNN and ALJEZERRA then SLTV is for you.

“If you are someone that loves Yoruba and English epic movies then you manage it sha if they will improve on that in the future. If you are someone who loves American action movies then SLTV is not for you. If you are someone that loves crystal clear pictures then SLTV is not for you. If you are someone who can manage 80 percent picture quality then SLTV is for you.

“If you are a music lover then SLTV is not for you. 11. If you are someone that is very tired of DStv and you wanna migrate then SLTV is the best answer for you. Note: for football lovers just know that SLTV football matches are a few seconds late to DStv but as for me I don’t think that is an issue as I am saving like 25k due to the few seconds lateness.”

On Facebook, a user named Abu Jafar warned SLTV of potential competition with DSTV, recalling the past challenges faced by Hitv.

He said, “I hope the management are ready for the war ahead. This was how HItv came in the past but was forced out by DStv. But they need to work on their price, I was told by an agent that it’s #45,000 all together.”

Despite the anger on the increments of subscription fees by Multichoice, a user, Bello Ibrahim Momo, highlighted the unfavourable condition of doing business in Nigeria compared to other countries where there is availability of electricity, and the absence of multiple taxation among other bottlenecks.

In addition to SLTV, free-to-air services have gained traction among Nigerians who previously relied on Gotv and DSTV. Free-to-air services, as described by Wikipedia, provide unencrypted television and radio signals accessible without subscriptions or ongoing